Missouri Covid-19 death toll increasing

The death toll from the rapidly spreading delta variant continues to rise in Missouri 

The July numbers are shaping up to show it was an even deadlier month than earlier reported.  

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that a total of 535 deaths have been recorded over five weeks beginning on June 27, more than double the prior five weeks, when 223 deaths were reported and the delta variant was just starting to take hold in the state.   

The prior five-week period saw 207 deaths.  

Many COVID-19 deaths are reported several weeks after they occur as state officials analyze death certificates, which is why the number from July continues to climb.