Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – August 5, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count

Confirmed cases as of noon August 5, 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 results from nasopharyngeal (NP) confirmed COVID-19 cases; the KDHE dashboard shows results from NP tests (confirmed cases) and IgM antibody tests and antigen tests if linked to a confirmed case.

Sedgwick County COVID-19 Case Count

**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

• More than 58,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 in Sedgwick County and 241 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.
  • Please call United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1 if you think you should be tested for the disease or if you have general questions about it.
• Sedgwick County COVID-19 website reminders:
  • A document for businesses is on the testing page of the Sedgwick County COVID-19 website. The document describes the process for disease investigations, and isolation and quarantine of employees.
  • Recovery/reopening metrics are available on the Sedgwick County website
• Tomorrow from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. the Mobile Outreach Team will be at the Colwich Fire Department for no cost COVID-19 testing.
  • Appointments are not needed and the team is testing only symptomatic residents, or contacts of COVID-19 positive people, or people in certain high-risk professions.

Sedgwick County Updates

• So far, Sedgwick County has spent $7.9 million on COVID-19 related services and items.
  • Of that total, $6.5 million has been funded with Federal CARES funding.  That’s up $250,000 from last week.
  • The increase is due to sterilization of the Main Courthouse, Historic Courthouse, and Public Safety Building; orders for testing swabs and supplies; technology for remote work, as well as technology and operating supplies that were ordered for the new employees that have started with the Health Department.
• On July 24, the business needs survey closed. The County received 140 responses, identifying $10.6 million in needs. The three highest priorities for businesses include:

1) PPE and other protective measures;

2) costs to adjust the way service are delivered; and

3) technology to change the way services are delivered. 

• In response, we are putting together a proposal for a program that would spend the $9.3 million we received from the State’s CARES allocation toward these priorities. This plan will be presented to the Commission on August 12.
• There will be a special meeting for the second budget hearing related to the 2021 Recommended Budget at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 10.
  • Residents who wish to make a comment in person about the budget may attend the meeting that evening at the main courthouse, 525 N. Main, third floor. 
  • Residents may also comment on the 2021 Recommended Budget online at sedgwickcounty.org until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.
  • Commissioners are expected to adopt the 2021 budget during their regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12.

Prevention Measures

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Maintain social distancing – keep at least six feet of space between you and others who are not in your household
• Wear a face mask/covering if social distancing is not an option
• Cover all coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you are ill

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.