Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – December 23, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon December 23, 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

• Walk-in sampling will not be offered by the Sedgwick County Health Department Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, December 27 and Thursday, December 31 through January 3, 2020 due to the Christmas and New Years holidays.
• The County will not update its COVID-19 dashboard on Friday, Dec. 25 and there will not be a COVID-19 update that day.
• Open testing centers can be found on the Sedgwick County Testing Locator
• The Health Department received its first allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week and began vaccinating EMS crews and front line Health Department staff per state and federal guidelines.
• No-cost, walk-in testing is be regularly available for residents, regardless of symptoms, through the Health Department Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. No appointment is required.

o   Operations will take place at the Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 W. 21^st St., Wichita, 67205 for saliva, NP, and oral PCR tests.

o   Results are generally available within 18 to 36 hours.  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. 

Sedgwick County Updates

• The local health order is currently in place through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2021.
• It includes a mass gathering limit of 25 people and mask wearing requirements.
• CARES funding must be spent by Dec. 30, 2020.

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.