SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

March 20, 2020

Our offices currently are and have been monitoring the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time there are NO confirmed cases reported in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, or Woodson County. The SEK Multi-County Health Departments have been preparing for outbreaks and will continue working closely with local, state and federal partners to monitor, respond and inform the public of any potential threat.

On 3/18/2020 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued new mandates surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.

Our Public Health Officer strongly recommends 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS ON OR AFTER MARCH 15:

• Johnson County, KS
• California, Florida, New York and Washington state
• Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week prior to March 15 or after.
• Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
• Traveled internationally
• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case. (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

The Public Health Officer is continuing to recommend that essential businesses remain open and non-essential businesses close if you are able, and/or practice social distancing.

If you are able to stay home from work, the Public Health Officer recommends you do so. Everyone, especially school aged children, should limit contact with others and use their best judgement.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of Breath

DO NOT go to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department without calling prior to arrival

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19 OR HAVE RETURNED FROM AN AREA WITH KNOWN CASES:

• Remain at home

• Call your local clinic/family physician’s office for questions regarding testing or your County Health Department.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OR ARE IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS:

• Call your local clinic/family physician’s office OR 911, where you will receive further instructions.

Tips:

• Stay away from people who are ill
• If you have a compromised immune system or are considered a vulnerable population avoid face to face time and practice social distancing
• Stay home if sick
• Practice personal hygiene habits including handwashing, covering your cough, and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
• For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Allen County: (620)365-2191 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Anderson County: (785)448-6559 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm ; Woodson County: (620)625-2484 Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm OR
• You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at : http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm