November wasn’t kind to the Manhattan area in terms of new coronavirus cases reported locally.
The Riley County Health Department on Monday confirmed 145 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, while also adding 251 people to the recovered list. There are currently 330 active cases including 10 positive patients are receiving care at Ascension Via Christi hospital. At least one positive patient and two others under investigation for the virus are in the intensive care unit.
While the numbers may fluctuate, the health department is confirming more than 1,500 new cases were added in Riley County during the month of November. That’s 40 percent of the total (3,709) cases in the county since the pandemic began in March. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says there is indication of widespread community spread, meaning you should assume you will come into contact with the virus anytime you’re in public. If you have any symptoms of illness, you should stay home and contact the Riley County Screening Line or your doctor for advice.
November also saw four Riley County residents die from COVID-19 complications. In total, Riley County has tallied 15 COVID-19 related deaths.
Free testing also increased in the month of November, which also led to the largest increase in a single reporting period on Nov. 23 when 271 new cases were confirmed.
Starting Monday, the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) is now reporting outbreaks by category instead of individually. This is consistent with reporting from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and will allow for direct comparison of local and state data.
