Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – September 2, 2020

The link to today’s briefing can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZmxMH2DAA

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon September 2, 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 Health Department expects to begin phasing in saliva testing next week with certain sectors such as long-term care facilities.
• More than 80,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 in Sedgwick County and 65 residents were scheduled to be tested at the SCHD drive-through site this morning.
  • The SCHD offers no-cost testing of symptomatic residents and people working in certain high-risk professions.
  • Next day appointments can be made by calling United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1.
  • With the new results portal implemented, patients are now able to access test results as early as three days after sampling.

• 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 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. next week. 
• Tuesday, September 8 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1601 S. Main St., Wichita, KS 67213
• Wednesday, September 9 at Park City – location to be determined

Sedgwick County Updates

• Sedgwick County has spent about $10.2 million in CARES funding since the beginning of March.
• Over the past two weeks, funding has increased for temporary contracts, disinfecting wipes for the organization, EMS supplies, payroll, cleaning services, and technology and software.
• Today Commissioners approved a request for $149,000 to purchase a whole body scanner for the Sheriff’s Office. The body scanner enables social distancing by significantly limiting physical contact between Sheriff’s Office staff and persons entering the facilities.

• The Sedgwick County Virtual Town Hall Meeting with Local Physicians will begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3.
  • Watch it live on Sedgwick County’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
• Small businesses that have had a disruption in business may be eligible for a safe operating grant from Sedgwick County.
  • Applications and information can be found here.
  • The deadline to apply for this funding is September 11, 2020.
• Local public healthcare and social service providers that have had unexpected expenses due to COVID-19 may apply for reimbursements.
  • Applications and information can be found here.
  • The deadline to apply for this funding is September 20, 2020.
  • Examples of eligible COVID-19 related expenses include: establishing and operating public telemedicine capabilities for COVID-19 related treatment; acquisition and distribution of medical and protective supplies; expenses for disinfection of public areas and other facilities.
• The current Emergency Public Health Order is in effect until at least midnight Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

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.