Category Archives: COVID-19

COVID-19

Vaccine Fully Aprroved

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FDA Gives Full Approval to Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Governor Kelly Encourages All Kansans to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

TOPEKA – Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people 16 years of age and older. The vaccine continues to be available for people 12-15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in moderately or severely immunocompromised people through emergency use authorization.

“The vaccine is safe, effective against severe illness and death, and our best tool to beat this virus,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Today’s announcement from the FDA is good news. I urge all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves, their neighbors, our frontline workers, and our economy.”

Moderna began the application for full FDA approval in June, nearly a month after Pfizer/BioNTech. Full approval is anticipated in several weeks. Johnson & Johnson has stated they will begin the approval process later this year.

As of August 23, 2021, 51.4% of Kansans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Millions of people have already received the COVID-19 vaccine and this approval should instill a high-level of confidence in all Kansans that the vaccine has met the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing set by the FDA,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Our state is seeing high numbers of people diagnosed with the Delta variant. The best way to fight this disease, especially the variant, is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For those that were waiting on full approval and more data, it’s happened today. Everyone who is eligible should schedule their appointment today to get the vaccine.”

The vast majority of new COVID-19 cases in the State of Kansas are the Delta variant. This variant continues to cause the number of cases to rise at the level that was seen in November 2020.

The Delta variant is highly contagious, more than twice as contagious as previous variants. The greatest concern is for those who are unvaccinated. Data shows that this variant causes more severe illness in people who are unvaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus, including this variant. Additionally, it has been shown to prevent severe disease and death.

KDHE urges all eligible Kansans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find a free COVID-19 vaccine near you at: Vaccines.gov.

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Students Start Aug. 19: Masks Are Required

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.
This week USD 234 students will start school on August 19.
Today and tomorrow are professional development days for teachers, followed by a work/plan day on August 18.
There is mandatory wearing of masks guidelines in the district due to the recent surge in the COVID-19 virus in the county.
There are three new USD 234 Teachers hired in July and August:
Johnna Walls, who will teach 4th grade,  Justin Robinson who will teach middle school and high school band and Carlee Campbell-McCullough who will teach preschool.

Below are the USD 234 – Fort Scott School Operations Guidelines for school year 2021 – 2022, provided by Superintendent Ted Hessong:

Masking
● Mandatory masking of K-12 students and staff starting August 16th while indoors. USD 234 School Board reevaluate at monthly board meetings
● Federal order – masking on buses or other group modes of transportation
● Masks will be available for students and staff
Hygiene Measures
● Hand washing emphasis will continue
● Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms
● Social distancing (3 feet) when possible
● Cover coughs and sneezes
● STAY HOME WHEN FEELING ILL (2 or more symptoms)
○ 100.0 ℉ = Must be fever free w/o medication for 24 hours to
return to school
○ No attendance based incentives
● Signage will be present
Cleaning of Facilities
● Cleaning regimens and protocols are established
● Cleaning solutions that are rated to eliminate COVID will be used
● All classrooms and buses will have cleaning supplies
Contract Tracing and
Quarantines
● Contact tracing and quarantines will be done in cooperation with Bourbon County Health Department
○ Positive or symptomatic = 10 day isolation
○ Close Contact at school (3 feet more than 15 minutes)
■ High risk – unmitigated = 10 day quarantine
■ Low risk – mitigated = do not have to quarantine
● Staff and students who are vaccinated (must have proof) and
asymptomatic will not have to quarantine if they are a close contact.
Diagnostic Screening and Testing
● Screening and testing options are available to parents from the Bourbon County Health Department and Community Health Center. Over the counter COVID-19 test kits will not be accepted as valid.
Vaccinations to school communities
● Vaccination opportunities are available to students, parents, and staff from the Bourbon County Health Department, Community Health Center, Walmart, or Walgreens. CHC has vaccinations for students 12 years of age and older.
● Vaccinations were made available to all staff last Spring
Accommodations for children with disabilities
● Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, and other documented student supports will have all appropriate accommodations and supports made available to them.
Coordination with state and local officials
● USD 234 School Board will consider all state and local health guidance.
Continuity of Services
● Academic needs will be met through continued full-time, in-person
instruction. Summer learning opportunities were offered. Virtual learning opportunities are available.
● Social, emotional, and mental health needs will be met through social and emotional curriculum and counselors.
● Student health and food service needs will be available for all students. All students will have access to free breakfast and lunch daily as well as school nursing services.
● The USD 234 Operations Guidelines could be changed at any time, with school board approval, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Updated: Aug 9, 2021
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Immunocompromised People Now Authorized For Additional COVID-19

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Additional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Now Authorized for Immunocompromised People

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that effective immediately Kansas providers may now administer an additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and have already been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. This follows Thursday’s expansion of the emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration for these mRNA vaccines, today’s recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and acceptance by the CDC Director. This EUA does not apply to those who received the Janssen/J&J vaccine as there is currently not enough data to determine if an additional dose of Janssen/J&J vaccine will improve immune response in people who are immunocompromised.

“The data shows us that the vaccine efficacy in some people who are immunocompromised is significantly lower than in people who are not immunocompromised,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Additionally, people who are immunocompromised make up to 44% of hospitalized breakthrough cases in the United States. This additional dose may enhance the immunity for those who need extra protection from COVID-19.”

This additional dose is recommended for people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised due to a health condition or medical treatment. This includes

  • Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
  • Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
  • Receipt of CAR-T-Cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatments with high-dose corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, TNF blockers and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory

KDHE continues to urge people who are immunocompromised, including those who receive an additional dose of mRNA vaccine, to continue to follow prevention measures including

  • Wear a mask
  • Stay six feet apart from others they don’t live with
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces

Close contacts of immunocompromised people are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Documents

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers

Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers

Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers

CDC Statement

FDA Press Release – Thursday, Aug. 12

COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Starts New Year With Normal Schedule, And COVID-19 Guidelines, Vaccine Clinic

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Adam Borth. Submitted photo.

Community schools are opening for the fall semester beginning this week. All are grappling with the newest surge of COVID-19 cases in the county and in the nation.

The first day of classes is August 12, with in-service for teachers yesterday at Fort Scott Community College.

“We are really looking forward to getting started this semester,” Adam Borth, FSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “It is always exciting to see the students coming back or beginning college for the first time.”

“Most classes (offered) remain the same, however, we have added another section of welding during the afternoon,” he said.  “We continue to review our programs and determine what course revisions are needed. At this point, we are trying to keep things fairly consistent while exploring options for new programs.”

They have hired new full-time instructors for this year: Sara Holder in nursing, Rachel Stauffer in biology, Kim Boyer in English, Brandon Fisher in welding, and  Ashley Page in communications.

 

 COVID-19 prevention policies

“Fort Scott Community College has updated our guidance for COVID-19 mitigation,” Borth said. “We will review the guidance every two weeks, or more frequently as needed.”

“Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear masks on campus, while instructors have the discretion whether or not to require masks within their classroom or offices, where space is limited.

“Instructors will utilize the college Learning Management System (Blackboard) to provide students in quarantine and isolation course material; providing synchronous lectures via Zoom is not required.

“At this time, individuals who are vaccinated, not experiencing symptoms, and in close contact with someone who is positive do not need to quarantine.

“Individuals who test positive must isolate, regardless of vaccination status, and unvaccinated individuals who are a close contact of a positive case and notified by a health professional (e.g. health department) must quarantine.”

“We will have a no-charge COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Bailey Hall,  which is open to the public,” Borth said.

The west side of the former Mercy Hospital was leased starting in 2020 for FSCC students’ housing, and also for 2021. The facility is located on Horton, south of the college.

FSCC is still housing students at the former Mercy building on the west side.

“We are currently housing students in the (former Mercy) building and plan to do so during the fall semester at a minimum,” he said. “We are tenants in a monthly lease agreement, so plans can always be modified in that scenario.”

Fort Scott Community College

“The first day of classes is August 12 and the last day for students during the fall semester is December 10,” Borth said. “We are closed the full week of Thanksgiving.  We resume classes on January 12, with Spring Break scheduled for March 14-18. Classes end for the spring semester on May 13, with graduation being Saturday, May 14.”

 

 

 

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Encourages Vaccinations

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Governor Laura Kelly Releases New Public Service Announcement on the Delta Variant

~ As COVID cases continue to rise statewide, Governor Kelly asks Kansans to get vaccinated to protect communities from the Delta variant ~

TOPEKA – As the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread across Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly today released a new TV ad urging Kansans to protect their communities and families by getting vaccinated. The PSA reminds Kansans the Delta variant is twice as infectious as previous versions of the coronavirus and now accounts for nearly all new cases in Kansas.  The spot focuses on vaccinations which is the primary way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

“While we hoped this summer would be the return to normal we have all been waiting for, serious COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, and the Delta variant is one of the primary drivers of COVID infections across our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have to do everything we can to get the virus under control and protect our communities. The answer – the vaccine – is in our hands, but we’re going to need to work together to ensure we all get vaccinated and stay safe.”

Those who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk right now. 99% of COVID deaths and over 97% of COVID hospitalizations nationally have been people who were not vaccinated.  The vaccine is safe, free, and can help save lives. In addition to getting vaccinated, if you or someone you know has been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, get tested as soon as possible. Testing, like the vaccine, is free, even if you have been tested before.

Governor Kelly encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to visit GetVaccineAnswers.com.

For more information on where you can be tested for COVID-19, visit: KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.

To view the PSA, please click here.

COVID-19

COVID School Guidance Updates

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Kelly Administration Updates COVID-19 Guidance for School Districts

~$87 million in ELC grants available for local school districts to protect students~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced a new, updated summary document created from recommendations in KSDE’s Navigating Change: Kansas’ Guide to Learning and School Safety Operations as a reference guide and tool for schools ahead of the start of classes. The document continues the state’s practice of mirroring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to the guidance, Governor Kelly and KSDE are encouraging school districts to submit requests for ELC Grant Funds. The state of Kansas received $87 million to fund equipment, testing, and medical staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

“We know our children belong in the classroom, but it’s critical that we provide Kansas school districts with support and tools they need to keep our kids safe,” Governor Kelly said. “This guidance is in line with what we have made available over the last year, but has been modified to incorporate the best information we have to fight the Delta variant. I encourage school districts to follow the science and use the available funds to keep their kids safe.”

Many Kansas school districts have already made requests for ELC funds. Including for clinical and administrative staff as well as equipment with mobile technology to create and support the most flexible COVID-19 testing plans possible. In more rural areas requests include transportation to share staff between school buildings and to transport sick children. Others have opted to use ELC funds for vaccination events including incentives and communications in the community.

“We are thankful for the leadership provided by Governor Kelly and Secretary Norman,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “We want every student to be in the classroom this fall. To ensure this happens, school districts should continue partnering with their local medical teams to implement safety protocols that protect all students and school personnel.”

The Kelly Administration worked to develop guidance that would ensure that districts across Kansas would be equipped with the best possible information as they prepared to bring their students back for full-time, in-person learning in August. The Kelly Administration will continue to issue new guidance as information is provided from the CDC.

“To ensure everyone remains safe as schools resume in August, it is key for schools and communities to work together,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said. “We urge school districts to use the ELC resources for additional support. And, we encourage communities to continue taking precautions to mitigate the virus, including vaccination and testing. If individuals are not vaccinated, please wear a mask in public. If you’re feeling sick, get tested, practice social distancing and stay home.”

The State of Kansas began a robust, statewide PSA campaign to encourage Kansans to get vaccinated ahead of the July 4th holiday that will continue throughout year.

Watch the PSA here. 

View the updated guidance document here. 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of the Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Martinique. The countries of Argentina, Colombia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, Seychelles and Tunisia have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 29.

  • Traveled on or after July 29 to Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martinique.
  • Traveled on or after July 15 to British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey or The United Kingdom.
  • Traveled between July 15 and July 29 to Tunisia.
  • Traveled between July 1 – July 29 to Namibia.
  • Traveled between June 17 – July 29 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled between June 3 – July 29 to
  • Traveled between May 6 – July 29 to Seychelles.
  • Traveled between April 22 – July 29 to Argentina.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Rental, utility assistance available when eviction moratorium expires

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Statewide program granting Kansas tenants, landlords $3 million per week
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided $21,670,326.79 in emergency rental and utility assistance to 4,054 Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.
“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”
KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.
The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.
To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.
Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service. “When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.
KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:
  • Past-due utility bill or overdue rent or eviction notice from April 2020 to the present
  • Signed lease identifying the residential unit and the rental payment amount
  • 2020 Federal Income Tax Return as filed with the IRS (if tenant hasn’t filed 2020 federal income taxes, their W-2 wage statement and all IRS 1099 forms are acceptable)
  • Proof of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID, court filing notice, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency displaying the rental unit address
Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of 12 months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.
The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed 10,138 applications for more than $25.8 million in requested funding, ultimately serving 27,200 Kansans with $17,007,614 in rental assistance.
To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott Police Department, Health Care, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Schools

Center Honors Fort Scott’s Frontline Workers

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The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located a 1 S. Main, Fort Scott.

On July 28, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes began a new exhibit entitled”Fort Scott’s Frontline Workers”, highlighting groups of local COVID-19 workers.

Hours at the center, located on Main Street at Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott are  Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The exhibition is pictorial with text that honors first responders from four local agencies, health care workers from five local agencies, and educators in five local public and private schools.

Lowell Milken Center’s Frontline Workers Exhibit, July 2021. Submitted photo.
“Contacts were made to all the different agencies, we received input from several administrators and staff,” Cathy Werling, spokesperson for LMC said.
Cathy Werling is a children’s book author at the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, who has published several books depicting unsung heroes at a young child’s level of understanding.

This new exhibit has been made possible with funds received from a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grant, according to an LMC press release.

“Work began on plans for the project in October of 2020 after we knew we received the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grant,” Werling said. “Contacting and interviewing all of the various frontline worker’s staff began in January of 2021.”

“The Lowell Milken Center’s Fort Scott’s Frontline Heroes project highlights frontline professions within our community who have been directly dealing with pandemic issues in order to provide safe and direct action for our citizens,” according to the press release.

Law enforcement photo from the exhibit.

The following are recognized: firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services workers, health care workers from Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, and long-term care facilities, assisted/independent living facilities, and local teachers/administrators at schools.

Educators. Photo from the exhibit.

“The LMC believes these groups of workers are truly Fort Scott’s unsung heroes, as they have given so much of themselves to our community’s citizens during the pandemic and continue to do so,” according to the press release. “We encourage all Fort Scott area citizens to support these heroes by viewing the new exhibits at the Lowell Milken Center, sharing words of gratitude and support in the LMC guest book and through the LMC’s social media pages on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LowellMilkenCenter, Twitter – https://twitter.com/LowellMilkenCtr, and Instagram – www.instagram.com/LowellMilkenCtr.”

Emergency Medical Services workers. Photo from the exhibit.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, the student’s unsung heroes are shared in the Hall of Unsung Heroes or on the website, encouraging people all over the world to discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

Bourbon County COVID-19 Since July 1: Positive Tests Up, Average Age Is 34

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.
 COVID-19 is having a resurgence nationwide that includes Bourbon County.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is located between 6th and Lowman Streets and 6th and Horton Streets.

“At this time, I would recommend that if Bourbon County residents vaccinated or unvaccinated cannot socially distance themselves from others in public settings, that they wear a mask,” said Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Administrator said.  “When I left work yesterday evening our active COVID-19 case count was up to 97.”

“This surge compares closest with the surge we had around Thanksgiving time last year,” she said.

“There have been breakthrough cases where fully vaccinated people have contracted COVID-19,” she said.  “We have had several cases of the Delta variant, but according to KDHE’s last report, have not had any from the tests they’ve received, in the last three weeks.”

“The Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus that has been detected in the states that surround us as well as many counties that surround Bourbon,” Johnson said.

“I also recommend getting vaccinated if you are able. Bourbon County has four COVID-19 providers: Bourbon County Health Department, Walmart, CHC-SEK, and Walgreens. Practice social distancing, use good hygiene, and stay home when sick!” she said.

Mondays are walk-in days,  call for an appointment (620)223-4464.

CHC

Bourbon County COVID statistics provided by CHC/SEK.

Since July 1, 2021, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has tested 530 Bourbon County residents for COVID-19, Robert Poole, Communication and Marketing Director at CHC/SEK said.

“Of those, 167 tested positive for COVID-19,” he said. “The average age of a COVID-19 positive patient in Bourbon County, for the current month, is currently 34 years old.”

“These are CHC/SEK internal tracking numbers, and do not include the efforts and statistics of the Bourbon County Health Department, Via Christi ER, or other testers in Bourbon County,” Poole said.

According to information provided by CHC/SEK, if one tests positive for COVID-19, they should talk to their healthcare provider about monoclonal antibody treatment, which has been granted emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for patients with mild or moderate COVID-19, who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms. This treatment may reduce COVID-19 hospitalizations if given from 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

It is given by infusion at an infusion site with a provider’s order.

This treatment is for those who test positive for the disease, are 12 years and older, and within 10 days of onset of symptoms.

It is also for those over 65 years old, are obese/overweight based on CDC charts, pregnant, have chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immunosuppressive disease, chronic lung disease, Sickle Cell disease, neurodevelopmental disorders or have medical-related technology dependence: tracheostomy, gastrostomy, positive pressure ventilation, not related to COVID-19.

To get tested or get a vaccine contact CHC at 620-231-9873.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

Girard Medical Center of Uniontown Clinic also has rapid testing of COVID-19 available and can schedule a vaccine as well. The clinic  phone number is 620-756-4111.

Lori Reith, left, medical assistant, and Stephanie Hallacy, nurse practitioner, stand in front of the newly opened Girard Medical Center Uniontown Clinic.

 

 

CDC

The following is information taken from the Center of Disease Control website.

CDC COVID Data Tracker

Vaccinations in Bourbon County, Kansas

How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Percent of Kansas’s fully vaccinated recipients with valid county of residence: 93.4%

States with lower percentages for valid county of residence should be interpreted with caution.

People Vaccinated
Total
4,407 at least one dose
3,971 fully vaccinated
% of Total Population
30.3% at least one dose
27.3% fully vaccinated
Population ≥ 12 Years of Age
4,407 at least one dose
3,971 fully vaccinated
% of Population ≥ 12 Years of Age
36.4% at least one dose
32.8% fully vaccinated
Population ≥ 18 Years of Age
4,251 at least one dose
3,867 fully vaccinated
% of Population ≥ 18 Years of Age
39.3% at least one dose
35.7% fully vaccinated
Population ≥ 65 Years of Age
1,809 at least one dose
1,712 fully vaccinated
% of Population ≥ 65 Years of Age
61.5% at least one dose
58.2% fully vaccinated

See more information on what these data mean.

CDC | Data as of July 26, 2021, 6:00am ET. Posted: 
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

CDC’s Updated Mask Guidance

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement Addressing the Updated CDC Guidance

TOPEKA – The following can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly regarding the CDC’s updated mask guidance: 

“While we are still reviewing the new guidance and what it means for Kansas, this administration has consistently followed the recommendations from the experts at the CDC – and we don’t intend to stop. Right now Kansas is at a crossroads. The new Delta variant has caused COVID-19 to surge in our communities and some of our hospitals are moving towards capacity. The bad news is that parts of our state fall into the “hot spot” category for new cases, the good news is we have a vaccine to protect us from the virus that is safe, effective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, and free. I strongly urge every Kansan who isn’t vaccinated to get one right away. That is the best way to stop the spread of COVID in our state. For those who are vaccinated, I ask that you speak with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are unvaccinated and encourage them to get vaccinated to protect themselves and our state.”