Riley County updates COVID numbers

Riley County has identified 188 new positive COVID-19 cases and 386 additional recoveries since the last report on February 16. A total of 132 of those cases were reported in the last 2 weeks, the remainder represent delayed reporting from previous weeks. There are currently 46 active COVID-19 cases in Riley County. 

Five additional deaths have been reported for COVID-positive patients who passed in December, January, and February. Four of the deceased patients were unvaccinated. Most recently, a 60 year-old vaccinated male passed away February 24 after testing positive January 20. His passing represents the 79th COVID-related death in the county. 

At the height of the omicron surge in January, hundreds of new positive patients were being identified each day and Ascension Via Christi Hospital was caring for 23 COVID-positive patients. The hospitalization rate has dropped by 83% since early January and Via Christi is currently caring for 4 COVID-positive patients.