Update 6 p.m.
By Nick McNamara
Two new recoveries were reported Wednesday afternoon, reducing the number of active COVID-19 cases in Riley County to six.
That brings Riley County’s numbers to 57 recovered individuals out of 64 cumulative positive tests and one novel coronavirus-related death. Officials Wednesday provided no further updates on any positive individuals.
In Riley County’s final live COVID-19 response update on Facebook, Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says the continually improving local conditions does not mean the public should drop its guard.
“It’s important to stay the course, wear your mask when you’re out, continue proper hand hygiene and continue to practice social distancing,” says Gibbs. “This disaster is different from any others as the effects aren’t always seen, but the threat is still there.”
She says COVID-19 will remain with the community until a vaccine is developed. Riley County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams tells the community to treat the situation like driving during a rainy day and leave a little extra buffer space when in public.
“If you’re standing in line or something like that and we’re in the middle of a disease outbreak — whether it’s COVID or whether it’s the flu — leave some more room to brake,” Adams says. “Leave some more room between you and the people around you.”
Gibbs’ Local Health Order No. 10 goes into effect Wednesday, a response to Gov. Laura Kelly’s expiring emergency declaration and return of pandemic response control to local governments. With no hospitalized COVID-19 patients and percent positive rates falling for more than a month, now sitting at a rate lower than the state average, Gibbs gave the OK to progress into a new phase of re-opening.
The order allows all businesses to open at full capacity and gatherings of up to 50 people, though regulations from state licensing boards must be followed. Additionally, Riley County is maintaining hour of operation limitations for bars and restaurants. Dine-in services are required to close at midnight.
Assistant RCPD Director Kurt Moldrup says police see increased calls for service in Aggieville and at other bars after midnight, leading local officials to postpone allowing after-midnight service at bars to prevent risk to first responders. Moldrup says the recovery task force had pushed for an 11 p.m. cut-off previously.
“We’re trying to do this re-opening in a measured way that’s right for our community,” says Moldrup. “This isn’t speaking negatively of bars and businesses that are open after that time, we just want to do it in a measured way and we believe this is the responsible thing to do.”
This phase of re-opening is planned to last at least 14 days, at which point Moldrup says he anticipates the re-opening process to go from a trickle to wide open.
Additionally, Moldrup says they saw more gatherings over Memorial Day weekend and tells the community to expect larger gatherings to start occurring more frequently. He says that’s good from an economic standpoint, but the community will need to find a balance between economic recovery and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Honestly, whether we have COVID or not, that would be the message — let’s have those gatherings, let’s go to the bars, let’s do all these social activities in a responsible manner,” Moldrup says. “Now, part of that responsible manner is maintaining that social distancing, being conscious of good hygiene.”
He also encouraged residents to vote with their feet and not patronize businesses that are not keeping up with recommended health guidelines. Additionally, Moldrup says to shop local to help with the county’s economic recovery.
Gibbs, Moldrup and Adams thanked the community for its patience and adherence to local orders and guidelines amid rapidly changing conditions. Gibbs further thanked numerous people involved in the pandemic response effort, from the Emergency Operations Center staff to first responders and local health professionals.
“Along with the recovery of the economy,” Gibbs says, “I hope families and individuals can mend as well.”
Gibbs says the health department and EOC will continue to provide community support as regular live updates conclude.
Exhibiting symptoms? Call the screening line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (785) 323-6400.
COVID-19 questions can be emailed to RileyCountyCOVID19@gmail.com.
Business-related coronavirus questions can be emailed to info@Manhattan.org.
Mental health and coping resources can be found at Pawnee.org.
Original:
Riley County has confirmed one new positive COVID-19 case, bringing the total number of active case to eight.
The new case involves a 52-year-old male.
So far, there have been a total of 64 positive cases, 55 recoveries, 139 pending test results, 923 test results and one death in Riley County.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital has zero COVID-19 patients and Persons Under Investigation.
A live update will be available on the Riley County Health Department’s Facebook page today at 4:15 p.m.
Statewide, Kansas has had over 9,300 positive cases, over 75,000 negative test results, about 820 hospitalizations and 205 deaths.
