By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although COVID-19 cases are making a resurgence in Marion County, relatively few cases have been reported here.

COVID-19 no longer is required to be reported to the state, county health department administrator Krista Schneider said Tuesday.

“We, as the health department, are still notified of new cases that have been reported through the state reporting system,” she said. “We are seeing an increase in the cases that have been reported.

“Please note that this is just a small sampling as many cases are identified through home testing and mandatory reporting is no longer a requirement.”

According to the website covidactnow.org, the county hit a low point July 29 with 0.7 hospital admissions per 100,000 population.

Aug. 29 brought a peak with 2.9 hospital admissions per 100,000 population.

The health department was instructed to remove its previous COVID vaccine and still awaits arrival of the latest vaccine, which Schneider anticipates will happen in the next few weeks.

“We have pre-ordered the latest COVID-19 vaccine for all age groups,” she said. “After we receive our shipment, we will offer the latest COVID-19 booster.”

When the health department is ready to start giving new booster shots, it will post the information online.

At that point, people interested in receiving the vaccine will be able call the department at (620) 382-2550 to schedule an appointment.

Shots also will be offered at walk-in flu clinics.

In Marion County, 57.2% residents have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine, 51.9% have received at least two doses or a single Johnson & Johnson dose, 28.5% have received a booster dose, and 14.1% have received an updated bivalent booster dose.

Anybody who is at least 6 months or older is eligible to be vaccinated.

Fewer than 0.001% of people experienced a severe adverse reaction to the vaccine.

The website covidactnow.org lists Marion County as one of the least vulnerable counties in the nation, but rates the vulnerability of Peabody, Florence, Hillsboro, and Burns as slightly higher than the northern areas of the county.

Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone who has tested positive for COVID should stay home at least five days and isolate from others in their home. They are likely most infectious during the first five days.

CDC recommends wearing a high-quality mask if someone with COVID must be around others at home or in public and not going anywhere if they are unable to wear a mask.

Home ventilation should be improved in any way possible.

Personal items such as cups, towels, and utensils should not be shared.

Symptoms should be monitored. If emergency symptoms such as trouble breathing develop, emergency medical care should be sought immediately.