Screening phone line is opened in Riley County for COVID-19 symptoms

The Riley County Health Department, in cooperation with Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and multiple partners of the local medical community have opened a screening phone line. The screening phone number is 785- 323-6400. This number will be used to answer basic questions that you may have to help determine if you should contact your local health care provider for evaluation of flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms. This is not a triage line nor is it for general health-related questions. People who call will be asked three simple questions:

1. Do you have any of the following symptoms?

· Fever greater than 100.4°?

· Cough?

· Shortness of breath?

2. Have you travelled outside of the United States or to anywhere in the United States where there is widespread transmission?

3. Have you been in close contact with anyone who has confirmed or is being screened for COVID-19?

This line will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Calls will be answered by a medical professional. They will not provide any medical advice other than what is stated above. Please use this line first instead of calling your Primary Care Physician, Ascension Via Christi, or the Riley County Health Department. If the line is busy, please try again.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

· Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

· Avoid close contact to people who are sick

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash

· Stay home when sick and experiencing fever or other symptoms of illness

· Clean surfaces with a disinfectant, especially if those surfaces have been touched by someone who is sick

The general population, regardless of recent travel or health, should practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. By temporarily isolating ourselves, we are not only protecting our families and loved ones, but also those individuals who are more medically vulnerable, suffer chronic medical conditions, and who could otherwise be at serious risk of complications in the event they are exposed to COVID-19.

Julie Gibbs, MPH

Local Health Officer