Riley County Identifies 469 New COVID-19 Cases and 1 Additional Death

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – February 9, 2022) A 74 year-old, unvaccinated man tested positive for COVID-19 on January 24 and passed away on February 9 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. His passing represents the 73rd COVID-19-related death in Riley County. 

Riley County has identified 469 new COVID-19 cases and 713 additional recoveries since the last report on February 3. There are currently 394 active cases in Riley County, which represents a decrease of 297 active cases since last week. However, the two-week rolling percent positivity rate rose from 17.84% to 22.34% for the current period.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is currently providing care for nine COVID-positive patients. A total of three patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with two on ventilators. Via Christi did not share information about the vaccination status of their patients.  

“Although the community transmission rate is still high, we’re grateful to see the case numbers declining,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “

Vaccines are available by appointment at the health department as well as at local doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find locations for vaccine distribution.

The demand for COVID testing in Riley County has decreased along with the declining case numbers. In response to that change, RCHD will offer COVID testing by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to noon only. This change will take effect Monday, February 14. The testing hotline at (785) 323-6400 will continue to be staffed weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon to allow people to schedule appointments. 

The new KDHE indoor testing location at 3019 Anderson Avenue will remain open for walk-in appointments Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Test results from the KDHE lab are now taking 24-48 hours to process instead of 5-7 days. 

“We look forward to moving operations away from COVID response and back to more of our pre-COVID responsibilities,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs.