Jan 08, 2021

Riley County health updates the COVID-19 numbers

Posted Jan 08, 2021 7:13 PM

 Riley County has identified 105 new positive cases and 24 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. 

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 14 positive patients and 1 PUI. A Person Under Investigation is someone experiencing symptoms who is waiting for test results. 

On Monday, January 4, we released a chart with the expected vaccine availability by group in Riley County. On Thursday, January 7, Governor Laura Kelly announced new priority guidance for Kansans beyond healthcare workers and long-term care facilities. The Riley County Health Department will update our plan to include the state’s guidance to prioritize those 65 and older to a higher phase and include all healthcare workers in the first phase. 

Information and phases may be updated based on federal and state guidance. Availability of vaccines will be dependent on supply and when local distribution occurs in Riley County. We will share updated information to help explain the process and have resources available to aid the public in better understanding when vaccines may be available to different people and groups. The new resources will be shared in the coming week. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to provide information on this evolving situation. 

Riley County has only received 1 shipment of Moderna vaccines from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment containing 200 doses. Additional vaccines were provided in collaboration with Konza Prairie Community Health Center allowing the RCHD to vaccinate nearly 500 people so far. We are set to receive a shipment of boosters late next week to complete the required 2nd dose of the vaccine needed for the immunization process. Only people who have already received the first vaccine will receive the booster vaccines from this second shipment. 

The Riley County Health Department will offer free nasal swab PCR testing on Monday, January 11th at: 

The United Methodist Church

105 East Garrison Road 

Randolph, Kansas 66554

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Additional testing sites may be added in the future. No appointments are needed for the nasal-swab testing in Randolph by the Health Department. 

Riley County Statistics for Friday, January 8th:

  1. Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 5,278
  2. Total active:  462
  3. Total recovered: 4,794
  4. Total deaths: 22