(RILEY COUNTY, KS – January 5, 2022) Riley County has identified 161 new COVID-19 cases and 176 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. There are currently 206 active cases in Riley County and the percent of positive test results rose to 14.59% for the week of December 26.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 23 COVID-positive patients at this time, which is the second-highest number hospitalized locally since the start of the pandemic. There are 16 patients on the medical floor and 7 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on ventilators. A total of 17 hospitalized COVID-positive patients are unvaccinated, 6 in the ICU and 11 on the medical floor.
"Our hospital has reached the second-highest number of COVID patients since this pandemic started almost two years ago," said Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "The best way that we as individuals can help curb this increase in COVID-19 cases is to wear a mask, wash your hands and continue practicing social distancing. Do what you can to protect yourself and your families. Get vaccinated, stay home when you can, sanitize surfaces often and take precautions."
Testing for symptomatic individuals will continue to be available at the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) Monday through Friday, but appointments are filling up quickly. Anyone who cannot get scheduled for a testing appointment at RCHD can also contact their medical provider or visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) drive-through testing site in the north parking lot of Manhattan Town Center to get tested.
“First and most importantly, anyone who has any symptoms of COVID should stay home and isolate,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Even if you are fortunate enough to have mild symptoms, you could be spreading the virus to someone who ends up in the hospital. Please talk to a medical professional if you have questions.”
Because of the increased case volume and a reduction in staff positions, some Riley County residents who test positive may be contacted by KDHE instead of the health department for contact tracing. KDHE had previously provided funding directly to county health departments, which Riley County used to support contact tracing staff positions. KDHE is now encouraging counties to refer all or part of their contact tracing needs to the state. The reduced funding resulted in a loss of 8.5 positions or 340 hours of staff time per week at RCHD and the gap will be filled by KDHE contact tracing staff.
The next update will be published Wednesday, January 12.
Find statistics for Riley County and learn more about the local COVID-19 response at www.rileycountyks.gov/covid.
Riley County Statistics for January 5, 2022:
- Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 9,170
- Total active: 206
- Total recovered: 8.898
- Total deaths: 66
Percent Positive
Two-Week Average: 11.80% (up from 7.78%)
- Tested Positive: 332
- Tested Negative: 2,481
- Total Tested: 2,813
Week 51 (December 19 - 25) 9.35%
- Total Positives: 140
- Total Tested: 1,497
Week 52 (December 26 - January 1) 14.59%
- Total Positives: 192
- Total Tested: 1,316
Contact Riley County Health Department
- COVID-19 testing (785) 323-6400
- COVID-19 vaccine (785) 565-6560
