Sedgwick County COVID-19 Daily Update – May 13, 2020

Please view the video report briefing here: https://youtu.be/WJCatVd-Pq0

• The increase in cases reported today is related to a cluster at the Wichita Work Release Facility, 401 S. Emporia St. It was previously stated the cluster was due to residents in a Lansing Correctional Facility. 

COVID-19 Overall Case Count

Confirmed cases as of noon May 13, 2020

U.S. cases - Johns Hopkins University & Medicine

Kansas and counties cases - Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Sedgwick County cases - Sedgwick County Health Department

Sedgwick County COVID-19 Case Count

⁺There are two duplicates recorded in data from KDHE and other confirmed cases may not be reflected in KDHE numbers.

*A person is considered recovered from COVID-19 72 hours after symptoms stop or 10 days after symptoms start, whichever is longer.

Sedgwick County Health Department Update

• The increase in cases reported today is related to a cluster at the Wichita Work Release Facility, 401 S. Emporia St. It was previously stated the cluster was due to residents in a Lansing Correctional Facility. 
• Residents can be tested at no cost, regardless of insurance, if they have at least two symptoms of COVID-19. There are no restrictions on age or underlying condition.
  • Please call United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1 if you think you should be tested for the disease.
  • General questions about COVID-19 should be directed to United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1.
  • For up-to-date information, please visit sedgwickcounty.org.
• KDHE reports that more than 7,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 in Sedgwick County.  The Health Department scheduled nearly 70 people today for our drive through site.

Sedgwick County Updates

• Today, Commissioners approved a local Health and Economic Recovery Plan.
  • The Plan includes guidance and recommendations to increase economic functions and aspects of social life that have been limited such as best practices for business and industries in terms of employee and customer health and safety and general guidelines for individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones and neighbors.
  • It can be found online at sedgwickcounty.org.
• Current orders in place:
  • Phase 1 of the Ad Astra plan to reopen the state began May 4 and may end no sooner than May 18, per Governor Kelly.
  • Certain businesses and organizations are allowed to reopen in Sedgwick County if they following social distancing and hygiene standards set by the Governor’s order. 
  • All questions and clarifications about the Order be directed to the Governor’s Office at (785) 368-8500. Do not call 9-1-1 if you have questions or concerns about the Executive Order.
  • Please visit sedgwickcounty.org to view the latest order and guidelines for businesses and organizations.
• Residents who wish to do business with the County and departments closed to the public (Appraiser’s Office, MABCD) may conduct their business by phone, email, or by appointment only.

 Prevention Measures

• Stay home
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover all coughs and sneezes
• Maintain social distancing – keep six feet of space between you and others
• Limit public gatherings to 10 people or less

 Face Mask Guidance

• KDHE notes that homemade masks may be another tool along with the above prevention measures to keep people from unknowingly spreading the virus. 
• Use this acronym when considering safe homemade mask use:
  • Multi-layered, tightly-woven 100% Cotton.
    • Use a thread count of 180 or higher. Don’t buy surgical or N95 masks.
  • Avoid your face and remove it from behind.
    • Never touch the front of the mask, and always remove it from behind your head.
  • Scrap it if it’s damaged, soiled, or doesn’t fit.
    • Make sure it’s breathable and fits snug. Don’t use it while it’s damp, wet, or dirty.
  • Keep the mask and your hands clean.
    • Wash your hands before you put the mask on/after you take it off. Wash or dispose the mask after every use.

Mental Health Support

• COMCARE of Sedgwick County is offering a Support Line for individuals who may be experiencing an elevation in mental health symptoms.
• Individuals may call (316) 660-1111 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• They’ll receive resources, coping skill ideas, and encouragement to keep doing what they need to do to stay healthy, emotionally and physically.
• Residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis should call (316) 660-7500.

Donation Requests

• If you are a business and would like to offer support/ donations to keep our public safety and healthcare workers safe, there is a list of ongoing needs at our website, sedgwickcounty.org.
• Contact Sedgwick County Emergency Management at (316) 660-5959 to donate.

All questions from media should be directed to Public Information Officer Kate Flavin at (316) 660-9370 or kate.flavin@sedgwick.gov.