Things may have been looking up in regards to the COVID pandemic, but the new Delta variant is throwing a wrench into things. It’s normal for viruses to mutate in order to survive, and this particular mutation, according to President and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital Kim Bourne, is much more infectious. That makes it that much more dangerous.

When it comes to vaccines and the new mutation, Bourne says they are still extremely effective.

Bourne reminds people that getting a vaccine doesn’t mean you won’t get COVID, or the new variant, but it does significantly lower the risk of having a severe case.

Places as close as St. Louis are bringing back their mask mandate. That is bringing more eyes back to the statistics, which Bourne says are on the rise in Christian County.

Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.