Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – November 18, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon November 18, 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

• Regular hours at the drive-through sampling site for NP swab and saliva specimens are as follows:
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday – 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 7 p.m.
• The drive-through sampling site will be closed for Thanksgiving November 26 and 27 but sampling will be available Saturday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

• 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.
  • Priority for testing will be given to people with symptoms and those who are in the following priority asymptomatic groups: public works employees, people working in in-person classrooms of preK to 12th grade students, healthcare workers (including hospital, clinic, long-term care, hospice, and home health), first responders, law enforcement, detention facility workers, Direct Support Professionals, or people who work in residential living facilities.
  • People in the priority asymptomatic group can be tested weekly. Other asymptomatic persons can be tested once.
  • Residents may receive their results in four to six days.

• The SCHD Mobile Outreach Team will provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for residents with or without symptoms on the dates listed below.  
• Thursday, November 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Colwich Fire Department, 116 N. Third, Colwich
• Monday, November 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Haysville Community Center, 130 E. 2^nd St. S, Haysville
• Tuesday, November 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Derby Madison Park Pavilion, 512 E. Madison Ave, Derby

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Thursday, December 31.
• This order puts more restrictions in place as well as an enforcement mechanism.
• The portal for non-profits to apply for funding is available for other, health or social services organizations. Organizations have days to apply for funding.
• The safe operating grant portal is open until funds are exhausted or until November 30, 2020. 
• Wesley Medical Center presented an off-agenda item about a potential crisis if projections are correct that show nearly double patient counts.
• Commissioners asked the County Manager to work with the local health officer on a new emergency local health order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community by having stricter guidance.
• The County’s quarterly financial report was presented.
• Local unemployment numbers are improving
• The County has had consistent activity in the third quarter.
• Non-budgeted expenditures related to COVID-19 continue to increase.
• The CARES discussion was deferred until the next special Board of County Commission meeting.

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 will 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.