Two additional COVID-19 outbreaks have been identified in Riley County.
The Riley County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday that the first is associated with the Phi Delta Theta fraternity in Manhattan, where 13 fraternity members have tested positive. The second outbreak is associated with the Blue Valley USD 384 district office in Randolph. A total of seven people including staff members and school board members have tested positive. Six of those patients are Riley County residents.
The health department has instructed fraternity members and managers to follow deep cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as quarantine for anyone who had been in close contact with those positive patients, defined as more than 10 minutes spent less than six-feet apart.
Several USD 384 buildings and common areas have been closed so those areas can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Staff members who work in school buildings which remain open have been asked to stay in their rooms and continue to follow health safety practices.
Superintendent John Cox in a statement said that because they can isolate locations where staff have been, those areas can be deep cleaned. Athletic practices will continue as long as it is safe to do so. Coaches are asked to continue with the safety protocols and procedures they have been using.”
Blue Valley Schools are projected to begin classes Aug. 26. The district has not yet announced whether this start date will be pushed back.
