Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – August 24, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon August 24, 2020
U.S. cases – Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Kansas and counties cases – Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Sedgwick County cases – Sedgwick County Health Department

 *Sedgwick County’s data reflects people who test positive with nasopharyngeal (NP) swab molecular testing (confirmed COVID-19 cases). The KDHE dashboard differs because it also includes people who are IgM antibody test or antigen test positive if they are linked to a confirmed case or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Sedgwick County Health Department Update

• Nearly 72,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 in Sedgwick County and 118 residents were scheduled to be tested at the SCHD drive-through site this morning.
  • The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost testing of symptomatic residents and people working in certain high-priority professions.
  • Next day appointments can be made by calling United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1.
  • With the new results portal implemented, patients are now able to access test results as early as three days after sampling.

• The Mobile Outreach Team will provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for symptomatic residents, contacts of COVID-19 positive people, or people in certain high-risk professions from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the following days. 
• Wednesday, August 26 at Tabernacle Bible Church, 1817 N. Volutsia, Wichita, KS 67214
• Monday, August 31 at The Bridge Church, 2328 E. 13^th St. North, Wichita, KS 67214

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current Emergency Public Health Order requires restaurant, bars, and nightclubs to operate at 50 percent of its fire code capacity and close daily at 11 p.m. but may continue carryout or curbside services.
  • Groups should still maintain six feet of space between other groups at these establishments.
  • Masks or face coverings are also required in public spaces however, children age five and younger are not required to wear a mask.
  • This order is in effect until at least midnight Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
• The small business grant application is now live and can be accessed at https://sedgwickcares.force.com/Application/s/smallbusinessgrant  
  • Small businesses with up to 50 employees may be eligible for a maximum of $5,000 in grants per business.
  • The deadline to apply for this funding is September 11, 2020.

Prevention Measures 

• Remember the three W’s to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often
  • Wear a mask or face covering
  • Watch your distance – keep six feet of space between you and others who are not in your household

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.

All questions from media should be directed to Communications at (316) 660-9370 or communications@sedgwick.gov.