Riley County has 37 new positive cases and 37 additional recoveries since Monday’s report.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 2 positive patients at this time. The patients have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization.
"Riley County is in a good position right now" said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "Many areas in Kansas have seen large increases in case numbers in recent weeks, but the safety measures we have in place locally have helped keep our numbers low. I commend the community for all the hard work and effort they've put in. We'll get through this if we continue to work together, wear masks, and keep our distance. Getting flu shots this year will also help you stay healthy and relieve pressure on the medical community."
Offering access to testing is also a powerful tool for slowing the spread of the virus. Riley County is offering the next free testing event on Thursday, November 5th, at Pottorf Hall in Manhattan’s CiCo Park. Anyone is welcome to drive up and get tested during the two time slots: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You do not have to be a resident of Manhattan or Riley County to participate. No appointments are necessary and the standard nasal swab PCR test will be administered.
“The line moves pretty quickly and the test only takes a few moments,” said Gibbs. “With the last few free testing events, we’ve seen roughly 5% of tests come back positive. Results take 2 to 3 days and contact tracing staff will call you to follow up.”
Anyone who has symptoms, is a close contact of a positive patient, or would like information about how to get tested should contact their health care provider or call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Riley County Statistics for Monday, October 28, 2020:
- Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 2,177
- Total active: 100
- Total recovered: 2,066
- Total deaths: 11
- Total negative test results: 17,484