(RILEY COUNTY, KS – July 21, 2021) Riley County Health Department has identified 64 new positive Coronavirus cases and 70 additional recoveries since the last report on July 14, 2021. Since December, there have been a total of 61 positive cases from variants of concern.
Nine COVID-positive patients, all unvaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. One patient is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to the Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, nationwide 99% of recent deaths were among the unvaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr, Rochelle Walensky, has said because the vaccine is so effective "nearly every death, especially among adults, due to COVID-19, is, at this point, entirely preventable.”
Testing
Through a partnership with the Manhattan Regional Airport and RADxUP, a National Institutes of Health-funded program, COVID-19 saliva-based testing will be available to those traveling into and out of Manhattan Regional Airport beginning July 21st.
Testing will be offered at the airport from 10 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“We recommend if you are traveling, take your mask with you. Study the area where you are traveling to and see what their requirements are. If you are traveling abroad be sure that you determine what kind of test you may need,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.
Results from the tests typically take 72 hours to receive so, please take this time frame into account and plan to test in advance of travel, when possible.
Testing will be provided free of charge, and no insurance is needed. An ID will be required. For more information, please call 785-565-6558.
The Riley County Health Department also continues to provide rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.
Vaccine Operations (RCHD):
Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,913
Received dose 1 of 2: 421
Vaccines are still being offered at the Riley County Health Department. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.
Vaccines for those 12 and older are also being offered at USD 383’s central registration event at Manhattan High School on July 30th from 9 am to 2 pm.
Riley County Statistics for July 21:
- Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 6,892
- Total active: 108
- Total recovered: 6,739
- Total deaths: 45
- Total variant cases: 61
POSITIVE RATE
Week 28 (July 11 - July 18) 7.3%
- 77 positive
- 1060 total tests
Week 27 ( July 4 - July 10) 8.7 %
- 77 positive tests
- 887 total tests
Two-week average: 7.9%
- 154 positive
- 1,947 total tests
The next written update will be published on Wednesday, July 28.
For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions
Questions can also be emailed to [email protected]

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