Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – December 16, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon December 16, 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

• The SCHD offers no-cost testing for residents, regardless of symptoms.

• Same day afternoon appointments are available if residents dial (316) 660-1022 and are reached by Health Department staff before noon.
• Residents may receive their results in four to six days.  The Health Department will make three attempts to reach residents with their results.
  • If you receive a voicemail or missed call from the Health Department please call back in order to receive your results. 
  • For the quickest response please call (316)660-1022 and listen for the prompt to leave a message for the results department. 
• Walk-in testing will be regularly available at the Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 W. 21^st, Wichita, 67205 for saliva, NP, and oral PCR, Monday through Friday- 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. No appointment is required.
  • Walk-in sampling will not be offered by the Sedgwick County Health Department Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, December 27 due to the Christmas holiday.

• The SCHD Mobile Outreach Team will also provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for residents with or without symptoms on the dates listed below.  No appointment is required.
• Thursday, December 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Colwich Fire Department, 116 N. Third, Colwich
• Monday, December 21 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at University Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita

Sedgwick County Updates

• Four social services entities were awarded a total of $608,254.
• So far, $5.2 million in safe operating grants have been distributed to local businesses and nonprofits.
• An additional payment to reimburse startup costs of the WSU molecular diagnostics lab was approved, bringing the total paid to $3.9 million.
• Sedgwick County has spent $64 million for the response and recovery from COVID-19.
• County CARES funding expenses total $54.2 million.
• Of that, $35.2 million was used for County needs (increases from last week include family first coronavirus aid relief leave, personnel, saliva testing lab fees, cleaning services, and a single audit).
• The spending plan was revised to reflect the actual spending and future needs.

Newly Identified COVID-19 Clusters
A cluster is considered two or more positive cases linked to the same location at the same timeframe. In order to promote transparency during this pandemic, a list of clusters in adult care homes, and clusters where not all close contacts are identified.

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.

Please direct all questions from media to Strategic Communications at (316) 660-9370 or communications@sedgwick.gov.