Riley County health officials have confirmed two additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the pandemic total for the county to 22.
The first patient, a 79-year-old man died Dec. 30 after testing positive earlier in December. The second patient, an 82-year-old man died Saturday after testing positive just three days prior.
The health department also confirmed 116 new positive cases and 184 additional recoveries since its previous report last Wednesday.
As of Monday, Ascension Via Christi was caring for 14 positive patients and one person under investigation. Four of those positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit. Riley County has 283 active cases.
Nearly 500 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered to hospital and long-term care facilities, EMS and other front line workers. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says they are hoping to wrap up phase one by the end of January.
“We are still working to get through that health care sector, that’s a big priority. It is a little tough right now as we don’t even know when our next shipment is coming in, or how many vaccines we’ll be getting,” she said.
It’s uncertain when phase two will begin. It will include vaccines for health care, first responders, and critical infrastructure employees, including K-12 teachers, staff and bus drivers, as well as licensed child care providers and public transportation workers. The phases are outlined below.
Phase 1:
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Hospitals and Long-term care facilities
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
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Health Department Staff Most at Risk of Catching or Spreading the Virus (swab site/vaccination site workers)
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Urgent Care Services
Phase 2:
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Healthcare, first responders, and critical infrastructure
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Priority 1 – Primary Care Offices and Respiratory Therapy
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Priority 2: Surgical and Radiological
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Priority 3: Physical Therapy
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Priority 4: Optometrist and Dental
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Priority 5: Pediatric, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and other
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K-12 Education (teachers, bus drivers, staff members)
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Licensed Child Care providers and preschools, RCHD home visitors, etc.
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Frontline Behavioral Health and Social Services
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Public Transportation
