COVID-19, Health Care

Area COVID-19 Testing Options

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.

There is a current surge of COVID-19 in the world and in Bourbon County. Those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms have several options to choose from for testing for the disease.

Fortscott.biz contacted five area medical agencies to look at their requirements and costs for testing.

Requirements are very similar, and most costs are covered by insurance, the government CARES Act or other means.

The return time to receive the results back varies in each facility.

Here are the results:

 

SEK Urgent Care, Pittsburg

From Angie Andrew, administrative assistant for Dr. Brent Cosens and PA Michele Cosens.

Requirements: call the Bourbon County Health Department

Cost: $125

 

How long for results?

One-half hour

 

 

Girard Medical Center

From Girard Medical Center’s CEO Ruth Duling:

Requirements:

* a physician’s order to be tested for COVID-19.

*a call to their laboratory for an appointment.

 

How long for results?

* within 24 hours.

 

Cost?

* most health plans cover the COVID-19 test.

“We will make every concession possible for an uninsured patient,” Duling said.

 

 

Community Health Center

From Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Communications and Marketing Manager Robert Poole:

Requirements:

* individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,

*those who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19.

“A close contact is defined as any individual who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated,” Poole said. “It is recommended for persons with close contact exposure to wait five to seven days following their exposure to be tested, for improved test accuracy.”

 

Poole submitted  the Kansas testing strategy link: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1294/Kansas-Lab-Testing-Strategy-Priorities—6-10-20

Cost?

* $140, however, the cost of patient testing is being covered by the CARES act, currently.

How long for results?

* 14 days, “with the number now decreasing.”

On the horizon for CHC:

“In another two weeks, we expect to be doing in-house molecular testing using Abbott ID Now testing equipment which delivers results in 30 minutes or less, with a capacity of up to 1000 tests per week, system-wide. We ordered this equipment very early in the pandemic and have been waiting since for it to arrive.”

 

Why do results take a while?

“Across the country, the very high demand for Covid-19 tests exhausted many lab’s physical capacity, (manpower, equipment, logistics) as well as their abilities to obtain raw testing supplies,” according to the CHC press release. “That issue continues, see the latest from Quest Diagnostics, who has processed more than 100 million tests to date.   https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/COVIDTestingUpdates”

 

“General tips:

For people with medical conditions and older adults

Older adults and people of any age with medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.

Separate yourself from other people in your home.

Stay in a specific room away from others and use a separate bathroom if you can. Do not share personal household items. Wear a mask and maintain 6ft. distance if you need to interact with others.

Stay home except to get medical care.

People who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home. Rest, stay hydrated andmonitor your symptoms carefully.  If your symptoms get worse, seek medical care. Call before you go to prevent others from being exposed.

Wash your hands often & avoid touching your face.

Wash frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face.

Designate someone to clean high-touch surfaces every day.

Clean counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, keyboards and bedside tables. Use diluted bleach solutions (4 teaspoons per quart of water), alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol or most common EPA-registered household disinfectants.”

 

 

Nevada Regional Medical Center

Holly Bush, Chief Quality Officer, Quality and Compliance at NRMC, Nevada MO   provided the following:

Requirements:

* a doctor’s order sent to NRMC lab or

*participate in workplace screening if  workplace has made the decision to screen.

 

Cost?

*”No cost…insurance or if uninsured, through…. recent legislative acts.”

 

How long for results?

* 3-5 days, in a few instances up to 8 days.

“Right now … within 48 hours but there is not a guarantee of this. If you sign up for the patient portal, you will get your results at the moment we have them.”

 

How long are the results good for?

“That is a good question with a long answer.

The CDC states if you test negative for COVID 19 by a viral test, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected.

However, that does not mean you will not get sick.

The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.

You might test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness.

You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then.

Technically a negative test ONLY means you aren’t actively shedding virus at the time you were swabbed. It’s possible you were infected but not far enough into the infection to be shedding virus, which is why guidelines for asymptomatic patients call for waiting at least 72 hours after known exposures before testing.

And of course, any exposure after being tested means you could be infected.”

 

From Kayla Stewart, RN, Manager of Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott. 
 
Requirements:
* a physician’s order
Testing dates and times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-11 a.m. The order for testing must be received before 9:30 a.m. to get tested the same day. 

Cost?

*insurance
How long before test results? 
* 24-72 hours. “Most of ours have been coming back within a day.”
 
While waiting for the results what are people to do?

“POST EXPOSURE to COVID-19 TESTING

If you have been tested for COVID-19 because you were directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 you will need to continue to quarantine for the 14 days from last exposure even if your initial test is negative. (Definition to Quarantine is below) Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative.

COVID-19 TESTING NO KNOWN EXPOSURE

If you have not been exposed and have not traveled to an area that is a high risk according to CDC.gov and you are negative you will not need to continue to quarantine. This however does not mean you cannot get COVID-19 and you will still need to take precautions against this illness. See cdc.gov for how to prevent COVID-19. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative

COVID-19 TESTING POST TRAVEL EXPOSURE

If you travel to an area that is a high risk for COVID-19 per cdc.gov listing and you are an essential employee, you may go to work only per your workplace regulation and with a mask on and monitoring symptoms per KDHE recommendations. (these recommendations are subject to change) If you are not an essential employee a 14-day quarantine after a return is required by KDHE. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative.

PRE-SURGICAL TESTING 

If you were tested for COVID-19 Pre-op you will Quarantine up to your surgery day to prepare for surgery and limit the risk of exposure to COVID prior to surgery. If you are positive you will be notified, and all non-emergent surgeries may be postponed until COVID-19 is cleared. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative and let your provider know. 

Testing can take up to 2-3 days for completion or longer depending on lab volumes.”

 

For more informationon how to care at home and clean:

https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/246/Individual-Family-Care

 

Rebecca Johnson, administrator of Bourbon County Health Department sent the following info.

 

To clarify terms:

  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

 

“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:

Bourbon County: (620)223-4464

 

Obituary

Obituary of Kathleen Hunsucker

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Kathleen Grace Hunsucker, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born July 8, 1954, the daughter of John Hunsucker and Patricia Lamb Hunsucker.

Kathleen was a social butterfly at Tri-Valley.  She was known for her happy-go-lucky attitude and took an interest in the people around her.  She enjoyed doing jobs in the Work Center and participating in activities, especially puzzle time.

 

Survivors include her father, John Hunsucker, of Winfield, Kansas and eight brothers and sisters, Claude Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Linda Bakken, of Independence, Kansas; Debbie Pollett, of Burden, Kansas;Tom Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Connie Streit, also of Wichita; John Hunsucker, of Douglas, Kansas; Peggy White, of Chanute, Kansas and Mary Enderud, of Oxford, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Hunsucker and three brothers, Ronnie, Bobby and Chris Hunsucker.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 13 at the Elk Falls Cemetery in Elk Falls, Kansas.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

Opinion

Cellphones by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

When cellphones first came out, I vowed never to own such a contraption. For one, they were the size of a toaster and had antennas that could double as plungers, and two, I couldn’t imagine spending my time away from a phone on a phone. Besides, that’s what gas stations were for.

Times changed, I gave in, and now my cellphone is a constant companion. Even watering the yard, I am not absent this multi-tasking device. Yesterday, however, when Dave and I were headed to Kansas City and I realized that I had left it at home, there was a sense of relief, probably because I knew I could live without it.

Or could I?

Well, let’s just say it was hard. The list of calls I planned to make while my husband drove, the graduation and birthday gifts I would order on line, and the texts that needed answering all would have to wait.

Dave and I decided to eat sushi from our favorite restaurant in Overland Park. Recently sold, its name and menu had changed. I would call ahead to see what kind of service it offered, in light of the Covid-19 regulations. No problem, except the new name and our choice of favorite rolls were in the notes of my phone. Plan B, a hamburger place, would have to do.

Costco was next, but that was a problem. My extensive grocery list was in my notes, as were the lists of two of my girlfriends who needed us to pick up a few items. Pictures on my cell phone showed a shrimp dish our neighbor recommended, and surely, I just knew, my friends were texting, adding other items as the afternoon progressed. (They were.)

Dave dropped me off at Costco’s front door and left to put gas in our car. The plan was for him to return, have his glasses checked in the optical department and meet me when he was finished. Since I had to cover each aisle three times, knowing I had forgotten something, surely I would run into him somewhere. I didn’t. Was he outside, waiting in the car? Or were we just missing each other, he in the generator aisle and me searching for ripe avocados? Perhaps I should hang in the tool section. No, bad idea. He would be looking for me in produce. And we all know what happens the more we look. Items that were not on my list now became irresistible. This was turning into an expensive expedition.

And to think, a simple cellphone would have resolved all of this.

Ultimately, I caught up with Dave in the optical department, after, he said, he had searched high and low for me on every aisle. From then on, I clung to him like Saran Wrap.

Let’s face it. Cell phones can be life-lines. After all, they double as flashlights, tape measures, music collections, step-counters, shopping centers, communication systems, photo albums, game-players, Amber alerts, weather-watchers, research guides, and calorie-counters (to name a few). All of those come in mighty handy when the need arises, so yes, I was frustrated without my gadget.

The next morning, as I was reading my Bible, I began to wonder if I would be equally as devastated if I lost the ability to connect with Jesus. Could I go a day without his spiritual truths that comfort me and bring me peace? Would I be vulnerable without my God-connection that reminds me of what I need and warns me of dangers ahead? Is it really the “food” I require to survive and the navigation I need to keep my priorities straight? When I had managed to go days without opening my Bible, did I fret over that as much as I did my few hours without my cell phone?

Let’s just say, I’m not proud of that answer.

Fort Scott, Schools

Torrie Singmaster: New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher

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Torrie Singmaster. Submitted photo.
Torrie Singmaster, 24, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She earned her  Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education from Ottawa University.
She has bee a paraprofessional educator and substitute teacher for USD 234 for three years.
Singmaster’s hometown is Fort Scott.
Her family includes her husband, Dakota,  and two sons,  William, 3, and Tyson, 1.
In her free time, Singmaster likes going on vacation to Branson, golfing, and taking their boys new places.
“I also coach girls basketball at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said.
How did you become an educator?
“I started subbing at Winfield Scott and fell in love with the school and students. I completed my degree this past May thru Ottawa University while working for the school district as a paraprofessional and coach.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“I honestly can say the students I started working with inspired me to teach. I always loved school and had many great teachers that I can look up to. I also wanted a career that I could make a difference in children’s lives and be able to be there for my little family.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I love being able to make connections with students. I have worked with many different ages over the last three years. Elementary-aged students are so full of life and joy. Seeing them so excited about learning makes me excited every day to walk into my classroom. I can’t wait to see each student get to the point where they are growing in their confidence as a student and as a person.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenge as a first-year teacher this year is definitely the unknowns. Being a first-year teacher during a pandemic is not something you learn during college. I am so blessed to have the support from my family and my school family. The staff at Winfield Scott and USD 234 are amazing and I cannot wait to start and continue my journey as an educator in Fort Scott.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

Public Meeting for U234 Reopening Is Aug. 6

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School Opening Format
Your Feedback is Requested
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has
received feedback from employers/members related to the effect that reopening school only partially in-person will have on their employees’ ability to work while balancing remote learning and lack of childcare. Many are concerned how employees and the businesses where they work will be able to operate under those circumstances.
Therefore, we are encouraging you to provide feedback to the school board in preparation of the public meeting being hosted by USD-234 as noted below.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
5:30pm
Fort Scott High School Gymnasium
Enter through east doors, wear a mask, and practice social distancing when sitting down.
 There will be two items on the agenda for this special board meeting. The first item will be a public forum. USD 234 stakeholders will have the opportunity to give comments to the USD 234 School Board. Each individual will have three (3) minutes to address the school board. The second agenda item will be a follow-up discussion from the USD 234 Special Board meeting held July 27, 2020, regarding USD 234’s Return to School Plan.
Anyone wishing to speak should arrive a little early to complete a “Request to Appear before the Board” form. The form is also online here if anyone would like to complete one prior to the meeting. The form may be returned to Connie Billionis prior to the meeting ([email protected]), or brought with you.
   At the special board meeting held on July 27, the USD 234 School Board heard initial information on possible learning formats for students when they return to school. Based on the information presented at this special board meeting, the USD 234 School Board unanimously voted to delay the first day of school for students to September 9, 2020. No action was taken on what learning formats would be available for students. At the meeting on August 6, the school board will be provided more specific information about learning format options for students.
Click here for formats being considered.
CONTACT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
The Chamber encourages you to send your feedback on the format of school fully re-opening or a hybrid model of students attending in person at 50% of the week, and remote learning 50% of the week, or any other feedback you may have.
Please email your feedback to the following
school board members
(click their names below to email or see this link for their email addresses):
David Stewart, School Board President
James Wood, Vice-President
USD-234 Superintendent Ted Hessong
School Bus

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for Aug. 7

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 7, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 12:00 2021 Budget Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 Greenbush, Spark Grant

1:45 – 2:00 Jody Hoener, BCBS Grant

2:00 – 2:10 Nancy Van Etten, Sewer District Board & Sewer Service Agreement

2:15 – 2:25 Harold Martin, Sewer District

2:30 – 2:40 Richard Clark, Road Construction 190th

2:45 – 2:50 Lora Holdridge, Back Parking/Judson

Business, Government, Kansas

KCC Reviews Evergy’s New Plan

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The Kansas Corporation Commission will review details of Evergy’s new Sustainability Transformation Plan to protect ratepayer interests


TOPEKA – With the announcement that Evergy’s Board of Directors voted in favor of a standalone plan (Sustainability Transformation Plan) to increase shareholder value, KCC staff will soon begin its review of the details and how the Sustainability Transformation Plan might affect electric ratepayers.

In June, the KCC opened a general investigation into an agreement between Evergy, a regulated utility, and Elliot International. The agreement required the utility to develop a standalone plan to cut costs or pursue a merger transaction to increase shareholder profits. KCC staff were concerned that either path had the potential to have a negative impact on consumers.

Evergy is required to file a report addressing questions posed by KCC staff about the new Sustainability Transformation Plan within two weeks of today’s announcement. After receipt, the KCC as well as other stakeholders participating in the investigation, have 45 days to respond to the information provided.

Six stakeholder groups, including the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, Kansas Power Pool, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative Inc., Kansas Industrial Consumers, IBEW, and USD 259 Sedgwick County have intervened to participate in the investigation.

The general investigation docket is available on the KCC’s website at: https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=c1fa81fb-6557-4e0f-bf33-70fb0b5a47ad

Fort Scott, Government

Firefighters Needed in Fort Scott

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The local fire department is looking for a few good men….or women.

The Fort Scott Fire Department is currently looking for men or women who are interested in serving in the fire department as a reserve firefighter, said FS Deputy Chief Mike Miles, who is also the fire marshal.

“We prefer ones with experience or past training but we will recruit and train the right candidate,” he said.
“Currently, Fort Scott Fire has 14 full-time members and three reserves,” Miles said. “That consists of Fire Chief Bruner, Deputy Chief Miles and three shifts of four crew members that work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, revolving.”
“Our reserve program is essentially a part-time job,” he said.  “They can pick up open shifts from full-time guys needing off for vacation or sick leave. We do allow them to work as a fifth man on any shift to get training and comfortable with the job and skills.”
” We are needing reserves because our roster is very limited right now,” Miles said.  “We need candidates that are available to work to cut down on the overtime.  When a reserve can’t work, a full-time member is required to stay and work another 24-hour shift causing overtime.”
The new reserve firefighters are needed to help cut operating costs throughout the year, he said.
 ” Also a bonus about being a reserve firefighter, you kind of get to pick and choose what days you can and can’t work,” Miles said. “This is also a great program to get your foot in the door to the fire service and work your way into a full-time spot and career.”
The reserve firefighter position is just a title, he said.
“You are a firefighter just not full-time status,” Miles said. “That does not take away from the job required. They do everything a full-time firefighter would do on a daily basis.  Run rescue, ambulance calls. Work all fire calls involving hazmat (hazardous materials), fire alarms, vehicle, and structure fires.  During the daytime when not running calls this time of year we are currently flowing hydrants. Our crews stay busy throughout the days performing assignments required.”
A job description for the position can be seen on the Fort Scott Fire Department’s Facebook page.
The requirements of the job:
“We do require candidates to hold Firefighter 1 certification,” Miles said.  “Along with Hazmat Ops and Awareness. Those are the basic requirements to legally be able to work as a city employee in the fire department.  We look for candidates with prior experience and many more certifications.  EMT is a plus. We will recruit the right candidate we believe may be a good fit for our department and provide them the proper training or academy to become certified.”
Candidates can contact Miles directly at the firehouse. 620-223-2140. Lieutenant Clint Lawrence can also assist callers.

Bourbon County Local News