Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – October 7, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon October 7, 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

• So far, the Health Department has identified a cluster of 19 cases of COVID-19 at Derby High School.
• 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 115,000 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 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 8 at Pathway Church Westlink, 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita.
• From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13 at Colonial Heights Church, 5200 S. Broadway Ave., Wichita.

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Wednesday, October 21.
• Nearly 1,000 applications have been received for a safe operating grant.
• Commissioners voted to open the safe operating grant portal to other non-profits, not related to social services or public health.
• The portal for PPE Kit reservations remains open and is open to non-profit organizations. Distribution will begin Monday at various locations.
• Non-profits are also able to request PPE kits through Sedgwick County.
• Commissioners approved funding agreements with WSU Tech, Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, and Friends University for training opportunities for laid-off workers.
• So far, Sedgwick County has spent more than $21 million in CARES funds.
  • $13.2 million has been used to support County needs: hero pay, temp positions, testing, court technology, temporary positions, and PPE.
  • More than $8 million was provided to K-12 schools and cities which is half of the total allocations to cities and all the funding allocated to schools.
  • $241,000 through CARES HAVA funds has been used for additional ballot boxes, voting site PPE, and cleaning and operating supplies for the Election Office.
• An additional $1.5 million will be divided between school districts that originally applied for CARES funding on a per-pupil basis.

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.