Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – September 9, 2020

The link to today’s briefing can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs2GwbZ8ylI

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon September 9, 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

• Health Department staff will take nasopharyngeal (NP) swab specimens at the drive-through sampling site this week at the following hours:
  • Thursday 9/10 - 2 to 7 p.m
  • Friday 9/11 - 9 a.m. to noon
• Next week, Health Department staff will take nasopharyngeal (NP) swab specimens at the drive-through sampling site at the following hours:
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hour break for lunch)
  • Tuesday and Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (hour break for lunch)
• Health Department expects to begin phasing in saliva testing next week which includes one pilot test at the SCHD drive-through sampling site (DTSS) before more implementation at the DTSS the week of September 21.
• Nearly 85,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 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.
  • 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. 
• Monday, September 14 at Islamic Society of Wichita at 6655 E. 31st St. N., Wichita, 67226
• Thursday, September 17 at Christ Lutheran Church at 5356 N. Hillside, Wichita, 67219

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current Emergency Public Health Order is in effect until at least midnight, Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
• 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.

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.