Covid Cases Trend Down As Vaccine Supply Stalls

Jasper County’s recorded Covid-19 cases have inched up slightly from last week’s number as cases nationwide reflect a decrease in transmission though deaths are increasing.

The North Central Health District (NCHD) has local cases at 568 for confirmed cases and 600 for presumptive cases. Local hospitializations stand at 53 and deaths at 27. Cases are trending down across the entire health district with none of the district’s 13 counties recording double digit percent changes in case numbers.

The incidence rate of Covid-19 for Jasper County residents from the current two-week period is 833 per 100,000 population whereas the previous two-week rate was 1,432 per 100,000 population.

Jasper Health Services Administrator Jan Gaston noted that The Retreat is currently out of quarantine and is accepting new admissions. She also noted that the facility is having difficulty in receiving new vaccine doses but that there are enough doses to complete second doses for those provided a first dose.

“We order every week with hopes to receive additional vaccine. We are not alone as all hospital and health systems do not have adequate vaccine to support the needs of their communities,” said the administrator.