(RILEY COUNTY, KS – November 25, 2020) The percent positive for the county was 16% last week and the two-week average is now 16.05%. A total of 793 positive patients were identified between November 8th and 21st. Information about new positive cases will not be available today. Riley County staff are still working to compile data, communicate results, and complete contact tracing calls for patients. A report will be issued on Friday and is expected to include the number of positive, active, and recovered patients, as well as age data and outbreak information.
Positive Rate
- Week 47 (November 15-21): 16.0%
- 419 positive
- 2,612 total tests
- Week 46 (November 8-14): 16.1%
- 374 positives
- 2,329 total tests
- Two-week average: 16.05%
- 793 positives
- 4,941 total tests
Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. Patient test results are calculated in the week the test was administered, not the week in which results were received. As results come in for previous weeks, the percent positive information is updated. Typically, results are processed in three to five days for tests in Riley County, but sometimes there is a delay in reporting those numbers to the health department.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 8 positive patients and 3 PUI patients at this time. One of the PUI patients is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Persons Under Investigation or PUIs are patients who have symptoms and are waiting for test results.
The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) and Screening Line will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. The Screening Line (785) 323-6400 will be open Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
“I am so grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by my staff,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “They have been working incredibly long hours to communicate test results, answer questions, and help the community through this crisis. You can help us, and prevent the shortage of hospital beds, doctors, and nurses, if you choose to prioritize safety this holiday season and celebrate only with the members of your own household.”
Information about safe ways to celebrate the holidays can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Riley County Local Health Order No. 19 is now in effect and masks are required in indoor public areas at all times, unless actively eating or drinking, as well as outdoor public areas if 6ft of distance cannot be maintained. Find the complete text of the order at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2804
The next written update will be published Friday, November 27. The next video update will be Wednesday, December 2 at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/.
Find information about the Fight for the Front Line: Riley County Challenge to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=19768
Drive-up flu shots are available at the health department. Please make an appointment by calling 785-776-4779 ext. 7675 or schedule an appointment online at http://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu.
For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus, follow RCHD on Facebook at /Rileycountyhealthdepartment/ and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.
