KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s top health official acknowledged Saturday the state’s recent increase in COVID-19 cases, while also looking forward to a possible vaccine.
On Friday, local and state health departments combined to add 8,639 new COVID-19 cases, a single-day record for new cases. The previous record was 6,559, set on Nov. 10.
The state added 3,752 more cases on Saturday.
“Like the rest of the United States, Missouri is experiencing an increase in new cases of COVID-19,” Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams said Saturday in a press release.
A 41 Action News data analysisrevealed that from Nov. 7 through Nov. 13, Missouri added 31,931 new COVID-19 cases.
In the statement, Williams said Missourians should continue social distancing, mask wearing, using hand sanitizer and avoiding congregating indoors.
Williams’ advice comes as Missourians make Thanksgiving and holiday plans.
The state has posted tips for family gatherings on its website.
“We believe we will be able to start vaccinating our healthcare workers and long-term care facility staff as early as next month, and thus help protect them as they take care of our most vulnerable citizens,” Williams said.
