Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – September 30, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon September 30, 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

• All seven of the newly reported deaths on the dashboard occurred in late August or early September and were over the age of 60.
• 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 105,000 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.
  • Appointments can be made by calling United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1.
  • 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 1 at University United Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita, 67220
• From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 3 at the Mid-America All Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca, Wichita, 67203

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Wednesday, October 21.
• The portal for businesses to apply for a $5,000 safe operating grant can be accessed at https://sedgwickcares.force.com/Application/s/smallbusinessgrant.  
  • Any business may be eligible for a maximum of $5,000 in grants per business.
  • The deadline to apply for this funding is October 7, 2020.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are now available for request by businesses located within Sedgwick County. Eligible businesses may submit a request form by October 7, 2020. Forms may be submitted here: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/cares-funding/ppe-supply-kit-request/.
• There is no cost associated with kits – funding was allocated by the Board of County Commissioners from the CARES Act funding from the State.
• Retail stores and restaurants may request face shields and additional disposable face masks.
• PPE kits will be available for pick up at various locations around Sedgwick County the week of October 12-16, 2020.
• So far, Sedgwick County has spent $25 million for staff, resources, and supplies to help fight COVID-19.  
• $20,434,691 is from the County’s direct allocation of CARES funding – this is up $130,000 over last week – mostly due to purchase of equipment to outfit the EMS rapid response vehicles, installation of sneeze shields in county facilities, and orders of gloves and cloth masks for County staff
• $2,928,703 is from the State’s allocation of its CARES funding to SGCO; this is for the PPE kits
• $241,584 of the Election Office’s allocation from the Secretary of State’s $420,000 award for SGCO
• The remainder is in the County’s General Fund and Fire District General Fund – no change from last week
• The Stimulus Review Team met on Monday and Tuesday to review public health and social service applications. The team will meet again Thursday with the intent to have recommendations ready for the October 7 Commission meeting.
• During the October 7 meeting, Commissioners are expected to discuss options for distributing the additional school funding that was allocated and approve agreements associated with the workforce development programs that were approved last week.

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.