Category Archives: Health Care

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

New COVID 19 Cases in Bourbon County

Leave a comment

Both Bourbon and Woodson Counties have seen new cases today. Here is an update for today.

 

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

June 30, 2020

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 17
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 11-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 28
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 4
Current Recovered Cases 6
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 Has 21 COVID-19 Cases as of June 29

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

June 29, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 3
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 4-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

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

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 12
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 10-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 21
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 8
Deaths 0

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

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Mobile Testing Unit To Assist Underserved Communities

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Deploys Mobile Testing Unit to Assist Communities

with COVID-19 Testing for Underserved Populations

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations.

 

“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”

 

KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.

 

“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”

 

The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.

 

If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our [email protected].

 

Photos below:

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van.png

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van2.png

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van3.png

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van4.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van5.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van6.jpg

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/van7.png

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Updated: If You Were Served at Common Ground Coffee Company

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 25, 2020;

It is the recommendation of the Bourbon County Health Officer, that if you were served at Common Ground Coffee Company (12 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS) on the dates of June 15th (between 7:00am-3:00pm) June 16th (between 7:00am-9:30pm), June 17th (between 6:30am-3:00pm), June 18th (between 7:00am-3:00pm), and June 19th (between 5:00-9:00pm), to please quarantine yourself in your home and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

Johnson asked that this update be added:

“It is recommended that if you were served on any of these dates listed you quarantine for 14 days since your exposure date (date you were last served-from dates listed).”

Symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. This list does not include all possible symptoms.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook or our website: www.sekmchd.com for local updates.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Sahara Desert Dust Alert

Leave a comment

KDHE shares steps to protect health amid potential

air quality impacts from Sahara Dust

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) wants to alert Kansans to a potential air quality impact from Saharan dust.  The Saharan dust comes from the Sahara Desert in Africa, where storms can lift the dust into the atmosphere. Dust is picked up by trade winds and carried thousands of miles across the Atlantic and eventually to the U.S.  The particulate matter from this event has the potential to impact Kansas.

 

Editors note, here is a National Public Radio story on the dust:

https://www.npr.org/2020/06/25/883555736/saharan-dust-cloud-arrives-at-the-u-s-gulf-coast-bringing-the-haze

 

Particulate matter can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals.  Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis.  Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly may experience worse symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when particulate matter is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
  • People with respiratory or heart related illness should remain indoors.
  • Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running the air conditioners with air filters.
  • Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Recommendations For Those Served at Common Ground Coffee Company, Updated

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 25, 2020;

It is the recommendation of the Bourbon County Health Officer, that if you were served at Common Ground Coffee Company (12 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS) on the dates of June 15th (between 7:00am-3:00pm) June 16th (between 7:00am-9:30pm), June 17th (between 6:30am-3:00pm), June 18th (between 7:00am-3:00pm), and June 19th (between 5:00-9:00pm), to please quarantine yourself in your home and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

Johnson asked that this correction be added:

“It is recommended that if you were served on any of these dates listed you quarantine for 14 days since your exposure date (date you were last served-from dates listed).”

Symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. This list does not include all possible symptoms.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook or our website: www.sekmchd.com for local updates.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Health Care and Child Care Support During Pandemic

Leave a comment

Kelly Administration Announces Enhancements to Hero Relief Program

Revenue replacement and health care/emergency support worker bonuses provide additional support to child care providers

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Child Care Aware of Kansas today announced additional benefits within the Hero Relief Program to continue to support child care providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unexpected challenges for many Kansas families and businesses, and our child care providers were among the hardest hit,” Governor Kelly said. “These resources will help offset lost income, and will make sure our families have access to high-quality child care programs as we get Kansans back to work and back to school.”

 

Providers will now be eligible for Revenue Replacement and Health Care and Emergency Worker Support bonuses. The funding for these opportunities is provided by the Kansas Department for Children and Families through the federal CARES Act and is administered by Child Care Aware of Kansas.

 

“We know the pandemic continues to have significant impact on the child care community,” Howard said. “These new benefits will provide additional supports to providers who are working hard to keep their businesses viable.”

 

The revenue replacement grant opportunity is designed to provide financial assistance to DCF-enrolled child care providers and relative providers who have lost child care subsidy income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

All DCF-enrolled providers will be eligible to receive this payment if they experience a measured decrease in subsidy payments, including school age programs and Head Start programs. Child care providers who are open or who have closed temporarily are eligible. Relative providers, enrolled as DCF providers, who have remained open are eligible.

 

The Health Care and Emergency Worker Support bonus is a one-time bonus to provide recognition to the child care provider and elevate the importance of ensuring that child care options are available to the health care and emergency workforce in Kansas.  Due to the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 by caring for children of workers (parents/legal guardians) on the frontlines, a bonus acknowledges the additional protective measures needed to ensure a child care provider can meet the demand of a healthy and safe environment.

 

  • Healthcare workers are defined for this program as hospital and nursing home employees.

 

  • Emergency workers are defined for this program as fire, law enforcement, and corrections officers.

 

The following child care programs are eligible for the Health Care and Emergency Worker Support Bonus:

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must be licensed by and in good standing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must hold a current Kansas Child Care Center License or a Kansas School Age Program License or a Kansas Day Care Home License or a Kansas Group Day Care Home License.

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must be currently open to provide care at least full-time (30 hours or more per week).

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs who care for children with a parent/legal guardian working as a health care or emergency worker for organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire and rescue, law enforcement, or correctional staff which have operated during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Child(ren) identified must be or have been attending the program from the date of application to August 1, 2020.

 

For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit KSHeroRelief.com or ks.childcareaware.org

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

When You Get COVID 19: Bourbon County Health Department

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

WHEN SHOULD I STAY HOME?

  • After you have been tested for COVID-19, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
  • If you have been in close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
  • If you are feeling sick
  • If your Doctor or the County Health Department has instructed you to do so

WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK OUT IN PUBLIC AFTER ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE?

  • When you have been instructed to do so by your County Health Department

HOW LONG COULD MY ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE LAST?

  • If you are in isolation because you were tested POSITIVE for COVID-19, your isolation time is a minimum of 10 days after onset of symptoms or testing date (if onset unclear or asymptomatic). You can be released from isolation after fever free and asymptomatic for at least 72 hours. Release from isolation is up to the County Health Department.
  • If you are a household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for a minimum of 24 days. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.
  • If you are a non-household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for 14 days from the date of last contact with the positive case. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.

You may contact your County Health Department by calling:

Allen County: (620)365-2191

Anderson County: (785)448-6559

Bourbon County: (620)223-4464

Woodson County: (620)625-2484

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Four New COVID 19 Cases Since Yesterday: Orders To Isolate/Quarantine Given

1 Comment

Click below for the latest directive from Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator.

Written directives are given for all those who have tested positive for COVID 19, or are a close contact of one who has tested positive.

These individuals must isolate or quarantine in their homes or other suitable location due to the recent spread of the virus.

Several persons have been uncooperative to remain at home, Johnson said in the press release.

The directive starts today, June 24, 2020 at 8 p.m. until July 8, 2020.

SEKMCHD_Order of Local Health Officer

COVID-19, Exercise, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

FS Pool Closes Due to Increase in COVID 19 Cases

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Aquatic Center will be closed for the next seven (7) days beginning today due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. Buck Run Community Center will also be closed beginning today for the next seven (7) days. These closures will be reevaluated after the seven days.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please call City Hall at 223-0550 if you have questions.

Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Health Care

Common Grounds Customers On Certain Dates Should Quarantine For Symptoms of COVID 19

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 23, 2020;

It is the recommendation of the Bourbon County Health Officer, that if you were served at Common Ground Coffee Company (12 E. Wall, Fort Scott, KS) on the dates of June 16th (between 3:00-9:30pm) and June 17th (between 6:30am-2:30pm), to please quarantine yourself in your home and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, through July 1st.

Symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. This list does not include all possible symptoms.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook or our website: www.sekmchd.com for local updates.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Another COVID 19 Case

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 23, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. This case is a contact of a positive case that was confirmed yesterday. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is diligently working to complete the investigation at this time.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department

Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.

STAY HOME IF SICK!

If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook or our website: www.sekmchd.com for local updates.