Update 3:30 p.m.
A Manhattan man who recently traveled overseas is the first case of novel coronavirus in Riley County.
RCHD Director Julie Gibbs says the 51-year-old man is being isolated in his home following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and local officials. The Manhattan Mercury reports the man received the virus from close contact to an infected individual in London.
“The individual presented at the hospital on March 17,” says Gibbs. “The health care providers did everything correctly in containing and stopping the spread of the virus.”
Officials are now reaching out to those who may have been in close contact with the patient and may have been exposed to the virus.
“Those individuals will be closely monitored for symptoms,” according to Gibbs. “”There is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Riley County or the regional area, so the risk to the residents remains low.”
Riley County EMS Director David Adams says a prohibition of public gatherings over 10 people has been implemented as well and was already in the works prior to the confirmed case.
Gibbs says the best thing people can do is staying informed and taking precautions such as frequent hand washing, staying home when ill and covering coughs.
She also recommends anyone with symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath should call the screening call center at (785) 323-6400.
Original:
The Riley County Health Department has announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Riley County.
With this confirmation, RCHD Director Julie Gibbs has issued an order banning all public gatherings of more than 10 people that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 21.
This order will be in place until at least April 4.
