TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

K-State Today reported that Kansas State University is encouraging the use of some simple safety tips from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;while watching the Super Bowl.

Low-risk celebration options According to the CDC, the best way to celebrate events&nbsp;with the lowest risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19 is to have a small gathering with people who live in your household. Other low-risk options for celebrating with others include having a virtual Super Bowl watch party or gathering outdoors if possible.

If you decide to host a gathering:

If you attend an event or gathering:

It is important to remember that someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread it for two days, or 48 hours, before they show any symptoms. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, but they may still spread it to others. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, has shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and avoid in-person activities.

K-State Today reported that Kansas State University is encouraging the use of some simple safety tips from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;while watching the Super Bowl.Low-risk celebration options According to the CDC, the best way to celebrate events&nbsp;with the lowest risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19 is to have a small gathering with people who live in your household. Other low-risk options for celebrating with others include having a virtual Super Bowl watch party or gathering outdoors if possible.If you decide to host a gathering:<ul>
 <li>Remind guests to stay home if they are sick or have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/covid-19-exposure-protocol.html">exposed to COVID-19</a>.</li><li>Keep a list of guests who attend for potential future&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/contact-tracing.html">contact tracing</a>&nbsp;needs.</li><li>Encourage physical distancing and wear face coverings.</li><li>Ensure the room or space is well ventilated. (For example, open a window.) </li>
 </ul>If you attend an event or gathering:<ul>
 <li>Stay home if you are sick, if you are waiting on results of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/testing.html">COVID-19 test</a>&nbsp;or if you may have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/covid-19-exposure-protocol.html">exposed to COVID-19</a>.</li><li>Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor gatherings.</li><li>Bring a face covering and hand sanitizer.</li>
 </ul>It is important to remember that someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread it for two days, or 48 hours, before they show any symptoms. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, but they may still spread it to others. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, has shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and avoid in-person activities.

K-State Today's safety tips for watching the Super Bowl

In order to reach everyone who wishes to be vaccinated, the Riley County Health Department is mailing a postcard to every household and business in Riley County explaining how to register for the vaccine. A total of 32,000 postcards will be sent today.&nbsp; Funding for the mailing project was provided through a generous donation from the Butler Family Foundation, a supporting organization of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.&nbsp;

To date, more than 15,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine. We encourage those who have not to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine through the department's website here:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=48cfa64787&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.

In order to reach everyone who wishes to be vaccinated, the Riley County Health Department is mailing a postcard to every household and business in Riley County explaining how to register for the vaccine. A total of 32,000 postcards will be sent today.&nbsp; Funding for the mailing project was provided through a generous donation from the Butler Family Foundation, a supporting organization of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.&nbsp;To date, more than 15,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine. We encourage those who have not to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine through the department's website here:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=48cfa64787&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.

Register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Riley Co.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."

According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612377815413.png" alt="Fauci photo National Institute of Health" />
 <figcaption>Fauci photo National Institute of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.<ul>
 <li>Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.</li><li>Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.</li><li>Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.</li>
 </ul>Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.<ul>
 <li>Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.</li><li>Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.</li>
 </ul>The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

Fauci warns against Super Bowl parties to avoid virus spread

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

&nbsp;Riley County has identified 23 new positive coronavirus cases and 18 additional recoveries since the last report on February, 1, 2021.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for five positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

While the numbers of those infected with COVID continues to decrease in Riley County, we remind the community to continue wearing masks, social distancing and keep social gatherings small.&nbsp;

The remainder of this week, the Health Department will focus on vaccinating more than one hundred and fifty people in Riley County 65 and older who are homebound.&nbsp;

Those who are homebound include individuals disabled to the extent it prevents safe or timely vehicle transportation and are severely immunocompromised.

Once Riley County has completed vaccinating those 65 and older with severe health conditions, people in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order they signed up.

&nbsp;Riley County has identified 23 new positive coronavirus cases and 18 additional recoveries since the last report on February, 1, 2021.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for five positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;While the numbers of those infected with COVID continues to decrease in Riley County, we remind the community to continue wearing masks, social distancing and keep social gatherings small.&nbsp;The remainder of this week, the Health Department will focus on vaccinating more than one hundred and fifty people in Riley County 65 and older who are homebound.&nbsp;Those who are homebound include individuals disabled to the extent it prevents safe or timely vehicle transportation and are severely immunocompromised.Once Riley County has completed vaccinating those 65 and older with severe health conditions, people in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order they signed up.

Riley County health identifies 23 new positive COVID-19 cases

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. 

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.

Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.

“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”

The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:

The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. 

Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDMuMzQ1MjM1NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAxLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2RoZWtzLmdvdiUyRm9scmglMkZkb3dubG9hZCUyRmhlYWx0aF9kaXJlY3RvcnkucGRmJmRhdGE9MDQlN0MwMSU3Q1JheW5hLkthcnN0JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDMTJkNDIwYzAwMTFjNDU5NDM4ZmYwOGQ4YzdiYjE0NjglN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NDc4OTUzNTkyMjk3MDU3JTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzEwMDAmc2RhdGE9U0s4JTJGNVd4YVN6ZkQzU3VvRmt1a0k1NnhYZlJPT0hqMG5pYlpMdlJOWWZVJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:<ol>
 <li>Look up nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations</li><li>Identify which locations have recently received vaccine doses</li><li>Access contact information for each location to confirm eligibility and availability</li>
 </ol>The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

Kansas launches new 'Find My Vaccine' online tool

Fort Riley saw an increase in COVID-19 cases after the holidays but Major General D.A. Sims noted that was anticipated when personnel took holiday block leave.&nbsp; He cited quarantine and restricted movement measures for those personnel as factors in response. "Again as we expected we did a really nice job as a community in shutting down that portion of the virus. So where we did see a spike when we returned from the block leave period we saw that spike start to diminish."

During a recent town hall meeting last week Sims noted that there has been a steady decline in positive rates. He said all the restrictions imposed from dining and gyms off-post to mask wearing and social distancing contributed to the reduction in cases.&nbsp;

Sims said the goals have not changed at Fort Riley. "We're trying to reduce hospitalization rates, we're trying to reduce the spread, ultimately we are working so we don't have any fatalities.

Sims noted that the COVID-19 vaccine has been tested, is safe and effective. "The way to get to the other side of the virus, the real way to get to the other side of the virus is to take the vaccine."

Fort Riley saw an increase in COVID-19 cases after the holidays but Major General D.A. Sims noted that was anticipated when personnel took holiday block leave.&nbsp; He cited quarantine and restricted movement measures for those personnel as factors in response. "Again as we expected we did a really nice job as a community in shutting down that portion of the virus. So where we did see a spike when we returned from the block leave period we saw that spike start to diminish."During a recent town hall meeting last week Sims noted that there has been a steady decline in positive rates. He said all the restrictions imposed from dining and gyms off-post to mask wearing and social distancing contributed to the reduction in cases.&nbsp;Sims said the goals have not changed at Fort Riley. "We're trying to reduce hospitalization rates, we're trying to reduce the spread, ultimately we are working so we don't have any fatalities.Sims noted that the COVID-19 vaccine has been tested, is safe and effective. "The way to get to the other side of the virus, the real way to get to the other side of the virus is to take the vaccine."

Fort Riley works to reduce any potential spread of COVID-19

Beginning Wednesday, February 3,&nbsp; the Riley County Vaccine Registration form will have a new look. The change was made in order to make the sign-up process more user friendly.&nbsp;If you already signed up, you do NOT need to do so again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The form can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=5128a5fd69&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov//vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;People who do not wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=80c92260da&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">sign up online</a>&nbsp;may do so by calling the health department at 785-565-6560 during business hours.

Later this week, postcards with information about how to sign up for the vaccine will be mailed to every household and business in Riley County. This effort to provide easy access to the vaccine for all residents is made possible by a generous donation from the Butler Family Foundation, a supporting organization of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.&nbsp;

Beginning Wednesday, February 3,&nbsp; the Riley County Vaccine Registration form will have a new look. The change was made in order to make the sign-up process more user friendly.&nbsp;If you already signed up, you do NOT need to do so again.&nbsp;&nbsp;The form can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=5128a5fd69&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov//vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;People who do not wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=80c92260da&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">sign up online</a>&nbsp;may do so by calling the health department at 785-565-6560 during business hours.PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>If you already registered you do&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;need to register again.</li><li>You will&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;receive a confirmation email. The image you see below will be your confirmation. You may print it out but that is not necessary.</li>
 </ol>Later this week, postcards with information about how to sign up for the vaccine will be mailed to every household and business in Riley County. This effort to provide easy access to the vaccine for all residents is made possible by a generous donation from the Butler Family Foundation, a supporting organization of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.&nbsp;

Riley County vaccine registration will have a new look

Riley County currently has 780 remaining doses of COVID-19 and will continue vaccinating those 65 and older with severe health conditions on Tuesday. For the remainder of the week, the Health Department will focus on vaccinating more than one hundred and fifty people in Riley County 65 and older who are homebound.&nbsp;

"We're planning to vaccinate 600 people from the 65 and older age group Tuesday, along with some healthcare providers and first responders," said Julie Gibbs, Riley County Health Department Administrator. "The process is going much more smoothly than the first week. We're learning from every clinic we conduct, but there's a feeling of hope and gratitude here. As I look around I realize this is what we've all been working so hard for and it's truly gratifying."

Riley County currently has 780 remaining doses of COVID-19 and will continue vaccinating those 65 and older with severe health conditions on Tuesday. For the remainder of the week, the Health Department will focus on vaccinating more than one hundred and fifty people in Riley County 65 and older who are homebound.&nbsp;Those who are homebound include individuals disabled to the extent it prevents safe or timely vehicle transportation and are severely immunocompromised."We're planning to vaccinate 600 people from the 65 and older age group Tuesday, along with some healthcare providers and first responders," said Julie Gibbs, Riley County Health Department Administrator. "The process is going much more smoothly than the first week. We're learning from every clinic we conduct, but there's a feeling of hope and gratitude here. As I look around I realize this is what we've all been working so hard for and it's truly gratifying."Once Riley County has completed vaccinating those 65 and older with severe health conditions, people in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order they signed up.

COVID-19 vaccinations will continue Tuesday in Riley County

One additional COVID-positive patient has died in Riley County. The patient was a 76-year-old male. He tested positive for COVID on January&nbsp;7 and passed away on Sunday, January 31, at Via Christi Hospital. His passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 31.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 68 new positive cases and 147 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 29.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for three positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

One additional COVID-positive patient has died in Riley County. The patient was a 76-year-old male. He tested positive for COVID on January&nbsp;7 and passed away on Sunday, January 31, at Via Christi Hospital. His passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 31.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 68 new positive cases and 147 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 29.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for three positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

Riley County health officials confirm one more COVID-19 death

The&nbsp; Riley County Health Department in partnership with RADXUP will be holding a free COVID-19 testing event at Keats Park on Monday.

No appointment is necessary, insurance and official ID are not required.

The&nbsp; Riley County Health Department in partnership with RADXUP will be holding a free COVID-19 testing event at Keats Park on Monday.No appointment is necessary, insurance and official ID are not required.

Free COVID-19 testing event is scheduled

Pfizer (mRNA Vaccine) 95% effective*

2 dose series (0.3mL each) given 21 days apart

Multidose vial containing up to 6 doses/vial

Dilute with 1.8 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride

Authorized for use in individuals &gt; 16 years

Published safety and final efficacy results from Phase 3 trial on December 10, 2020

2 dose series (0.5 mL each) given 28 days apart

Authorized for use in individuals &gt; 18 years

Announced primary efficacy results from Phase 3 trial on November 30, 2020

*vaccine efficacy is against COVID-19 in individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection

What is mRNA and how do mRNA vaccines work?

• Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is the blueprint for making proteins. Within the nucleus of cells, DNA makes mRNA and then ships it into the surrounding cell cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, mRNA is translated into proteins and enzymes. Soon after this, the mRNA breaks down.

• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines take advantage of the cellular process of making proteins by introducing mRNA that contains the blueprint for one of the coronavirus proteins, specifically the spike protein. This protein is responsible for attaching the coronavirus to our cells.

• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the mRNA is inside the immune cells of the muscle tissue, the cells follow the instructions and make the spike protein piece.

• Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins mounting an immune response and making antibodies.

• After developing antibodies, our immune system can protect against future infection.

• The benefit of the mRNA vaccine is those vaccinated gain the protection without risking the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

What other ingredients are included in the vaccines?

There has been complete transparency around ingredients. You can find the fact sheet for each vaccine posted on the FDA’s website with the exact list of ingredients. In addition to the mRNA, both vaccines include:

Lipids: Molecules or “bubbles of fat” that surround the mRNA to protect it, so it does not break down before it&nbsp; gets into our cells.

Salt: Similar to table salt, it keeps the pH of the vaccine close to that of the body, so the vaccine doesn’t damage the cells.

Sugar: Similar to sugar we eat, in the vaccine it helps keep the “bubbles of fat” from sticking to the vaccine vial

Pfizer (mRNA Vaccine) 95% effective*2 dose series (0.3mL each) given 21 days apartMultidose vial containing up to 6 doses/vialDilute with 1.8 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride43,448 trial participantsAuthorized for use in individuals &gt; 16 yearsPublished safety and final efficacy results from Phase 3 trial on December 10, 2020Moderna (mRNA Vaccine)94.5% effective*2 dose series (0.5 mL each) given 28 days apartMultidose vial containing 10 dosesNo dilution required30,420 trial participantsAuthorized for use in individuals &gt; 18 yearsAnnounced primary efficacy results from Phase 3 trial on November 30, 2020*vaccine efficacy is against COVID-19 in individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infectionWhat is mRNA and how do mRNA vaccines work?• Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is the blueprint for making proteins. Within the nucleus of cells, DNA makes mRNA and then ships it into the surrounding cell cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, mRNA is translated into proteins and enzymes. Soon after this, the mRNA breaks down.• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines take advantage of the cellular process of making proteins by introducing mRNA that contains the blueprint for one of the coronavirus proteins, specifically the spike protein. This protein is responsible for attaching the coronavirus to our cells.• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the mRNA is inside the immune cells of the muscle tissue, the cells follow the instructions and make the spike protein piece.• Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins mounting an immune response and making antibodies.• After developing antibodies, our immune system can protect against future infection.• The benefit of the mRNA vaccine is those vaccinated gain the protection without risking the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.What other ingredients are included in the vaccines?There has been complete transparency around ingredients. You can find the fact sheet for each vaccine posted on the FDA’s website with the exact list of ingredients. In addition to the mRNA, both vaccines include:Lipids: Molecules or “bubbles of fat” that surround the mRNA to protect it, so it does not break down before it&nbsp; gets into our cells.Salt: Similar to table salt, it keeps the pH of the vaccine close to that of the body, so the vaccine doesn’t damage the cells.Sugar: Similar to sugar we eat, in the vaccine it helps keep the “bubbles of fat” from sticking to the vaccine vial

Pottawatomie County  issues COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>

Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.

She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.

But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.

“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”

As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.

Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.

Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.

She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.

“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”

The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.

“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”

Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?

“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”

Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.

<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.

“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”

Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.

“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”

Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.

“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.

The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.

Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.

“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”

Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758677381.png" alt="Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758747763.png" alt="Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758783538.png" alt="Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Pandemic takes an emotional toll on Kansas health care workers

&nbsp; Riley County has identified 48 new positive coronavirus cases and 32 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for seven positive patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp; All individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2. For the next rounds of vaccines, people 65 and older with severe medical conditions (*please see list below) will be the priority. People in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order they signed up. <a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=181f77d516&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Vaccination Protocol for 65 and older</a> Clinics this week and next for people aged 65 and older will also include other eligible recipients, including people from Phase 1 who are receiving second "booster" doses. Those who signed up to receive the vaccine will be contacted directly by the health department with information on how and when to receive the vaccine's first dose.&nbsp; We will continue to send vaccine notifications to a limited number of people through text, email, and phone to eligible people who signed up. The notice will include links to more information and forms to print and fill out before you arrive for your vaccine. Forms will be available on-site as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; Riley County has identified 48 new positive coronavirus cases and 32 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for seven positive patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp; All individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2. For the next rounds of vaccines, people 65 and older with severe medical conditions (*please see list below) will be the priority. People in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order they signed up. <a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=181f77d516&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Vaccination Protocol for 65 and older</a> Clinics this week and next for people aged 65 and older will also include other eligible recipients, including people from Phase 1 who are receiving second "booster" doses. Those who signed up to receive the vaccine will be contacted directly by the health department with information on how and when to receive the vaccine's first dose.&nbsp; We will continue to send vaccine notifications to a limited number of people through text, email, and phone to eligible people who signed up. The notice will include links to more information and forms to print and fill out before you arrive for your vaccine. Forms will be available on-site as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;

COVID-19 numbers are released by the Health Department

Riley County has identified 59 new positive coronavirus cases and 20 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, January 25.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 11 positive patients at this time. Three&nbsp; of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

All licensed healthcare professionals and individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2, all individuals over 65 are now eligible. We released guidance Tuesday night in regard to how they will be notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d98b3794d4&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Vaccination Protocol for 65 and older</a>

Riley County has identified 59 new positive coronavirus cases and 20 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, January 25.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 11 positive patients at this time. Three&nbsp; of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;All licensed healthcare professionals and individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2, all individuals over 65 are now eligible. We released guidance Tuesday night in regard to how they will be notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d98b3794d4&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Vaccination Protocol for 65 and older</a>

Riley County health identifies new positive COVID-19 cases

Manhattan —Like everyone else, the pandemic is new for Riley County. Health officials said that they started the Phase 2 process last week by vaccinating everyone 65 and older on a first-come-first-served basis, using the order in which they registered. After careful consideration, they have decided it would be better for our most vulnerable population, if they prioritize those who have severe medical conditions. For the next rounds of vaccines, people 65 and older with severe medical conditions (*please see list below) will be the first priority. People in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order in which they signed up. Please note at no point in time have officials&nbsp; randomly chosen who will be vaccinated.

To date, more than 10,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine.&nbsp; Those who have not are encouraged to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4f9fa08ca5&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610732509572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan —Like everyone else, the pandemic is new for Riley County. Health officials said that they started the Phase 2 process last week by vaccinating everyone 65 and older on a first-come-first-served basis, using the order in which they registered. After careful consideration, they have decided it would be better for our most vulnerable population, if they prioritize those who have severe medical conditions. For the next rounds of vaccines, people 65 and older with severe medical conditions (*please see list below) will be the first priority. People in that age group who do not have qualifying medical conditions will get their vaccines according to the order in which they signed up. Please note at no point in time have officials&nbsp; randomly chosen who will be vaccinated.To date, more than 10,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine.&nbsp; Those who have not are encouraged to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4f9fa08ca5&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.&nbsp;Phase 1 includes:<ul>
 <li>Healthcare workers</li><li>Long Term Care Facilities</li><li>Emergency Medical Services</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Phase 2 includes:<ul>
 <li>Adults 65 and Older</li><li>First Responders</li><li>K-12 Teachers and Staff</li><li>Licensed Child Care, Preschools, After School Care, Child Care Licensing Staff</li><li>Emergency Shelter and Domestic Violence Homes, Adult Group Care Homes, Residential Treatment Centers, Adult, and Child Protective Services &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>By Alice Massimi

Riley Co. vaccine protocol reviewed for those 65 and older

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.

But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.

“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.

The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.

“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.

Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.

Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.

“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”

Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.

The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.

However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.

House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.

Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.

About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.

“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611752735957.png" alt="Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.(Watch Tuesday's hearing below)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9XyAclr57w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753536468.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx</figcaption>
 </figure>Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753419734.png" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.___

🎥  Kan. lawmakers push for answers on COVID-19, vaccine reporting

The Army said Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for beneficiaries ages 75 and older, at the tension fabric structure (“clamshell”) west of the hospital.

Beneficiaries can also schedule an appointment by calling 785-240-7265 to leave their name and phone number. As vaccine supply becomes available, hospital staff are returning calls to those who have indicated interest to minimize delay between shipment arrival and vaccination.

IACH will offer vaccine to beneficiaries ages 65 – 74 years when they are able to move to the next phase.

The Army said Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for beneficiaries ages 75 and older, at the tension fabric structure (“clamshell”) west of the hospital.Beneficiaries can also schedule an appointment by calling 785-240-7265 to leave their name and phone number. As vaccine supply becomes available, hospital staff are returning calls to those who have indicated interest to minimize delay between shipment arrival and vaccination.IACH will offer vaccine to beneficiaries ages 65 – 74 years when they are able to move to the next phase..-3

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled Wednesday at Fort Riley

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.

“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”

As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My administration has prioritized transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. To further this effort, you may now view county-specific allocation data on our vaccine dashboard. <a href="https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9">https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1354124014311116800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

Vaccine data for your county available on Kansas website

Pottawatomie County health officials reported on Monday that there were 16 new positive COVID-19 cases in the county. Two people were hospitalized.

There have been 10 COVID-19 related deaths in the county.

Pottawatomie County health officials reported on Monday that there were 16 new positive COVID-19 cases in the county. Two people were hospitalized.There have been 10 COVID-19 related deaths in the county.

Pottawatomie County COVID-19 numbers are released

Two additional COVID-positive patients have died in Riley County. One patient was 91 years old. She tested positive on January 9 and passed away on January 22 at Via Christi Village. The second patient was 72 years old. He tested positive on January 9 and passed away Saturday, January 23, at Via Christi Hospital. Their passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 30.

Riley County has identified 28 new positive cases and 174 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 22.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for ten positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

All licensed healthcare professionals and individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2, all individuals over 65 are now eligible, and are being notified in the order they have signed up.

The plan is to vaccinate 100 people per hour at upcoming vaccine clinics and several thousand per week. We ask for your patience as we continue to work through this process.&nbsp;

Those who signed up to receive the vaccine will be contacted directly by the health department with information on how and when to receive the vaccine's first dose.&nbsp;We will continue to send vaccine notifications to a limited number of people through text, email, and phone to eligible people who signed up. The notice will include links to more information and forms to print and fill out before you arrive for your vaccine. Forms will be available on-site as well.&nbsp;

To date, more than 10,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine. We encourage those who have not to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine through our website here:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=308f3b22a9&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.

Two additional COVID-positive patients have died in Riley County. One patient was 91 years old. She tested positive on January 9 and passed away on January 22 at Via Christi Village. The second patient was 72 years old. He tested positive on January 9 and passed away Saturday, January 23, at Via Christi Hospital. Their passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 30.Riley County has identified 28 new positive cases and 174 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 22.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for ten positive patients at this time. One of the positive patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;All licensed healthcare professionals and individuals in Phase 1 in Riley County have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Last week we began Phase 2, all individuals over 65 are now eligible, and are being notified in the order they have signed up.The plan is to vaccinate 100 people per hour at upcoming vaccine clinics and several thousand per week. We ask for your patience as we continue to work through this process.&nbsp;Those who signed up to receive the vaccine will be contacted directly by the health department with information on how and when to receive the vaccine's first dose.&nbsp;We will continue to send vaccine notifications to a limited number of people through text, email, and phone to eligible people who signed up. The notice will include links to more information and forms to print and fill out before you arrive for your vaccine. Forms will be available on-site as well.&nbsp;To date, more than 10,000 people have registered to receive the vaccine. We encourage those who have not to do so. You can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine through our website here:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=308f3b22a9&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyKS.gov/VaccineRequest</a>&nbsp;or call Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: (785) 565-6560. Each individual needs to register. Please be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of requests.&nbsp;Phase 1 includes:<ul>
 <li>Healthcare workers</li><li>Long Term Care Facilities</li><li>Emergency Medical Services</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Phase 2 includes:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Adults 65 and Older</li><li>First Responders</li><li>K-12 Teachers and Staff</li><li>Licensed Child Care, Preschools, After School Care, Child Care Licensing Staff</li><li>Emergency Shelter and Domestic Violence Homes, Adult Group Care Homes, Residential Treatment Centers, Adult, and Child Protective Services</li>
 </ul>Riley County Statistics for Monday 25th:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 5,827</li><li>Total active: 256</li><li>Total recovered: 5,541</li><li>Total deaths: 30</li>
 </ul>

Two additional COVID-19 deaths are reported in Riley County

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.

The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.

Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.

The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.

“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”

Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.

But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.

“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”

State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.

Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.

“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”

Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.

The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.

Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.

He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.

Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.“We’ll move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated for free,” he said.Florida was one of the first states to open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65. Now uncertainty over the vaccine supply has prompted the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, to advise counties to prioritize available doses for state residents, including so-called snowbirds who live there part-time. People seeking vaccination will have to provide a driver’s license or other document, such as rental leases and utility bills.In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been pleading for more doses. Appointments through Sunday for the first dose of the vaccine at 15 community vaccination hubs set up by the city health department were postponed to next week.Vaccinations in New York haven’t stopped, but demand for the shots now far exceeds the number of doses available, the mayor said.“It’s just tremendously sad that we have so many people who want the vaccine and so much ability to give the vaccine, what’s happening?” de Blasio said. “For lack of supply, we’re actually having to cancel appointments.”Rosa Schneider had jumped at the chance to make a vaccination appointment once she heard that educators like her were eligible in New York. A high school English teacher who lives in New York City but works in New Jersey, she said that a day before she was to be vaccinated on Wednesday at a city-run hospital, she got a call saying the supply had run out and the appointment was canceled.“I was concerned, and I was upset,” said Schneider, 32, but she is trying daily to book another appointment. She is hopeful availability will improve in the coming weeks.

Coronavirus Update