Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – October 28, 2020

 COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon October 28, 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 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 SCHD 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 on the dates listed below. 
• Thursday, October 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Colwich Fire Department, 116 N. Third, Colwich
• Friday, October 30 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Madison Avenue Central Park Pavilion, 512 E. Madison, Derby
• Saturday, October 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 W. 21^st St. N., Wichita
• Tuesday, November 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at YMCA Garvey Sport Center, 1410 S. Glendale St, Wichita

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Wednesday, December 9.
  • This order allows schools the discretion to be exempted from wearing face masks for students in kindergarten classes.
  • Bars, night clubs, and other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can stay open until 1 a.m. These establishments are able to operate at 50 percent of the fire code capacity.
• During its special meeting the Board of County Commissioners discussed CARES funding.

• Time is running out for public health and social services organizations to apply for CARES funding. The portal for non-profits to apply for funding is available for other, health or social services organizations.
• Commissioners approved two agreements with Wichita State University related to its molecular diagnostics lab.
• Eight different public health and social services agencies were awarded a total of $324,000.
• More than $1 million in safe operating grants have been distributed to 238 applicants.
• The safe operating grant portal will be reopened until funds are exhausted or until November 30, 2020.
• In total, Sedgwick County has spent roughly $40 million related to COVID-19.
• So far, the County has spent $34.5 million from the CARES Act. More than half of the $12 million increase is related to COMCARE for staff to provide services to residents. Additional funds are for Plexiglas installation in courtrooms and support to allow INTRUST Bank Arena to safely reopen for events.  
• Commissioners approved $100,000 to continue the County’s public service announcement campaign focusing on healthy behaviors, CARES funding, and safe holiday planning.

• An off-agenda item related to the Board of County Commissioners was discussed. 
• Commissioners adopted a Resolution to censure Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, II and request that he resign from his position as County Commissioner.

• Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day - Tuesday, November 3.  We need your help to ensure that everyone has a healthy and safe voting experience at the polls. Here are some ways you can help:
  • If you have symptoms or if you’ve been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, please do not enter the polling site. Please contact the Election Office for your voting options.
  • Wash your hands
  • Wear a mask or face covering if you are able
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between you and others
  • Follow the Election Workers’ instructions
  • Respect the rights and space of other voters and the Election workers

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.