Category Archives: Health Care

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list: Arkansas, Alabama and South Carolina removed

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has removed three states from the quarantine list: Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. Additionally, KDHE has modified its international travel list from all international travel to just countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, plus Bahrain and French Guiana. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

Traveled to:

  • Florida on or after June 29.
  • Arizona on or after June 17.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
  • International travel to Bahrain or French Guiana on or after July 14.
  • International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow CDC guidance and protocols.

 

Others needing to continue quarantining:

  • Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

“The removal of states from our list isn’t cause for celebration,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “We base our list on new case rates by population size and unfortunately, Kansas’ numbers are increasing significantly and our cases by population base have approached, even surpassed the states we had on our list. We must do better, Kansas. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, avoid large gatherings. Each one of us is responsible for our actions.”

 

States added to this list are determined by evaluating new cases in states over a two-week period, then adjusting for population size, giving a case per 100,000 population which can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. States with significantly higher rates (approximately 3 times higher) are added to the list.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department  regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

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

Health Care, Mercy Hospital, Opinion

Bill Brittain Thanks Congressman Watkins For Help On Former Mercy Building

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Submitted by Bill Brittain.

Bill Brittain, left, shakes hands with U.S. House of Representative from Kansas, Steve Watkins. Submitted photo.

 

“On July 10, I was able to publicly thank Congressman Steve Watkins for his help on the Mercy facility.

The Congressman was in town Friday at the Nu-Grille (restaurant) for a small group discussion passing through for other stops for the day.

Several months ago I reached out to him and his office with an idea to save the  (former)Mercy Hospital facility.

After I reached out to them he sent one of his staff to meet with me.
His staff came to some of the meetings we set up with other people of interest such as the city, CHC, Via Christi and others. His office made contact with the person with Mercy headquarters and arranged a phone meeting between that person and myself along with the Congressman’s staff member.
They have searched for Government grants that might be of assistance for Bourbon County to use.
They opened doors that we could not get open and that is what allowed the process to move forward!

He and his staff have been instrumental with helping us get to where
we are today!

I would also like to thank the Bourbon County Commissioners for taking bold action by accepting the donation of the facility!

By doing so I believe we will ensure our community will have good healthcare options available in a nice facility for many years to come.

Our hope is to fill this facility with several healthcare options and I am in hopes that we will have hospital services at some point down
the road.

Jody Hoener, the Bourbon County Economic Director has also worked very hard in spearheading meetings, making contacts, and looking for grants.

It definitely, like many things, takes action from many but
without Congressman Watkins Office I don’t think we could have got the ball rolling!

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Four New Cases of COVID 19

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

July 13, 2020

“Allen County has 2 new COVID-19 cases this morning and Bourbon County has 4,” Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator, said. “Of Bourbon County’s 4, 2 are presumptive positive.”

 

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 3
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 8-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 11
Current Recovered Cases 4
Total Positives Since Testing 15
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 26
Presumptive Cases 3-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 5-1 still remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 29-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 54
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 10
Total Positives Since Testing 10
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Health Department Gives Recommendations

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SEK Multi–County Health Departments 

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties 

Coronavirus (COVID–19) Update 

July 8, 2020

The Bourbon County Order of the Local Health Officer goes through the end of the day today and then will end.

The Governor and Kansas Department of Health and Environment have strongly suggested that Kansans follow the Ad Astra plan and remain in Phase 3 for the time being.

With Bourbon County‘s amount of increase in positive COVID-19 cases recently, I as the Bourbon County Local Health Officer, also strongly suggest that Bourbon County follow the Ad Astra plan and remain in Phase 3, as well as follow the Governor’s Executive Order 20-52 to require masks or other face coverings in public. I strongly suggest this as well for my other counties, Allen, Anderson and Woodson.

Submitted by:

Rebecca Jan Bowen

Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Woodson County Local Health Officer

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Another COVID 19 Case

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“Allen, Anderson, and Bourbon Counties all have a new positive COVID-19 case this afternoon,” said Rebecca Johnson, health officer for Bourbon County. “These Public Health Departments are diligently working to complete the investigations.

Please stay home if sick, wear a mask in public, practice social distancing and good hygiene.”

 

 

Submitted by:

Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator

*411 N. Washington

Iola, KS 66749

*524 S. Lowman

Ft. Scott, KS 66701

(620)223-4464 work

(620)223-1686 fax

[email protected]

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

COVID 19 in Bourbon County: 8 More Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

July 8, 2020

From late yesterday evening until this morning, Bourbon County has 8 more positive COVID-19 cases. 2 individuals are contacts of previously listed positive cases. 6 individuals are from out of state and out of county that are currently staying in Bourbon County. The individuals are in isolation. Because of the number of new cases, the investigations are still being conducted and this is all the information that can be released at this time.

Please STAY HOME IF SICK (ie: feeling sick, awaiting COVID-19 test results or instruction from the county health department, if you tested positive for COVID-19, if you were in contact with a positive case, if you were notified to isolate or quarantine), wear a mask when applicable (Bourbon County is following the Governor’s order for mask wearing), practice social distancing, practice good hygiene and avoid touching your face!

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 16
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 6
Current Recovered Cases 29-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 47
Deaths 1

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

COVID 19 Cases in Bourbon County: 36

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

July 6, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 3
Current Recovered Cases 2
Total Positives Since Testing 5-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Current Recovered Cases 3
Total Positives Since Testing 5
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 22
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 14-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 36
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

New COVID 19 Case In Bourbon County

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Bourbon and Allen Counties both have new COVID 19 cases today, said Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson.
“Bourbon County has a new positive COVID-19 case today,” she said. “This individual is also symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The investigation is complete.”
“Allen County has a positive COVID-19 case today,” Johnson said.  “The individual is symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The Allen County Public Health Department is diligently working to notify all close contacts and complete the investigation.”

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Seven New Cases of COVID 19 Yesterday Total

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Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson said there are five more positive COVID-19 cases.
Some are contacts of previous cases & some are not.
The Bourbon County Public Health Department is diligently working to complete the investigations.
Please stay home when sick, social distance, practice good hygiene & wear a mask in public.
There were seven total yesterday.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Local Health Officer Comments on Governor’s Recommendations For Masks

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“After reviewing the Governor’s order 20-52, it is the strong recommendation by the Health Officer of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon & Woodson Counties, that the order is followed,” Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson said. “Please take the time to read it fully before making assumptions.”

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Mandating Masks in Public Spaces

Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-52 requiring that most Kansans must wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where individuals are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet.

Executive Order #20-52 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52, click here.