Eleven new positive COVID-19 cases are being confirmed in Riley County

  The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) has received notice of 11 new positive COVID-19 patients since Monday’s report. The total for the county is now 91, with 26 active cases. None of the new positives are associated with a recent outbreak at the Leonardville Nursing Home.

All residents and staff at Leonardville Nursing Home were re-tested this week as per infection control protocols. The test results have been received and there have been no additional positive patients since the five positives were identified last week.

“The Leonardville Nursing Home outbreak has been contained, and that is something to celebrate,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “The facility deployed a rapid and aggressive response and they were successful. This type of targeted strategy to control the spread of the virus will prevent the need for community-wide restrictions.”

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has 2 positive patients who are Riley County residents, one of whom is on a ventilator. One Person Under Investigation is also currently hospitalized. A PUI is a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

“Some increase of positive patients can expected as the community continues the reopening process,” said Gibbs. “We will continue to monitor the data closely, taking a comprehensive look at the totality of circumstances before taking action that will impact the entire Riley County area.”