Riley County saw many more coronavirus patients added to the recovery column Friday, in large part due to increased availability of contact tracers to conduct follow-up interviews.
Friday’s report showed 352 additional recoveries while also accounting for 73 new positive cases. The health department says with fewer new cases to call, contact tracing staff have been able to reach out to existing patients in order to confirm recovery. Most of the recovered patients in Friday’s report were diagnosed in mid-to-late August.
Patients are considered recovered when they meet the following criteria outlined by the CDC:
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
There are two positive patients being cared for at Ascension Via Christi.
Active cases now total 239, with 1,548 recovered, eight deaths and 1,795 total cases since March.
The health department, along with KDHE and the Kansas National Guard will offer another round of additional free testing on Oct. 1. The drive up swabbing stations will take place at Manhattan City Park from 7 to 10 a.m. and in Leonardville from 5 to 7 p.m at 401 Chase Street.
Health officials remind people coming to get tested to wear a mask and follow traffic signs at the testing locations. The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition will provide free food to participants.
