Adjusted for population, residents over the age of 80 still have the highest rate in the county, followed by residents in their 20s.
Enbal Shacham, a professor at St. Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, said sporting events and practices may be a factor in the county age data. Some of the increase could also be related to the early effects of a few schools starting classes last week. But that is probably not the main source of the increase, because many area schools started Monday, and it is likely too early to see the impact of that.
Shacham said the numbers for younger groups may have also been lowered somewhat earlier in the pandemic by the fact that testing was especially prioritized for older, more vulnerable individuals.
Missouri reported 1,426 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, reaching a total of 78,062, and 10 more deaths over the last 24 hours. Illinois reported 2,157 new confirmed COVID-19 cases Wednesday, reaching a total of 225,627, and 37 more deaths.
During Wednesday’s briefing, Page also announced that the county has awarded $2.2 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to 13 organizations, with the aim of expanding access to medical care in underserved areas.
Page said residents have asked the county to put the money toward increased access to testing, personal protective equipment, primary and preventive care, mental health services, and aiding patients with emergency health care needs like copays and prescription costs.