Cases of COVID-19 are increasing across Missouri and Gov. Mike Parson Wednesday announced an incentive plan to get residents off the fence in making “the big decision” to become vaccinated. He also named Donald G. Kauerauf the next director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Prior to the governor’s press conference, Butler County Health officials announced 134 new COVID-19 cases in the county. There currently are 154 active cases in the county, while the total now stands at 4,773 cases in Butler County.
COVID-19 cases tripled in the U.S. over two weeks, health officials said.
Across the country, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases rose over the past two weeks to more than 37,000 Tuesday, up from less than 13,700 July 6, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Missouri’s health department reports about 40% of Missouri is fully vaccinated. Just 56.2% of Americans have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parson said, “vaccination continues to be the best method of COVID-19 prevention, and we encourage anyone age 12 and up to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them.”
Prior to the governor’s press conference, Butler County Health Department Administrator Emily Goodin said, “I think people are being cautious and that is a good thing. The health department still stands on wear a mask and practice social distancing if you are not vaccinated, and if you are eligible to receive a vaccine, please get one.”
The health department will follow the CDC recommendations of if you are fully vaccinated, you do not have to wear a mask, Goodin said.
“However, we will support all businesses that require vaccinated and non-vaccinated patrons to wear a mask in their facility,” Goodin said. “Cases have increased in Butler County, in Region E and statewide. We are seeing an increase in cases nationwide. Taking the extra precaution of wearing a mask or taking temperatures at the front door may help in stopping the virus from spreading.”
The governor stressed no one is going to force anyone to be vaccinated. He asked everyone to “get the facts” by talking to local officials or their personal health care professionals.
Incentive Program
Missouri VIP is the state’s vaccine incentive program - rewarding those who have chosen or will choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Starting in July, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services will partner with the Missouri Lottery to draw 180 winners in five randomized drawings who will win either $10,000 cash or $10,000 towards an education savings account. In total, the state will award 900 individuals throughout the incentive program.
“DHSS continues to encourage anyone age 12 and up to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Parson, who also talked about a red, white and blue incentive program.
Red means a Missourian 18 years or older and who has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine after July 21 may register for a chance to win $10,000 in the red category.
White means a Missourian 18 years or older who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before July 21 may register for a chance to win $10,000 in the white category.
Blue means a Missourian between the ages of 12 to 17 may register for a chance to win a $10,000 education savings account through the Missouri State Treasurer’s MOST 529 program.
Additionally, local public health agencies administering COVID-19 vaccines will now be eligible to provide a financial incentive of up to $25 for each vaccine recipient, up to a total of $11 million. This program would provide incentives for administrators to pass along to recipients for 440,000 vaccines administered across Missouri and would sunset Dec. 31. Local public health agencies are able to partner with enrolled COVID-19 vaccinators within the state. Vaccinators should apply by Aug. 15 and can learn more about this opportunity at MOStopsCovid.com/vaccinators. This portion of incentives is being funded by CDC Immunizations grant funding.
Parson was joined at the conference by Kauerauf, whose appointment as director of the Missouri DHSS will be effective Sept. 1, and Poplar Bluff native Robert Knodell, who is the governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, has been the acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Kauerauf served as assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health from 2016 until his retirement in 2018. More recently, he was selected to chair the Illinois Terrorism Task Force and has served in that capacity throughout the COVID-19 crisis. In his position as chair of the Terrorism Task Force, Kauerauf also served as Deputy to the Illinois Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Policy Advisor to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director.
Goodin reminded everyone, registering through local health departments, the Missouri Vaccine Navigator or contacting the Missouri COVID-19 hot line at 877-435-8411 can help Missourians identify and sign up for available appointments in their area.
Scheduled rapid testing will be done every Wednesday by appointment only in Butler County. To schedule a test, go to https://www.butlercountyhealth.org/. Look for “Vaccine Registration & Coronavirus Info” and click the “Book Now” icon, or call 877-435-8411 to set up an appointment.