Delta variant identified in several cities across Mid-Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Data from the Missouri State Health Department sewershed project shows the delta variant in several locations across Mid-Missouri.
So far, data shows the delta variant has been identified in Columbia, Jefferson City, Mexico, Fulton and Eldon.
Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the state health department, explained how the department is handling the new variant.
“The clinical treatment and recommendations for individuals to protect themselves from the Delta variant is currently no different than the other COVID-19 variants,” Cox said.
Nationally, health officials agree. Dr. Anthony Fauci said in an interview those who are vaccinated are 88% protected against symptomatic disease and more than 90% against severe disease.
Cox said the state health department is exploring incentive options in order to encourage Missourians to get the vaccine.
As of Wednesday, the Missouri vaccine dashboard reported 44.3% of Missourians have initiated vaccination and 39.8% have competed vaccination.