State Profile Report shows Missouri back in substantial transmission level of COVID-19

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The newest State Profile Report shows Missouri has moved back into the substantial transmission level of COVID-19. In the previous report, federal officials had moved the show-me state down to moderate transmission.

The report shows Missouri had more than than 3,209 new cases of COVID-19 for the week of May 28, which is up nine percent from the previous week.

The report also indicates 76 residents died from the coronavirus, a 533% increase from the previous week.

Currently, four mid-Missouri counties are in the red zone, including Cooper, Chariton, Macon, and Howard. The red zone indicates a high transmission area.

Cole and Camden Counties remain in the orange zone, which is substantial transmission, while Boone, Callaway, Audrain and other mid-Missouri counties are currently in the yellow/moderate transmission zones.

Nearly 42% of Missouri residents have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine and more than 34% are considered fully vaccinated.

Dr. Francis Collins, the director of National Institutes of Health said health officials are worried states like Missouri may be 'sitting ducks.'

"There are 12 states that are already at 70%. I worry about the ones that are way below that and they are sitting ducks for the next outbreak of covid-19, which shouldn't have to happen now," Collins said.

According to the report, 80% of COVID-19 cases in Missouri are the variant first identified in the U.K.