Where we are now: Understanding COVID-19 is key to controlling it.

We realize that throughout our community, fatigue is settling in surrounding COVID-19 safety measures. But COVID-19 is still our reality, and precautions like masking and physical distancing remain essential. Consider the following facts about hospital care and COVID-19:

• COVID-19 hospitalizations are 4.6 times those of an average flu season (based on CoxHealth data from March through mid-December)
  
• COVID-19 patients require more continuous care than other patients
  
• Inpatient beds are near capacity across Missouri from COVID-19 infections
  
• We use about 6 times more oxygen every day due to COVID-19

For updates and the latest information in our communities, we recommend checking local health department COVID-19 resources:

• Greene County Updates
• Taney County Updates

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding COVID-19. The hotline can be reached at 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.