(RILEY COUNTY, KS – September 23, 2021) One Riley County resident has passed away after testing positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

A 28 year old unvaccinated male tested positive for COVID-19 on 8/13/2021 and died on 9/14/2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

His death brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 58.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 116 new positive Coronavirus cases and 143 additional recoveries since the last report on September 15 2021.&nbsp;

In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 193 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=30a8319d14&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>.&nbsp;

Seven COVID-positive patients are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Of the five patients on the medical floor, four are unvaccinated. Two patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one is unvaccinated.&nbsp;

Riley County Health Department itself has fully vaccinated 22,571 of the 64,433 eligible Riley County residents.&nbsp; This figure does not include those vaccinated at pharmacies and other medical facilities in the area.

The Health Department will be offering free vaccines and testing Thursday night in Aggieville. No appointments are needed and those who receive a vaccine at “Shots in the ‘Ville” will get a $20 giftcard to Aggieville.&nbsp;

Third doses continue to be available for individuals with serious health conditions and have received two Moderna or Pfizer vaccine doses. These health conditions include:

Booster shot appointments are not available to the general public at this time. Please do not call the Health Department to schedule a vaccine appointment unless you have a serious health condition that meets the criteria above or if you need to schedule your first or second dose of the vaccine. Please continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=8ccea18c56&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">monitor the website&nbsp;</a>for the latest information.&nbsp;

Vaccines are also being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;

Rapid and saliva testing is available for free.&nbsp;

Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Rapid testing (antigen) is only for symptomatic individuals. The medical staff on-site will determine which test is most appropriate.&nbsp;

Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Riley County Health Department. Please park in the spots on Wharton Manor Road.&nbsp;

Call our screening call center at 785-323-6400 for more information.

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, September 29th.&nbsp;

For the most up-to-date COVID statistics, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=170b633dec&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>&nbsp;Data is updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=70f67e6a63&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – September 23, 2021) One Riley County resident has passed away after testing positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;A 28 year old unvaccinated male tested positive for COVID-19 on 8/13/2021 and died on 9/14/2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.His death brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 58.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 116 new positive Coronavirus cases and 143 additional recoveries since the last report on September 15 2021.&nbsp;In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 193 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=30a8319d14&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>.&nbsp;Seven COVID-positive patients are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Of the five patients on the medical floor, four are unvaccinated. Two patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one is unvaccinated.&nbsp;Riley County Statistics for September 23<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 7,809</li><li>Total active: 168</li><li>Total recovered: 7,583</li><li>Total deaths: 58</li><li>Total variant cases: 193</li>
 </ul>Vaccine Operations:&nbsp;Riley County Health Department itself has fully vaccinated 22,571 of the 64,433 eligible Riley County residents.&nbsp; This figure does not include those vaccinated at pharmacies and other medical facilities in the area.The Health Department will be offering free vaccines and testing Thursday night in Aggieville. No appointments are needed and those who receive a vaccine at “Shots in the ‘Ville” will get a $20 giftcard to Aggieville.&nbsp;Third doses continue to be available for individuals with serious health conditions and have received two Moderna or Pfizer vaccine doses. These health conditions include:<ul>
 <li>Active treatment for a solid tumor or hematologic malignancies</li><li>Receipt of solid organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy</li><li>Receipt of stem cell transplant within the past two years</li><li>HIV infection</li><li>Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency</li><li>Treatment with high dose steroids or immunosuppressive drugs</li>
 </ul>Booster shot appointments are not available to the general public at this time. Please do not call the Health Department to schedule a vaccine appointment unless you have a serious health condition that meets the criteria above or if you need to schedule your first or second dose of the vaccine. Please continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=8ccea18c56&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">monitor the website&nbsp;</a>for the latest information.&nbsp;Vaccines are also being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;TestingRapid and saliva testing is available for free.&nbsp;Testing is offered:Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Rapid testing (antigen) is only for symptomatic individuals. The medical staff on-site will determine which test is most appropriate.&nbsp;Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Riley County Health Department. Please park in the spots on Wharton Manor Road.&nbsp;Call our screening call center at 785-323-6400 for more information.POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 37 ( September 12 - 18) 5.6%<ul>
 <li>119 positive</li><li>2144 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 36 ( September 5 - 11) 6.4%<ul>
 <li>140 positive</li><li>2182 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 5.99%<ul>
 <li>259 positive&nbsp;</li><li>4067 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, September 29th.&nbsp;For the most up-to-date COVID statistics, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=170b633dec&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>&nbsp;Data is updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=70f67e6a63&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

One death and 116 new positive COVID cases in Riley County

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Aggieville announced via a Facebook post that it will host a vaccination clinic on Thursday, September 23rd from 7-10pm at Auntie Mae's Parlor (616 N. 12th Street).&nbsp;

The event, held in conjunction with the Riley County Health Department will provide doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, as well as offer STI screenings.

Participants will earn a $20 Aggieville gift card. For more information on the Shots in the 'Ville Clinic, click <a href="https://fb.me/e/1i4TnsqxT">HERE</a>.

BY JACKSON SCHNEIDERMANHATTAN, Kan. — Aggieville announced via a Facebook post that it will host a vaccination clinic on Thursday, September 23rd from 7-10pm at Auntie Mae's Parlor (616 N. 12th Street).&nbsp;The event, held in conjunction with the Riley County Health Department will provide doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, as well as offer STI screenings.Participants will earn a $20 Aggieville gift card. For more information on the Shots in the 'Ville Clinic, click <a href="https://fb.me/e/1i4TnsqxT">HERE</a>.

Aggieville to host 'Shots in the 'Ville' vaccine clinic

Latest COVID-19 information provided by Pottawatomie County shows that there are 79 active cases in the county. Two people are hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 2,569 positive cases, and 2,490 have recovered according to county records.

Latest COVID-19 information provided by Pottawatomie County shows that there are 79 active cases in the county. Two people are hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 2,569 positive cases, and 2,490 have recovered according to county records.

Pottawatomie County reports two COVID-19 hospitalizations

Two Riley County residents have passed away after testing positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 57.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 108 new positive Coronavirus cases and 67 additional recoveries since the last report on September 1 2021.&nbsp;

Two Riley County residents have passed away after testing positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A 75-year-old male died on Sept. 15, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital. At the time of his death, the vaccine was not authorized and available. His death was identified as a probable case by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and verified by the Office of Victim Services (OVS).&nbsp;</li><li>A 51-year-old unvaccinated female tested positive on 8/14/2021 and died on 9/3/2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital.</li>
 </ul>Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 57.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 108 new positive Coronavirus cases and 67 additional recoveries since the last report on September 1 2021.&nbsp;

Riley County reports two more COVID-19 related fatalities

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630519048780.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 4,195 new cases, 24 more COVID deaths

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – August 25, 2021) Riley County has identified 70 new positive Coronavirus cases and 74 additional recoveries since the last report on August 18, 2021.&nbsp;

In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 116 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=73ebc9283d&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>.&nbsp;

Eight COVID-positive patients, two of whom are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Three unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 22,294

Third doses are now available for individuals with a serious health condition and have received two doses of either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. These health conditions include:

In reference to third doses for members of the community who do not fall into the category listed above, we ask that you refrain from calling the Health Department. Please continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f6864c1874&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">monitor the website&nbsp;</a>for the latest information.&nbsp;

There are several upcoming vaccine clinics in the area.&nbsp;

Where: Mt Zion Church, 916 Yuma Street, &nbsp; &nbsp; Manhattan, KS&nbsp;

Where: Riley County Health Department, 2030 Tecumseh Road, Manhattan, KS

Where: Manhattan Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS

$50 gift cards to Dillion's or Manhattan Arts Center

Vaccines are also being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rapid and saliva testing is available for free. Testing is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10-4. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-6400 for more information.

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, September 1st.&nbsp;

For the most up-to-date COVID statistics, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=fe5f512ea6&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>&nbsp;Data is updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=0ad01971bd&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – August 25, 2021) Riley County has identified 70 new positive Coronavirus cases and 74 additional recoveries since the last report on August 18, 2021.&nbsp;In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 116 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=73ebc9283d&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>.&nbsp;Eight COVID-positive patients, two of whom are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Three unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;Riley County Statistics for August 25:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 7,386</li><li>Total active: 121</li><li>Total recovered: 7,211</li><li>Total deaths: 54</li><li>Total variant cases: 116</li>
 </ul>Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 22,294Third doses are now available for individuals with a serious health condition and have received two doses of either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. These health conditions include:<ul>
 <li>Active treatment for a solid tumor or hematologic malignancies</li><li>Receipt of solid organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy</li><li>Receipt of stem cell transplant within the past 2 years</li><li>HIV infection</li><li>Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency</li><li>Treatment with high dose steroids or immunosuppressive drugs</li>
 </ul>In reference to third doses for members of the community who do not fall into the category listed above, we ask that you refrain from calling the Health Department. Please continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f6864c1874&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">monitor the website&nbsp;</a>for the latest information.&nbsp;There are several upcoming vaccine clinics in the area.&nbsp;Wednesday, August 25thVaccines Offered: PfizerWhere: Mt Zion Church, 916 Yuma Street, &nbsp; &nbsp; Manhattan, KS&nbsp;Hours: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PMThursday, August 26thVaccines Offered: ModernaWhere: Riley County Health Department, 2030 Tecumseh Road, Manhattan, KSHours: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PMFriday, August 27th&nbsp;&nbsp;Vaccines Offered: PfizerWhere: Manhattan Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KSHours: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM$50 gift cards to Dillion's or Manhattan Arts CenterVaccines are also being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.&nbsp;&nbsp;TestingRapid and saliva testing is available for free. Testing is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10-4. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-6400 for more information.POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 33 (August 15 - August 21) 4.8 %<ul>
 <li>81 positive</li><li>1680 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 32 (August 8 - August 14) 5.5%<ul>
 <li>85 positive&nbsp;</li><li>1509 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 5.14%<ul>
 <li>164 positive&nbsp;</li><li>3025 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, September 1st.&nbsp;For the most up-to-date COVID statistics, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=fe5f512ea6&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>&nbsp;Data is updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=0ad01971bd&amp;e=5e3e08a06e" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

Riley Co. COVID-19 update

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.

“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”

The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

FDA gives full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-08-18/a-kansas-doctor-tells-the-story-of-sending-her-critically-ill-covid-patient-570-miles-away">Kansas News Service</a>

Last Thursday, the 25-bed hospital in Abilene sent a patient 570 miles away by air ambulance to Wisconsin.

Like many rural hospitals, Memorial Health System does a bit of everything. But it doesn’t have an intensive care unit.

In a pre-pandemic world, anyone needing critical care got transferred to Salina Regional Health Center, 30 miles away. Occasionally, a patient might get sent to Topeka or Wichita.

The Kansas News Service talked with Abilene physician Megan Brown about how she finally found an ICU bed for her gravely ill patient last week. Her interview has been edited for length and clarity.

We had a patient who did happen to be a COVID patient. …&nbsp; But, I mean, it would have been the same really probably for any patient needing an ICU.

His condition was getting worse to the point where we weren’t able to continue taking care of him here. He really needed to be on a ventilator — which typically we don’t keep ventilated patients here, because those patients should be in an ICU.

Talking with him and his family … we gave them the option of keeping him here and keeping him comfortable, knowing that he may or may not survive. Versus, transferring him out to a bigger hospital.

So, the KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has set up what they’re calling mission control — where you can call and they’ll help make those phone calls (to other hospitals) to find a bed for the patient.

So I called them and they said, “Well, I have four patients needing an ICU bed in front of you. We’ve already called (hospitals across) Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. And there are no beds available.”

They said, “The last patient we were able to place was in Des Moines, Iowa. We think maybe there’s some beds available in Minneapolis. Do you want us to add you to the list?”

And I said, “Well, yes.” But knowing that there were four patients ahead of us, we ended up making phone calls as well.

So I had to cancel an entire afternoon of clinic (hours) and spent three-and-a-half hours on the phone calling hospitals further and further away, trying to find a bed for this patient.

I had a medical student that was helping me, and she’d called South Dakota. And they said, “We’re getting calls from as far away as Louisiana.”

So at that point, we said, “You know, everyone else who’s looking for a hospital is calling the biggest cities in the states.” And so we kind of thought we needed to shift our focus and try to call some smaller hospitals.

And we were already kind of calling around in Wisconsin. And I had gone to college as an undergrad in Appleton, Wisconsin, and I knew they had some ICU beds. Whether they were available or not, I didn’t know.

So I called them. And they finally were like, “We don’t have any beds — but have you called this hospital in Oshkosh?” And (they) gave me the number.

And then we finally found a bed there.

But that took three-and-a-half hours of phone calls. And then we had another hour waiting for transport to get here.

(An air ambulance) plane flew into Dickinson County Airport. EMS brought (the air ambulance crew) to the hospital, picked up the patient. Once they were ready to go, took them back to the airport.

And they flew into Oshkosh, and then an ambulance on that end had to pick him up to take him to the hospital.

It was frustrating with the amount of time it was taking. (And) it made me more concerned for patients. You know, I think patients are going to die needlessly, because there’s nowhere to go.

It’s been a real mess and very difficult — not just for COVID patients.

Now we have to do the same thing for any patient that needs a higher level of care than what we can provide. Like I said, we don’t have any specialists here.

I was having a conversation with somebody, and they said, “You know, the real problem is the shortage of nurses.”

And I said, “I’m not gonna argue that the shortage of nurses isn’t part of the problem.”

But the issue is — say you have a 20-bed ICU, but you only have enough nurses for 10 beds. If you have 10 COVID patients in those beds — something that’s now preventable by vaccines — then you don’t have any beds to take anyone else. But if those patients had been vaccinated, then you might still have nine beds for other things.

Twice in the last two weeks we’ve had to go on diversion for admissions because somebody called in sick. I mean, we’re at a point where our hospital is full enough right now that if one nurse on a shift calls in (sick), we can’t add any more patients to the hospital.

Then (patients are) stuck with — there’s nowhere else to go.

If a patient came to the ER and they needed to move to (an inpatient bed in) the hospital … we didn’t have the staff or a bed for them. So then our ER is tied up trying to find a bed (at a different hospital).

Our ER is staffed with a nurse practitioner and a nurse and a tech, usually. So we have three people to take care of anything that comes into the ER. So they don’t really have time to be spending hours on the phone.

(Reporter: What are families supposed to do if their loved one is transferred far away?)

If you have the resources (so) you can take off and get a hotel room and drive several states away to be with a family member, great. But most people don’t have those resources. And then depending on what happens while (the patient is) there, you’ve got to get that patient back. So either they’re alive and you’ve got to get them back, or they pass away and you’ve got to get that body back. And so it just adds extra layers of complications.

The vaccines are safe … they’re effective.

We’ve got to keep doing the things we can to prevent spread, because there’s nowhere to go if you get sick.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celia@kcur.org">celia@kcur.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629310297611.png" alt="Photo by David Condos courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo by David Condos courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-08-18/a-kansas-doctor-tells-the-story-of-sending-her-critically-ill-covid-patient-570-miles-away">Kansas News Service</a>Last Thursday, the 25-bed hospital in Abilene sent a patient 570 miles away by air ambulance to Wisconsin.Like many rural hospitals, Memorial Health System does a bit of everything. But it doesn’t have an intensive care unit.In a pre-pandemic world, anyone needing critical care got transferred to Salina Regional Health Center, 30 miles away. Occasionally, a patient might get sent to Topeka or Wichita.The Kansas News Service talked with Abilene physician Megan Brown about how she finally found an ICU bed for her gravely ill patient last week. Her interview has been edited for length and clarity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629310385037.png" alt="Megan Brown is a family doctor in Abilene. Submitted" />
 <figcaption>Megan Brown is a family doctor in Abilene. Submitted</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Megan Brown's storyWe had a patient who did happen to be a COVID patient. …&nbsp; But, I mean, it would have been the same really probably for any patient needing an ICU.His condition was getting worse to the point where we weren’t able to continue taking care of him here. He really needed to be on a ventilator — which typically we don’t keep ventilated patients here, because those patients should be in an ICU.Talking with him and his family … we gave them the option of keeping him here and keeping him comfortable, knowing that he may or may not survive. Versus, transferring him out to a bigger hospital.And they elected to transfer.So, the KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has set up what they’re calling mission control — where you can call and they’ll help make those phone calls (to other hospitals) to find a bed for the patient.So I called them and they said, “Well, I have four patients needing an ICU bed in front of you. We’ve already called (hospitals across) Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. And there are no beds available.”They said, “The last patient we were able to place was in Des Moines, Iowa. We think maybe there’s some beds available in Minneapolis. Do you want us to add you to the list?”And I said, “Well, yes.” But knowing that there were four patients ahead of us, we ended up making phone calls as well.So I had to cancel an entire afternoon of clinic (hours) and spent three-and-a-half hours on the phone calling hospitals further and further away, trying to find a bed for this patient.I had a medical student that was helping me, and she’d called South Dakota. And they said, “We’re getting calls from as far away as Louisiana.”So at that point, we said, “You know, everyone else who’s looking for a hospital is calling the biggest cities in the states.” And so we kind of thought we needed to shift our focus and try to call some smaller hospitals.And we were already kind of calling around in Wisconsin. And I had gone to college as an undergrad in Appleton, Wisconsin, and I knew they had some ICU beds. Whether they were available or not, I didn’t know.So I called them. And they finally were like, “We don’t have any beds — but have you called this hospital in Oshkosh?” And (they) gave me the number.And then we finally found a bed there.But that took three-and-a-half hours of phone calls. And then we had another hour waiting for transport to get here.(An air ambulance) plane flew into Dickinson County Airport. EMS brought (the air ambulance crew) to the hospital, picked up the patient. Once they were ready to go, took them back to the airport.And they flew into Oshkosh, and then an ambulance on that end had to pick him up to take him to the hospital.It was frustrating with the amount of time it was taking. (And) it made me more concerned for patients. You know, I think patients are going to die needlessly, because there’s nowhere to go.It’s been a real mess and very difficult — not just for COVID patients.Now we have to do the same thing for any patient that needs a higher level of care than what we can provide. Like I said, we don’t have any specialists here.I was having a conversation with somebody, and they said, “You know, the real problem is the shortage of nurses.”And I said, “I’m not gonna argue that the shortage of nurses isn’t part of the problem.”But the issue is — say you have a 20-bed ICU, but you only have enough nurses for 10 beds. If you have 10 COVID patients in those beds — something that’s now preventable by vaccines — then you don’t have any beds to take anyone else. But if those patients had been vaccinated, then you might still have nine beds for other things.Twice in the last two weeks we’ve had to go on diversion for admissions because somebody called in sick. I mean, we’re at a point where our hospital is full enough right now that if one nurse on a shift calls in (sick), we can’t add any more patients to the hospital.Then (patients are) stuck with — there’s nowhere else to go.If a patient came to the ER and they needed to move to (an inpatient bed in) the hospital … we didn’t have the staff or a bed for them. So then our ER is tied up trying to find a bed (at a different hospital).Our ER is staffed with a nurse practitioner and a nurse and a tech, usually. So we have three people to take care of anything that comes into the ER. So they don’t really have time to be spending hours on the phone.(Reporter: What are families supposed to do if their loved one is transferred far away?)If you have the resources (so) you can take off and get a hotel room and drive several states away to be with a family member, great. But most people don’t have those resources. And then depending on what happens while (the patient is) there, you’ve got to get that patient back. So either they’re alive and you’ve got to get them back, or they pass away and you’ve got to get that body back. And so it just adds extra layers of complications.The vaccines are safe … they’re effective.We’ve got to keep doing the things we can to prevent spread, because there’s nowhere to go if you get sick.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celia@kcur.org">celia@kcur.org</a>.

Area doctor tells story of sending critically ill COVID patient 570 miles away

The University of Kansas Health System

The number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. 

On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. 

Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”

Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qT7iRrMylaQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas Health SystemThe number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629227215027.png" alt="Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient" />
 <figcaption>Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

🎥 Doctors talk COVID boosters and the immune-compromised

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.

Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.

An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.

Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.

The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.

Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.

Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.

Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.

For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.

“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.

He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.

Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.

The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.

Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

US to recommend COVID vaccine boosters for all 

As the U.S. continues its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the fewer restrictions there will be and the more confidence people will have to shop in person. While almost all states have fully reopened, we’ll only be able to completely get back to life as normal once most of the population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus. The good news is that the U.S. is picking up speed with vaccination, as around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">50%</a>&nbsp;of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some states are already safer than others, though, based on how well they have kept the pandemic under control and how much they are vaccinating. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. WalletHub's data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.

As the U.S. continues its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the fewer restrictions there will be and the more confidence people will have to shop in person. While almost all states have fully reopened, we’ll only be able to completely get back to life as normal once most of the population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus. The good news is that the U.S. is picking up speed with vaccination, as around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">50%</a>&nbsp;of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some states are already safer than others, though, based on how well they have kept the pandemic under control and how much they are vaccinating. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. WalletHub's data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.<div><iframe src="https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/embed/86567/safest-states-covid-v14.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-during-covid/86567">WalletHub</a></div></div>

Safest states during COVID-19

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided a community COVID-19 update on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The report states that there have been 55 new positive confirmed cases in the county since the last report, bringing the total to 67 active cases along with 40 recoveries. There are also four people currently hospitalized in Pottawatomie County with COVID-19.

The Pottawatomie County Health Department continues to strongly encourage those who are not vaccinated to schedule their appointments. To schedule an appointment, click <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php.">HERE</a>.

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided a community COVID-19 update on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;The report states that there have been 55 new positive confirmed cases in the county since the last report, bringing the total to 67 active cases along with 40 recoveries. There are also four people currently hospitalized in Pottawatomie County with COVID-19.The Pottawatomie County Health Department continues to strongly encourage those who are not vaccinated to schedule their appointments. To schedule an appointment, click <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php.">HERE</a>.

Pottawatomie County Coid-19 Update

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – August 4, 2021) Three Riley County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;

A fully vaccinated 90-year-old male tested positive on 07/12/2021 at Ascension Via Christi Village. He passed away on 08/01/2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

An unvaccinated 49-year-old male tested positive on 07/13/2021 and passed away on 08/02/2021 at Stormont Vail in Topeka.&nbsp;

An unvaccinated 72-year-old female tested positive on 07/16/2021 and passed away 07/30/2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital.

Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 52.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 104 new positive Coronavirus cases and 99 additional recoveries since the last report on July 28, 2021.&nbsp;

Ten COVID-positive patients, including one who is fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Three patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 91 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=28215d8c1b&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (77) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;

“Current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19. They could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus, so it is important individuals wear a mask when in indoor&nbsp; public spaces and practice social distancing when possible,”&nbsp; pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.

Starting this week, the Health Department&nbsp;will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=740d09e882&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>

Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 22,004

Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;

“We are urging individuals who are not vaccinated to please get vaccinated. We have several clinics scheduled over the coming days and weeks, including this weekend at the Everybody Counts event at the Douglass Center in Manhattan. With the hospital filling up and the number of positive cases continuing to increase in Riley County it is important that we all do our part,”&nbsp; said Gibbs.&nbsp;

A vaccine clinic will be held at&nbsp; the&nbsp;First Congregational Church, 700 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS this Sunday, August 8th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Testing at the Manhattan Regional Airport is&nbsp; no longer being offered due to some new guidance from the Transportation Security Administration and General Services Administration.

Testing is now being offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10-4. Rapid and saliva testing is available for free. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 11th.&nbsp;

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4243f27239&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – August 4, 2021) Three Riley County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;A fully vaccinated 90-year-old male tested positive on 07/12/2021 at Ascension Via Christi Village. He passed away on 08/01/2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.An unvaccinated 49-year-old male tested positive on 07/13/2021 and passed away on 08/02/2021 at Stormont Vail in Topeka.&nbsp;An unvaccinated 72-year-old female tested positive on 07/16/2021 and passed away 07/30/2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital.Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 52.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 104 new positive Coronavirus cases and 99 additional recoveries since the last report on July 28, 2021.&nbsp;Ten COVID-positive patients, including one who is fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Three patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 91 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=28215d8c1b&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (77) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;“Current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19. They could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus, so it is important individuals wear a mask when in indoor&nbsp; public spaces and practice social distancing when possible,”&nbsp; pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.Starting this week, the Health Department&nbsp;will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=740d09e882&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 22,004Received dose 1 of 2: 576Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;“We are urging individuals who are not vaccinated to please get vaccinated. We have several clinics scheduled over the coming days and weeks, including this weekend at the Everybody Counts event at the Douglass Center in Manhattan. With the hospital filling up and the number of positive cases continuing to increase in Riley County it is important that we all do our part,”&nbsp; said Gibbs.&nbsp;A vaccine clinic will be held at&nbsp; the&nbsp;First Congregational Church, 700 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS this Sunday, August 8th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.TestingTesting at the Manhattan Regional Airport is&nbsp; no longer being offered due to some new guidance from the Transportation Security Administration and General Services Administration.Testing is now being offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot on the north side from 10-4. Rapid and saliva testing is available for free. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.Riley County Statistics for August 4:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 7,142</li><li>Total active: 150</li><li>Total recovered: 6,940</li><li>Total deaths: 52</li><li>Total variant cases: 91</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 30 (July 25 - July 31) 7.7%<ul>
 <li>104 positive</li><li>1349 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Week 29 (July 18 - July 24) 8.2%<ul>
 <li>105 positive</li><li>1283 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 7.94%<ul>
 <li>209 positive&nbsp;</li><li>2632 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 11th.&nbsp;For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4243f27239&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

3 deaths and 104 new COVID-19 cases in Riley County

Delta Variant is the new reason to get vaccinated. According to a social media post by Fort Riley, COVID-19 vaccines are available inside the Main PX from 10 am to 3 pm this week, August 2 - 5. No appointment is necessary. 

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine medical experts are available inside the Main PX to answer any questions or concerns. To learn more about the COVID-19 Delta Variant, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxF9sk%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ixEhq7QRUlsojJzlvminAjeLZiR39L42d-5gfEWhwm1zQv9u-oD0luY8&amp;h=AT3BLtMbbOJuwdhLK1tNOQDg5JdR0uoL5NVidVEohQUt3w6KHdCwXVJEmppAtjUpTBCgTOEijrUOHCCPiRyTjR6QigUZSKTfJOARpJ3wJqH0WnuU1SH75tB9h-y9dp9-2EMt&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3A8nfcyue19eso_yuY4CwY8prGbwJvwzmvT9nIjxf9jAXonZftlUjwxpir3U3CJ64du_93_NtKZLPlWhNPLW8Q9RZNar1XZoxkGGWZQ103-3IK8Em3n8r7REfFUurgAxt3mYTZQ3t6pwtafSG-lrDfSWpB8Vrcx1ffKSqYJda-LQvS8_mtPIzWSpt0" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xF9sk</a>

Delta Variant is the new reason to get vaccinated. According to a social media post by Fort Riley, COVID-19 vaccines are available inside the Main PX from 10 am to 3 pm this week, August 2 - 5. No appointment is necessary. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine medical experts are available inside the Main PX to answer any questions or concerns. To learn more about the COVID-19 Delta Variant, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxF9sk%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ixEhq7QRUlsojJzlvminAjeLZiR39L42d-5gfEWhwm1zQv9u-oD0luY8&amp;h=AT3BLtMbbOJuwdhLK1tNOQDg5JdR0uoL5NVidVEohQUt3w6KHdCwXVJEmppAtjUpTBCgTOEijrUOHCCPiRyTjR6QigUZSKTfJOARpJ3wJqH0WnuU1SH75tB9h-y9dp9-2EMt&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3A8nfcyue19eso_yuY4CwY8prGbwJvwzmvT9nIjxf9jAXonZftlUjwxpir3U3CJ64du_93_NtKZLPlWhNPLW8Q9RZNar1XZoxkGGWZQ103-3IK8Em3n8r7REfFUurgAxt3mYTZQ3t6pwtafSG-lrDfSWpB8Vrcx1ffKSqYJda-LQvS8_mtPIzWSpt0" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xF9sk</a>

COVID vaccines available on Post at Fort Riley

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – July 28, 2021) Four individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;

A fully vaccinated 98-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/19/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/26/2021.&nbsp;

A fully vaccinated 92-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/15/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/25/2021.

A fully vaccinated 75-year-old male tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/12/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/24/2021.

An 89-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19 on 01/27/2021, and she passed away on 6/1/2021. COVID was a contributing factor, and records indicate she was unvaccinated.

Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 49.&nbsp;

“It is important to note that while we did have individuals who were fully vaccinated pass away this past week, they are exceptions. The majority of vaccine breakthrough cases have mild symptoms, and have not needed to be hospitalized. The deaths underscore the importance of those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated. It is the unvaccinated who are putting our vulnerable population at risk,” pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 146 new positive Coronavirus cases and 102 additional recoveries since the last report on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;

Eleven COVID-positive patients, including two who are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Five unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 70 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7c58b83154&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (56) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;

The CDC guidance updated Tuesday notes that while current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19, they could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone in Riley County to follow the CDC guidance&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3a9b88905d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">updated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that recommends everyone two and older, even those fully vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public spaces, including K-12 schools, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with the contagious Delta variant in the community,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp; Facebook Live

Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President Bob Copple and Riley County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Aryn Price, Ph.D., will participate in a Facebook live tomorrow, Thursday, July 29th, 4:30 pm. They will be available to answer any questions the community may have about COVID-19 in our community.&nbsp;

Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,988

Vaccines for those 12 and older are also being offered at USD 383’s central registration event at Manhattan High School on July 30th from 9 am to 2 pm. Information regarding other upcoming clinics can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3fd17b895e&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV</a>

Through a partnership with the Manhattan Regional Airport and RADxUP, a National Institutes of Health-funded program, COVID-19 saliva-based testing is available to those traveling into and out of Manhattan Regional Airport. Testing is offered from 10 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.&nbsp;

Results from the tests typically take 72 hours to receive, so please take this time frame into account and plan to test in advance of travel, when possible. Travel destination testing requirements vary, so please look up testing requirements in advance.

Testing will be provided free of charge, and no insurance is needed. An ID will be required. For more information, please call 785-565-6558.

The Riley County Health Department continues to provide rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 4th. Starting next week, we will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f7bb94d4f3&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=de6c3eb349&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – July 28, 2021) Four individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;A fully vaccinated 98-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/19/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/26/2021.&nbsp;A fully vaccinated 92-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/15/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/25/2021.A fully vaccinated 75-year-old male tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/12/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/24/2021.An 89-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19 on 01/27/2021, and she passed away on 6/1/2021. COVID was a contributing factor, and records indicate she was unvaccinated.Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 49.&nbsp;“It is important to note that while we did have individuals who were fully vaccinated pass away this past week, they are exceptions. The majority of vaccine breakthrough cases have mild symptoms, and have not needed to be hospitalized. The deaths underscore the importance of those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated. It is the unvaccinated who are putting our vulnerable population at risk,” pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 146 new positive Coronavirus cases and 102 additional recoveries since the last report on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;Eleven COVID-positive patients, including two who are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Five unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 70 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7c58b83154&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (56) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;The CDC guidance updated Tuesday notes that while current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19, they could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus.“We are strongly encouraging everyone in Riley County to follow the CDC guidance&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3a9b88905d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">updated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that recommends everyone two and older, even those fully vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public spaces, including K-12 schools, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with the contagious Delta variant in the community,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp; Facebook LiveRiley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President Bob Copple and Riley County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Aryn Price, Ph.D., will participate in a Facebook live tomorrow, Thursday, July 29th, 4:30 pm. They will be available to answer any questions the community may have about COVID-19 in our community.&nbsp;Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,988Received dose 1 of 2: 490Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;Vaccines for those 12 and older are also being offered at USD 383’s central registration event at Manhattan High School on July 30th from 9 am to 2 pm. Information regarding other upcoming clinics can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3fd17b895e&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV</a>TestingThrough a partnership with the Manhattan Regional Airport and RADxUP, a National Institutes of Health-funded program, COVID-19 saliva-based testing is available to those traveling into and out of Manhattan Regional Airport. Testing is offered from 10 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.&nbsp;Results from the tests typically take 72 hours to receive, so please take this time frame into account and plan to test in advance of travel, when possible. Travel destination testing requirements vary, so please look up testing requirements in advance.Testing will be provided free of charge, and no insurance is needed. An ID will be required. For more information, please call 785-565-6558.The Riley County Health Department continues to provide rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.Riley County Statistics for July 28:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 7,038</li><li>Total active: 148</li><li>Total recovered: 6,841</li><li>Total deaths: 49</li><li>Total variant cases: 70</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 29 (July 18 - July 24) 8.7%<ul>
 <li>107 positive</li><li>1231 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 28 (July 11 - July 17) 9.0%&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>100 positive</li><li>1112 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 8.83%<ul>
 <li>207 positive&nbsp;</li><li>2,343 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 4th. Starting next week, we will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f7bb94d4f3&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=de6c3eb349&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

4 deaths and 146 new COVID-19 cases in Riley County

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.

Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.

The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.

Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.

“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”

Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.

“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”

Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.

Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.

Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.

In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.

Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.

And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.

Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330587128.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.That’s why time really matters.Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.<h2>The delta in Kansas</h2>In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330645256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.<h2>The big question</h2>How bad will it get in Kansas?Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330675834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.So what happens next?“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”<h2>The school debate</h2>Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

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