(RILEY COUNTY, KS – September 28, 2022) The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases for Riley County for the week of September 17 - 23. The Incidence Rate is 24.2 which places Riley County in the MODERATE incidence category with 10 - 49 cases per 100,000 people. This total does not include any at-home test results.
No (0) COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized at Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan. This is the second consecutive week they have reported zero positive patients.
One additional death has been reported. An 86 year-old, fully-vaccinated female died September 2. She began displaying symptoms August 31. Her passing represents the 96th COVID-related death in Riley County.
Vaccine Information
The Riley County Health Department continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses. The Clinic will also begin administering influenza vaccinations starting October 3rd. People will be able to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment.
“We’ve administered more than 594 COVID booster vaccines since September 15 when they became available,” said Dr. Jacob Clarke, MD, Clinic Supervisor. “Supplies of Moderna are low due to a national shortage, so the Pfizer vaccine may be your only choice when you visit. The manufacturer is planning to increase production, but thankfully, you do not need to get the same booster as your original doses. Both Pfizer and Moderna offer the same level of protection. Even if you got the J&J vaccine as a primary series, you can get the Pfizer or Moderna booster.”
Walk-ins are welcome at the Health Department Clinic. People can also schedule appointments by calling (785) 776-4779 ext. 7675. Flu vaccines will be available at the clinic starting in October.
Riley County Health Clinic Hours:
- Mon-Wed: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Thurs: noon – 6 p.m.
- Fri: 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive vaccinations. The Health Department does not charge any fees for COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Tests
The Riley County Health Department provides free, in-person COVID-19 tests by appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. People can schedule appointments as soon as two hours in advance and as far as five days in advance. When you arrive for your appointment, please park in the designated spaces on Wharton Manor Road, which is the back side of the clinic at 2030 Tecumseh Road. Staff will come to your vehicle to test you. Please park in the reserved COVID spaces only if your are visiting the clinic to get tested.
“The testing process is very simple and results are ready within 30 minutes,” said Health Department Director Julie Gibbs. “If you have symptoms or even if you need to get a test for travel, we can help. There are no fees and we don’t ask for insurance.”
Schedule testing appointments
Free at-home test kits are also available in the lobby at the Riley County Health Department Clinic, located at 2030 Tecumseh Drive. The limit is one test kit per person, and each kit contains two tests. Most pharmacies carry test kits for sale.
CDC Guidelines
The CDC Community Level continues to be LOW. The CDC measures the number of new cases per 200,000 people, the number of hospitalized COVID patients, and also considers the percentage of hospital beds still available. At LOW levels, the CDC recommends people stay up to date on vaccinations and avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Find more information about CDC Community Level assessments.
Find current guidelines for quarantine and isolation from the CDC.
Additional Information
There have been a total of 15,442 COVID-19 cases in Riley County as of September 28, 2022 according to the KDHE Case Summary.
Please report positive or negative results when you take an at-home test using the online portal. The Report At-Home Test Results link is also available on the Riley County COVID-19 page at www.rileycountyks.gov/covid.
COVID-19 testing options
KDHE Data Dashboard.
COVID-19 updates from CDC
Next Update
The next update from Riley County will be published Wednesday, September 28.