Health officials explain change in COVID-19 death numbers

The Butler County Health Center explained Wednesday why residents will now see a significant jump in the number of COVID-19 deaths reported for the county. The number has gone from 58 to 84.

The local health department was not notified of 26 COVID-related deaths occurring from late 2020 to early 2021, a health department representative explained. Once the number of deaths were reported, the department increased its total, according to health officials.

“These deaths have been added to our total. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused,” a statement posted Wednesday by the health department reads.

As of June 23, there have been 999 cases of COVID-19 in Butler County, with 15 deaths this year. The total cases for 2020 and 2021 are 4,624, with total deaths at 84.

A health department employee explained health professionals are now going through more documentation and as additional information is compiled, the local health department is being updated.

It was also announced Wednesday there are 24 new cases of COVID-19 in the county, with 20 of the cases active.

The health department continues to offer free coronavirus testing weekly for Missouri residents. 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 your appointment.

The local health department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on distributing the COVID-19 vaccination to the area.

Since the governor has opened the vaccine to all Missouri residents, the staff will be hosting vaccination clinics weekly at the health department. Follow the link https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/ or call 877-435-8411 to set up an appointment.