RILEY COUNTY—With another wave of COVID-19 hits the country, Riley County has also experienced a significant increase in positive cases. Last week Riley County Health Department (RCHD) identified more than 100 new cases, and at the time 7 individuals were hospitalized. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of Delta variant cases in the area. The most recent White House / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report has also classified Riley County as an emerging hotspot.
“This new data underscores the importance of getting vaccinated. All of the individuals currently hospitalized in Riley County are unvaccinated. Nationally 99.9% of those who have died from COVID were also unvaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, roughly 40% of the population in Riley County is vaccinated.
“This low percentage, unfortunately, leaves many of the population in Riley County susceptible to COVID-19, especially the much more contagious Delta variant,” explained Gibbs.
Concerned about this trend, the Riley County Health Department will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, July 21st. Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs and Riley County Clinic Supervisor Aryn Price, Ph.D., will discuss the uptick in cases, the spread of the Delta Variant, and a new program to offer COVID-19 testing at the Manhattan Regional Airport.