Vaccination clinics to expand

The number of COVID-19 cases once again trended downward in this past week, with only two new diagnoses reported by the county health department. That’s a drop from 14 cases the previous week.

The health department reports a total of 1,023 cases since April, with six people still in isolation and three hospitalized. The number of deaths reported remains at 24.

As of Tuesday, 1,875 county residents have received their first COVID vaccination. That number doesn’t include shots given by Hillsboro Hospital and St. Luke Clinic.

People between ages 16 and 64 with pre-existing medical conditions and workers in essential industries are now able to get shots. Those include firefighters; food store and food service workers; school and child care workers; transportation workers; retail, warehouse and sales outlet workers; agricultural workers; veterinary clinic employees, and government employees.

Preexisting conditions include cancer, Down syndrome, certain heart conditions, diabetes, pregnancy, asthma, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, neurological conditions such as dementia, and other medical risks.

Beginning Tuesday, weekly vaccination clinics will be offered in Marion every Tuesday. Clinics will continue through May. Locations will be supplied when people make appointments by calling (620) 382-2550.