COVID-19

A new coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom last year has been found in 20 states, including Illinois. Because it’s only a matter of time until it comes to Missouri, people in the region must continue to be vigilant, said Dr. Fred Echols, St. Louis Department of Health acting director.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said the county will place its first mass vaccination site in north St. Louis County. He plans to release more details this week. Page also announced that Damon Broadus, a former American Heart Association official, will lead an outreach effort as director of health promotion.

African Americans disproportionately comprise the number of essential workers in frontline industries such as grocery stores, restaurants and warehouses, which has compelled some fathers to stay away from their children to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.

Missouri state Sen. Andrew Koenig of Manchester confirms positive test as colleagues mull impact on Senate work

Federal officials each week tell states how many vaccine doses they will receive. After that, state officials direct the shipments to hospitals, health departments and other vaccination sites. But that number can vary by thousands of doses each week, and vaccinators get little notice of how many doses to expect. That makes it difficult to make appointments for the millions of people now eligible to receive the vaccine in Missouri.

The Kirkwood Democrat reflects on an eventful couple of weeks in the Missouri House.

Black pastors in the St. Louis region are worried that some members of their congregations will not get the coronavirus vaccine because they are wary of it. Some preachers are using their online services and social media channels to encourage members to take the vaccine.

The Missouri House of Representatives will not meet next week because of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Capitol Building, Republican leaders announced Thursday evening.

Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday that law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other emergency workers are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Missourians 65 or older or those with chronic health conditions will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine starting next week.

Weeks into Missouri's vaccine distribution, workers at independent clinics wonder where they fall in line. They describe having to broker their own deals with large hospitals and health departments to find doses, with little guidance from state officials.