New positive COVID cases totaled 607 last week

RILEY COUNTY — Riley County has identified 607 new COVID cases and 948 additional recoveries since the last report on January 26. There are currently 638 active cases in Riley County, which represents a decrease of 341 active cases since last week. The two-week rolling percent positivity rate fell from 24.06% to 17.84% for the current period.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital is caring for 11 COVID-positive patients at this time. Three of the hospitalized patients are on ventilators with a total of four patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Vaccine data for hospitalized patients was not available at the time of this release. 

“Thankfully, the local case numbers are starting to drop,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “We’re hopeful that the peak of the omicron surge in Riley County is behind us.”

The new, indoor KDHE testing site opened Thursday at 3019 Anderson Avenue in the Plaza West Shopping Center. This is NOT a drive-up clinic and patients will need to park and come inside for testing. Masks are required to enter the building.

RCHD will continue to provide COVID and flu vaccines by appointment. Please call (785) 565-6560 to schedule a vaccine.

Health department nurses are also available to offer COVID and flu vaccine clinics on-site in collaboration with businesses, organization managers, or owners. To schedule an on-site clinic for your organization, please contact Sheyenne at (785) 776-4779 ext. 7691.