Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – October 14, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon October 14, 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 Sedgwick County Health Department’s drive-through sample site will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 17.
  • Residents can be tested at no cost for COVID-19 by appointment regardless of symptoms. Appointments can be made by dialing United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1. Walk-ins will not be allowed on Saturday.
• Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) staff will take nasopharyngeal (NP) swab and saliva specimens at the drive-through sampling site (DTSS) at the following hours:

• 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.

• Over 120,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Sedgwick County.
  • The SCHD offers no-cost testing of symptomatic residents, contacts of COVID-19 positive people, and people working in certain high-risk professions.
  • Same day afternoon appointments are available if residents dial 2-1-1 United Way of the Plains and are reached by Health Department staff before noon.
  • Residents may receive their results in four to six days.

• 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 at the below dates and times.
• From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 15 at Haysville Community Building, 130 E. 2^nd St. South, Haysville

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Wednesday, October 21.

• There was a discussion of the CARES Act.
• The portal for non-profits to apply for funding is reopened and available for other, health or social services organizations.
• Roughly $6 million is still available to community organizations.
• More than $11 million has been approved for public health and social services agencies.
• The safe operating grant portal is open to businesses and to other non-profits, not related to social services or public health.
• Businesses and non-profits are able to pick up PPE kits at no cost from Sedgwick County.
• Information about the kits and a request form can be found here.
• Commissioners voted to delay a contract with WSU for the molecular lab for a special meeting later this week.
• So far, Sedgwick County has spent almost $27 million related to COVID-19; of that, almost $22 million comes from CARES funds.
• Commissioners approved a lease for space at the Epic Center for additional staff related to the County’s COVID-19 response.
• Commissioners discussed an off-agenda item related to CARES funding in Topeka.
• Commissioners will review a request from the Wichita Regional Chamber to sign a letter to KDHE in support of testing and testing conducted by WSU.

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.