The QC COVID Coalition held its usual press briefing as vaccines began to roll out across the area and Rock Island County reached a grim death milestone.
To begin, Scott County announced a case total of 13,004 and an additional 7 deaths since last Thursday's briefing, bringing the total to 120 lives lost.
Rock Island County gave a grim announcement that it had surpassed 200 COVID-19 deaths. It revealed 6 new deaths, including a two men in their 80's and 70's that had been hospitalized, and four women in long-term health care; one in her 70's, two in her 80's, and one in her 100's.
Scott County Health Department Director Edward Rivers said the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine are making their way into the community this week. He notes that many had requested to register for the vaccine, but that there was no list to join at the time, reminding the community that the distribution decisions are made at the state and federal level. Rivers urges community members to be patient and stay tuned for vaccine updates and information.
Nita Ludwig, administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department, stressed that the whole community will have access to the vaccine in time, and to wait your turn while continuing to follow health guidelines.
The officials would like to remind the public to continue wearing masks and keeping social distanced, as well as strongly discouraging people from travelling for the holidays.
