The Riley County Health Department confirmed close to 200 new COVID positive cases in its Wednesday report.
Health officials say 199 new positive cases have been reported since Monday, bringing the county total to 4,917 cases, 353 of which are active. The county also saw 87 additional recoveries, totaling 4,544.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital is caring for 16 positive patients, it’s highest number of hospitalizations for COVID patients since the pandemic began. Four are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
A second round of vaccinations were being administered Wednesday, with roughly 500 vaccinations expected by the end of the day. Vaccines are currently being given to healthcare providers, EMS staff, first responders, some health department staff, and a few critical infrastructure staff who are most at risk. Public vaccinations won’t be available likely until spring.
The health department also says free saliva-based testing held at CiCo park will close 30 minutes early both Thursday and Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. Testing will not be available Friday, New Year’s Day.
