Hospitalizations at New High, Positivity Rate Up in Missouri

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized for the coronavirus in Missouri has reached another record, and the seven-day average positivity rate was more than triple the benchmark suggested by the World Health Organization. The state health department’s COVID-19 dashboard showed other alarming numbers Thursday: 1,875 new confirmed cases and 22 deaths. The state’s seven-day positivity rate was 17.9%. The national seven-day positivity rate was at 5.1%, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The WHO has set 5% as the benchmark. Meanwhile, 1,443 people were hospitalized in Missouri on Wednesday, setting a new record for the third straight day.