The COVID-19 testing site at 375 Grant Avenue in Junction City will be closed on Wednesday due to anticipated high winds. Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the facility will be closed on Friday, Christmas Day, as well.

Visit www.tourhealth.com to reschedule any testing appointments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608735484223.jpeg" alt="Photo - Geary County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo - Geary County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>The COVID-19 testing site at 375 Grant Avenue in Junction City will be closed on Wednesday due to anticipated high winds. Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the facility will be closed on Friday, Christmas Day, as well.Visit www.tourhealth.com to reschedule any testing appointments.

Anticipated high winds lead to closure of COVID-19 testing site

Geary County health officials have reported one more death with COVID-19, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 11.

County health said there 12 new positive cases on Tuesday and 14 recovered cases. There are 130 active cases in the county. Nine people were hospitalized on Tuesday, up two from Monday.

Geary County health officials have reported one more death with COVID-19, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 11.County health said there 12 new positive cases on Tuesday and 14 recovered cases. There are 130 active cases in the county. Nine people were hospitalized on Tuesday, up two from Monday.

COVID-19 claims one more life in Geary County

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Geary County Health Department released a statement regarding COVID-19 vaccines and their availability to the public.&nbsp;

In the release, the Health Department stated that they have received numerous calls from the public asking about the COVID-19 vaccine and when immunizations can take place.

The GCHS received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the state, but in accordance with the direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Geary County EMS personnel and their staff who are in direct contact with the Health Department will be provided with their vaccinations first.&nbsp;Then, immunizations will be offered to other healthcare personnel in the community.&nbsp;

The GCHD has received a limited supply, but as more vaccine becomes available, more immunizations will be offered in accordance with the CDC and KDHE's Vaccine Plan.

An allocation of the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be sent to the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program to provide vaccines to long-term care residents and staff. This program is coordinated between the federal government and CVS/Walgreens to provide long-term care facilities with immunizations.

More information on the COVID-19 Vaccine Update and the Vaccination Plan can be found <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/284/COVID-19-Vaccine">here.</a>

Continued updates will be provided to the public concerning the vaccine, immunizations, and when they will be available to the general public.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Geary County Health Department released a statement regarding COVID-19 vaccines and their availability to the public.&nbsp;In the release, the Health Department stated that they have received numerous calls from the public asking about the COVID-19 vaccine and when immunizations can take place.The GCHS received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the state, but in accordance with the direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Geary County EMS personnel and their staff who are in direct contact with the Health Department will be provided with their vaccinations first.&nbsp;Then, immunizations will be offered to other healthcare personnel in the community.&nbsp;The GCHD has received a limited supply, but as more vaccine becomes available, more immunizations will be offered in accordance with the CDC and KDHE's Vaccine Plan.An allocation of the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be sent to the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program to provide vaccines to long-term care residents and staff. This program is coordinated between the federal government and CVS/Walgreens to provide long-term care facilities with immunizations.More information on the COVID-19 Vaccine Update and the Vaccination Plan can be found <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/284/COVID-19-Vaccine">here.</a>Continued updates will be provided to the public concerning the vaccine, immunizations, and when they will be available to the general public.&nbsp;

Geary County Health Department Releases Vaccination Update

By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-12-21/faq-answering-your-questions-about-the-coronavirus-vaccines-as-inoculations-roll-out-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Hospitals across the Kansas have started vaccinating frontline health care workers against COVID-19. 

Public
 health officials have said a widely available vaccine will ultimately 
control the pandemic that has killed more than 7,000 people across 
Kansas and Missouri. 

As the vaccines become available to the general public, <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/" target="_blank">America Amplified</a> is gathering and curating answers from experts to questions on the minds of public radio listeners across the country.

There
 are different companies producing coronavirus vaccines. Will all of 
them require people to get two doses? And do they need two doses of the 
same vaccine? How will people avoid getting two different vaccines? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The
 two current vaccines each require 2 doses. Other vaccines are being 
studied; one of them is a single dose vaccine. You do need to have two 
doses of the same vaccine. Ideally you should visit the same health 
practioner who will be keeping a record of who is vaccinated with which 
vaccine.

I am 65 and live in a 55-plus community. When do you feel I can realistically expect to be able to get the vaccine? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The
 determining factor will be your age, not your community. You’ll be in 
the second or third group to receive a vaccine, likely by sometime this 
spring. We know healthcare providers are first, and then residents of 
long-term care facilities. We are waiting on advice from the CDC 
Advisory committee on who should go next -- essential workers, or people
 who are 65 or older.

Does your visa status affect the chances of you getting the vaccine? From
 Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of University of Missouri-Kansas City 
Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

There are no restrictions on vaccine provisions to anyone on a visa.

What are the logistics for actually getting it to elderly with underlying issues? From Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of UMKC Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

CVS
 and Walgreens will be administering vaccines in senior living 
facilities. For those who cannot consent, relatives who have power of 
attorney can do so.

[What are the] side effects [from the vaccines] for people with underlying health issues. Do they even know? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.

Both
 [Pfizer and Moderna vaccines] use messenger RNA technology, a really 
novel vaccine platform. ...There still remain many questions to be 
answered as we go forward. At this juncture, we're only going to know 
about short-term side effects, but we need to know whether there are any
 potential rare, long-term side effects. Short-term side effects that we
 know of now appear in about 5% to 15% of participants. They include 
inflammation, soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, 
headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. These can last from 12 to 36 hours 
after vaccination.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

No. The COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna ... have been in <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599" target="_blank">development for about three decades</a>, but are only now being used for COVID-19. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html" target="_blank">According to the CDC</a>,
 mRNA vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein – or even just a 
piece of a protein – that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.
 That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects you 
from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

Do I still have to wear a mask once I have the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

Yes. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/12/12/945288710/what-you-need-to-know-as-the-first-covid-19-vaccine-heads-your-way" target="_blank">According to NPR’s Shots</a>,
 studies of the new vaccines only measured whether vaccinated people 
developed symptoms, not whether they got infected. It's possible that 
they got mild infections — not enough to make them ill, but enough to 
pass the virus on to others. The CDC is calling for those who are 
immunized to continue wearing masks and practicing safe physical 
distancing until more is learned.

Is it safe for patients with
 autoimmune disease who take immunosuppressive medications to be 
vaccinated against COVID? Is it effective? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.

There's
 no doubt that we're going to have to look very carefully at data on 
both the safety and efficacy because that too can be impaired in 
immunocompromised individuals. The vaccines that are typically not 
recommended routinely for severely immunocompromised individuals are 
what we call attenuated viral vaccines, where we take the natural virus 
and make it weaker. And this is a very old way of making vaccines. But 
for example, our measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are attenuated 
viral vaccines. None of the front runners for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 are
 that type of vaccine. So I don't anticipate problems with safety ... 
but that will need to be studied going forward.

Do any of the manufacturers know if their vaccine is safe for people with HIV? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

It
 probably won't hurt, but it could help. The second vaccine in line -- 
the Moderna vaccine -- included a small study of people with HIV 
infection and we expect to see that data shortly. But in the meantime, 
if people with HIV are offered the Pfizer vaccine they should take it.

Will I have to pay for the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

No.
 Vaccine providers will be able to bill insurance for a fee to 
administer the vaccine, but will not be able to charge you. They can 
seek reimbursement for uninsured patients from the Health Resources and 
Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

This story was 
produced as part of America Amplified, a public media initiative funded 
by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.&nbsp;If you have a 
question about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, send an e-mail to 
news@kcur.org with the subject "KCUR Vaccine Question."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608581549882.jpg" alt="Pixabay image" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay image</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-12-21/faq-answering-your-questions-about-the-coronavirus-vaccines-as-inoculations-roll-out-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Hospitals across the Kansas have started vaccinating frontline health care workers against COVID-19. Public
 health officials have said a widely available vaccine will ultimately 
control the pandemic that has killed more than 7,000 people across 
Kansas and Missouri. As the vaccines become available to the general public, <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/" target="_blank">America Amplified</a> is gathering and curating answers from experts to questions on the minds of public radio listeners across the country.There
 are different companies producing coronavirus vaccines. Will all of 
them require people to get two doses? And do they need two doses of the 
same vaccine? How will people avoid getting two different vaccines? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.The
 two current vaccines each require 2 doses. Other vaccines are being 
studied; one of them is a single dose vaccine. You do need to have two 
doses of the same vaccine. Ideally you should visit the same health 
practioner who will be keeping a record of who is vaccinated with which 
vaccine.I am 65 and live in a 55-plus community. When do you feel I can realistically expect to be able to get the vaccine? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.The
 determining factor will be your age, not your community. You’ll be in 
the second or third group to receive a vaccine, likely by sometime this 
spring. We know healthcare providers are first, and then residents of 
long-term care facilities. We are waiting on advice from the CDC 
Advisory committee on who should go next -- essential workers, or people
 who are 65 or older.Does your visa status affect the chances of you getting the vaccine? From
 Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of University of Missouri-Kansas City 
Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory CommitteeThere are no restrictions on vaccine provisions to anyone on a visa.What are the logistics for actually getting it to elderly with underlying issues? From Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of UMKC Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory CommitteeCVS
 and Walgreens will be administering vaccines in senior living 
facilities. For those who cannot consent, relatives who have power of 
attorney can do so.[What are the] side effects [from the vaccines] for people with underlying health issues. Do they even know? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.Both
 [Pfizer and Moderna vaccines] use messenger RNA technology, a really 
novel vaccine platform. ...There still remain many questions to be 
answered as we go forward. At this juncture, we're only going to know 
about short-term side effects, but we need to know whether there are any
 potential rare, long-term side effects. Short-term side effects that we
 know of now appear in about 5% to 15% of participants. They include 
inflammation, soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, 
headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. These can last from 12 to 36 hours 
after vaccination.Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaNo. The COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna ... have been in <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599" target="_blank">development for about three decades</a>, but are only now being used for COVID-19. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html" target="_blank">According to the CDC</a>,
 mRNA vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein – or even just a 
piece of a protein – that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.
 That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects you 
from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.Do I still have to wear a mask once I have the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaYes. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/12/12/945288710/what-you-need-to-know-as-the-first-covid-19-vaccine-heads-your-way" target="_blank">According to NPR’s Shots</a>,
 studies of the new vaccines only measured whether vaccinated people 
developed symptoms, not whether they got infected. It's possible that 
they got mild infections — not enough to make them ill, but enough to 
pass the virus on to others. The CDC is calling for those who are 
immunized to continue wearing masks and practicing safe physical 
distancing until more is learned. Is it safe for patients with
 autoimmune disease who take immunosuppressive medications to be 
vaccinated against COVID? Is it effective? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.There's
 no doubt that we're going to have to look very carefully at data on 
both the safety and efficacy because that too can be impaired in 
immunocompromised individuals. The vaccines that are typically not 
recommended routinely for severely immunocompromised individuals are 
what we call attenuated viral vaccines, where we take the natural virus 
and make it weaker. And this is a very old way of making vaccines. But 
for example, our measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are attenuated 
viral vaccines. None of the front runners for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 are
 that type of vaccine. So I don't anticipate problems with safety ... 
but that will need to be studied going forward.Do any of the manufacturers know if their vaccine is safe for people with HIV? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.It
 probably won't hurt, but it could help. The second vaccine in line -- 
the Moderna vaccine -- included a small study of people with HIV 
infection and we expect to see that data shortly. But in the meantime, 
if people with HIV are offered the Pfizer vaccine they should take it.Will I have to pay for the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaNo.
 Vaccine providers will be able to bill insurance for a fee to 
administer the vaccine, but will not be able to charge you. They can 
seek reimbursement for uninsured patients from the Health Resources and 
Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.This story was 
produced as part of America Amplified, a public media initiative funded 
by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.&nbsp;If you have a 
question about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, send an e-mail to 
news@kcur.org with the subject "KCUR Vaccine Question."&nbsp;

Q&A about COVID-19 vaccines as inoculations roll out

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said Tuesday that the county health department has received its first shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the state. In accordance with state and federal direction they are working with Geary County EMS to provide vaccination to their personnel and the staff who are direct patient contacts at the Health Department.&nbsp; Immunizations will then be offered to other health care personnel in the community.

A limited supply of vaccine has been received and as more becomes available the county will offer immunizations according to a Vaccine Plan, explained Berges. "We're just trying to update the public when it's available. Right now it's available just for the healthcare people, long-term care facilities for the residents and the staff and that type of people right now."

A Pfizer allocation is going to the pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program to provide vaccines to long-term care residents and staff. This program is coordinated between the federal government and CVS/Walgreens to provide long-term care facilities with immunizations.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Vaccination Plan can be viewed at the attached link. https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/284/COVID-19-Vaccine.

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said Tuesday that the county health department has received its first shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the state. In accordance with state and federal direction they are working with Geary County EMS to provide vaccination to their personnel and the staff who are direct patient contacts at the Health Department.&nbsp; Immunizations will then be offered to other health care personnel in the community.A limited supply of vaccine has been received and as more becomes available the county will offer immunizations according to a Vaccine Plan, explained Berges. "We're just trying to update the public when it's available. Right now it's available just for the healthcare people, long-term care facilities for the residents and the staff and that type of people right now."A Pfizer allocation is going to the pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program to provide vaccines to long-term care residents and staff. This program is coordinated between the federal government and CVS/Walgreens to provide long-term care facilities with immunizations.The COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Vaccination Plan can be viewed at the attached link. https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/284/COVID-19-Vaccine.

Initial Moderna vaccine will go to EMS and healthcare personnel

Geary Community Hospital is treating seven people with COVID-19. Hospital officials announced via social media Tuesday morning that three of the seven patients are in the intensive care unit and all three are on a ventilator.

Over the weekend there were eight positive and 12 negative tests by the hospital.

Geary Community Hospital is treating seven people with COVID-19. Hospital officials announced via social media Tuesday morning that three of the seven patients are in the intensive care unit and all three are on a ventilator.Two tests are pending.Over the weekend there were eight positive and 12 negative tests by the hospital.

GCH is treating seven COVID-19 patients

Geary County health officials confirmed there has been another COVID-19 related death in the county, bringing the total to 10 since the pandemic began.&nbsp; Thirty new positive COVID-19 cases&nbsp; were reported on Monday, but there were 57 recoveries. There are 132 active cases in the county.&nbsp;

The Health Department reported that seven Geary County residents are hospitalized.

Geary County health officials confirmed there has been another COVID-19 related death in the county, bringing the total to 10 since the pandemic began.&nbsp; Thirty new positive COVID-19 cases&nbsp; were reported on Monday, but there were 57 recoveries. There are 132 active cases in the county.&nbsp;The Health Department reported that seven Geary County residents are hospitalized.

Health officials confirm one more COVID-19 related death in Geary County

Pottawatomie County health officials reported 36 new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday. There are 115 active cases in the county.

Currently there are seven people hospitalized.

Pottawatomie County health officials reported 36 new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday. There are 115 active cases in the county.Currently there are seven people hospitalized.

Pottawatomie county releases COVID-19 numbers

State 4-H program joins with Kansas Leadership Center to promote healthy communities&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – An ambitious group of Kansas 4-H members and adult volunteers recently took the bull by its proverbial horns in helping their communities cope with the ongoing grind of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

They are helping to lead local discussions on the challenges that people are facing during a time when they are staying at home more, seeing friends less and – in some cases – missing out on family gatherings.&nbsp;

Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a youth development specialist for community vitality, said the 4-H members’ efforts are part of the statewide program,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/ks-beats-the-virus/" target="_blank">Kansas Beats the Virus</a>, a public health partnership between the Kansas Leadership Center and the State of Kansas.&nbsp;

Throughout December, the Kansas Leadership Center is helping to fund groups to lead community meetings and inspire local solutions to keep Kansans healthy, schools and businesses open, and the economy strong.&nbsp;

The KLC set a goal to host 1,000 community meetings in December. As of the middle of the month, the organization reports 1,150 meeting commitments, and 209 action plans launched in Kansas communities.&nbsp;

In most instances, the KLC provides trained professional facilitators to guide local meetings. In the case of Kansas 4-H, however, the organization is lending a helping hand by providing youth and adult facilitators that have received training through its Community Conversations program.&nbsp;

“I think the KLC thought that was pretty amazing that we have these youth and adults that are trained in positive youth development and know how to facilitate community conversations,” Mestrovich Seay said.&nbsp;

According to Mestrovich Seay, 4-H youth and volunteers will help lead 20 community meetings by the end of December. Some ideas that have come from the conversations include volunteers making goodie bags for essential care workers – “including a handwritten ‘Thank You’ note,” she said – and promoting a social media hashtag encouraging people to stay connected at a distance.&nbsp;

“I think this was the perfect time to do this type of activity because morale is down, people are tired, it’s the holidays, and this is when we typically get to see family and friends, do caroling … (but) we aren’t going to be able to do those in the same way as we’ve done before,” Mestrovich Seay said.&nbsp;

“Youth are able to speak to the fact that they miss their friends, but that they want to stay safe and they want to be leaders in their community to promote healthy living,” she said. “I would say this activity not only created safer local environments, but also boosted morale. They are truly living out their 4-H pledge to pledge their health to better living.”&nbsp;

In some early meetings, Mestrovich Seay said it was “interesting to see first-hand what youth are really thinking about.”&nbsp;

“Some of them expressed worry about the fact that they could be asymptomatic and could carry or spread that to a high-risk family member, or to their grandparents or a very young sibling. To hear them speak so eloquently, in an educated way, about this virus, I was really impressed not only by the background information they had but also how they put their understanding into practice to stay safe and better their community.”&nbsp;

A growing number of 4-H youth continue to receive training in facilitating community conversations around many topics. Persons interested in hosting a conversation led by youth in their area can contact Mestrovich Seay by email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aliah@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aliah@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

State 4-H program joins with Kansas Leadership Center to promote healthy communities&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – An ambitious group of Kansas 4-H members and adult volunteers recently took the bull by its proverbial horns in helping their communities cope with the ongoing grind of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;They are helping to lead local discussions on the challenges that people are facing during a time when they are staying at home more, seeing friends less and – in some cases – missing out on family gatherings.&nbsp;Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a youth development specialist for community vitality, said the 4-H members’ efforts are part of the statewide program,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/ks-beats-the-virus/" target="_blank">Kansas Beats the Virus</a>, a public health partnership between the Kansas Leadership Center and the State of Kansas.&nbsp;Throughout December, the Kansas Leadership Center is helping to fund groups to lead community meetings and inspire local solutions to keep Kansans healthy, schools and businesses open, and the economy strong.&nbsp;The KLC set a goal to host 1,000 community meetings in December. As of the middle of the month, the organization reports 1,150 meeting commitments, and 209 action plans launched in Kansas communities.&nbsp;In most instances, the KLC provides trained professional facilitators to guide local meetings. In the case of Kansas 4-H, however, the organization is lending a helping hand by providing youth and adult facilitators that have received training through its Community Conversations program.&nbsp;“I think the KLC thought that was pretty amazing that we have these youth and adults that are trained in positive youth development and know how to facilitate community conversations,” Mestrovich Seay said.&nbsp;According to Mestrovich Seay, 4-H youth and volunteers will help lead 20 community meetings by the end of December. Some ideas that have come from the conversations include volunteers making goodie bags for essential care workers – “including a handwritten ‘Thank You’ note,” she said – and promoting a social media hashtag encouraging people to stay connected at a distance.&nbsp;“I think this was the perfect time to do this type of activity because morale is down, people are tired, it’s the holidays, and this is when we typically get to see family and friends, do caroling … (but) we aren’t going to be able to do those in the same way as we’ve done before,” Mestrovich Seay said.&nbsp;“Youth are able to speak to the fact that they miss their friends, but that they want to stay safe and they want to be leaders in their community to promote healthy living,” she said. “I would say this activity not only created safer local environments, but also boosted morale. They are truly living out their 4-H pledge to pledge their health to better living.”&nbsp;In some early meetings, Mestrovich Seay said it was “interesting to see first-hand what youth are really thinking about.”&nbsp;“Some of them expressed worry about the fact that they could be asymptomatic and could carry or spread that to a high-risk family member, or to their grandparents or a very young sibling. To hear them speak so eloquently, in an educated way, about this virus, I was really impressed not only by the background information they had but also how they put their understanding into practice to stay safe and better their community.”&nbsp;A growing number of 4-H youth continue to receive training in facilitating community conversations around many topics. Persons interested in hosting a conversation led by youth in their area can contact Mestrovich Seay by email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aliah@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aliah@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

4-H youth, volunteers leading local efforts to 'Beat the Virus'

WASHINGTON - On Saturday, U.S. Congressman and Senator-Elect Roger Marshall, M.D. received round one of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Office of the Attending Physician is distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to Members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch agencies in order to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations.

“This weekend, I received the first dosage of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. As a physician, I remain committed to ensuring access for those who want and need this vaccine,” said Rep. Marshall. “I commend President Trump for prioritizing vaccine development, and am grateful for all the top-notch researchers and scientists who have worked feverishly behind the scenes to get this vaccine safely and quickly into the arms of the American people. It is because of their diligence that I remain confident we will defeat this virus and return to life as normal very soon.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608571846124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON - On Saturday, U.S. Congressman and Senator-Elect Roger Marshall, M.D. received round one of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Office of the Attending Physician is distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to Members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch agencies in order to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations.“This weekend, I received the first dosage of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. As a physician, I remain committed to ensuring access for those who want and need this vaccine,” said Rep. Marshall. “I commend President Trump for prioritizing vaccine development, and am grateful for all the top-notch researchers and scientists who have worked feverishly behind the scenes to get this vaccine safely and quickly into the arms of the American people. It is because of their diligence that I remain confident we will defeat this virus and return to life as normal very soon.”

Marshall receives first COVID-19 vaccine shot

Pottawatomie County officials reported on Friday 57 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 94 active cases. there were 63 recovered cases.&nbsp;

The new number changes for cases dated from Dec. 14th.

Since the pandemic began Pottawatomie County official have confirmed 908 positive cases and 814 recovered cases.

There are six people hospitalized and a total of 32 have been hospitalized since the pandemic began. Three people have died.

Pottawatomie County officials reported on Friday 57 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 94 active cases. there were 63 recovered cases.&nbsp;The new number changes for cases dated from Dec. 14th.Since the pandemic began Pottawatomie County official have confirmed 908 positive cases and 814 recovered cases.There are six people hospitalized and a total of 32 have been hospitalized since the pandemic began. Three people have died.

Pottawatomie County updates COVID-19 numbers

Major General D.A. Sims noted this past week during a Fort Riley town hall that officials on the installation continue to see an upward trend in positive COVID-19 cases on the installation, and have for more than a month.&nbsp;

There was an uptick in cases over the Thanksgiving holiday, but it was not as high as it could have been. "I would just applaud you on your actions, your personal mitigation over the Thanksgiving holiday to help us not a much higher mark than we could have, "said Sims.

There were some COVID-19 mitigation adjustments on post ranging from a curfew&nbsp; for Soldiers and dining off-post was take out only. off-post fitness facilities were also off-limits to military personnel.&nbsp;

Sims provided a comparison with the situation that existed in World War Two beginning with the D-Day invasion and the ensuing movement across Europe. "This is the beginning of the end, but it is the beginning. If you think back to where the 1st Infantry Division was nearly 80 years ago in the English Channel getting ready to hit the beach at Omaha, that's where we are right now. The beach at Omaha is the location we're pressing out the vaccine. But after they landed at Omaha the 1st Division had to fight across Europe before they won the war. " 

Sims added with the vaccine still needing to be administered the mitigation measures must continue in place. "So just because we're starting the vaccine doesn't mean it's over. It means we're getting there. We've been on the defense now for 10 months and we are going on the offense now, and that's a big difference. " Sims added that the fight will be done as a team.

Major General D.A. Sims noted this past week during a Fort Riley town hall that officials on the installation continue to see an upward trend in positive COVID-19 cases on the installation, and have for more than a month.&nbsp;There was an uptick in cases over the Thanksgiving holiday, but it was not as high as it could have been. "I would just applaud you on your actions, your personal mitigation over the Thanksgiving holiday to help us not a much higher mark than we could have, "said Sims.There were some COVID-19 mitigation adjustments on post ranging from a curfew&nbsp; for Soldiers and dining off-post was take out only. off-post fitness facilities were also off-limits to military personnel.&nbsp;Sims provided a comparison with the situation that existed in World War Two beginning with the D-Day invasion and the ensuing movement across Europe. "This is the beginning of the end, but it is the beginning. If you think back to where the 1st Infantry Division was nearly 80 years ago in the English Channel getting ready to hit the beach at Omaha, that's where we are right now. The beach at Omaha is the location we're pressing out the vaccine. But after they landed at Omaha the 1st Division had to fight across Europe before they won the war. " Sims added with the vaccine still needing to be administered the mitigation measures must continue in place. "So just because we're starting the vaccine doesn't mean it's over. It means we're getting there. We've been on the defense now for 10 months and we are going on the offense now, and that's a big difference. " Sims added that the fight will be done as a team.

We're going on the offense against COVID-19

Current planning by USD 475 leaders calls for the return of on-site students to return to their brick and mortar schools on Jan. 4th following the winter break.

Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent of Schools, explained that the plan is for everyone to return to their school on Jan. 4. "The exception there being those students who are currently right now enrolled in remote learning classes. So that would be quite a few elementary school students who started the school year in their remote learning classes, and then any middle school or high school student that was enrolled in the remote learning. We will still have the remote learning platform."&nbsp;

Part of that plan would allow JCHS students who were required to undertake remote learning in December to return to the school building for classes on Jan. 4th.&nbsp;

During the holiday break District officials will meet and stay in touch with COVID-19 developments. Should a change in current planning become necessary due to a directive from the Health Department or the State of Kansas, the school district would have to follow that, said Sell. "Those would be the reasons that we would not be able to, and of course we would provide the why. We have no intention of just saying nope we're not coming back. We know that based on CDC recommendations and as well now the Kansas State Department of Education how important it is for kids to be in school and that's what we want on Jan. 4th."

Current planning by USD 475 leaders calls for the return of on-site students to return to their brick and mortar schools on Jan. 4th following the winter break.Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent of Schools, explained that the plan is for everyone to return to their school on Jan. 4. "The exception there being those students who are currently right now enrolled in remote learning classes. So that would be quite a few elementary school students who started the school year in their remote learning classes, and then any middle school or high school student that was enrolled in the remote learning. We will still have the remote learning platform."&nbsp;Part of that plan would allow JCHS students who were required to undertake remote learning in December to return to the school building for classes on Jan. 4th.&nbsp;During the holiday break District officials will meet and stay in touch with COVID-19 developments. Should a change in current planning become necessary due to a directive from the Health Department or the State of Kansas, the school district would have to follow that, said Sell. "Those would be the reasons that we would not be able to, and of course we would provide the why. We have no intention of just saying nope we're not coming back. We know that based on CDC recommendations and as well now the Kansas State Department of Education how important it is for kids to be in school and that's what we want on Jan. 4th."

Current planning calls for a return of brick and mortar students 

Geary County health officials on Friday reported one more COVID-19 death, bringing the county's total since the pandemic began to nine.

There were also 17 confirmed positive case and 21 recovered cases. There are 159 active cases and nine people are hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,023 confirmed positive cases and 849 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials on Friday reported one more COVID-19 death, bringing the county's total since the pandemic began to nine.There were also 17 confirmed positive case and 21 recovered cases. There are 159 active cases and nine people are hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 1,023 confirmed positive cases and 849 recovered cases.

Health Department confirms one more COVID-19 death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.

Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.

The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.

The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”

Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.

A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.

The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.

California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.

When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.

The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.

It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.

Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.

“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.

He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.

To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.

“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.

Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.

Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.

Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.

“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”

Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.

--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.

--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.

--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.

--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.

--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.

--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.

--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532144900.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.The FDA’s main messages:--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.___

2nd shot: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.&nbsp;

Since the last report, there have been 57 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County. That brings the total number of active cases to 94.&nbsp;

In addition to the new confirmed positive cases, there have been 63 additional recoveries since the last report, bringing the total number of recoveries in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 814.&nbsp;

There are currently six people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County, down one since the last report.&nbsp;

There were an additional 65 Covid-19 tests performed in the county since the most recent report, bringing the total number of tests performed to 5,236.&nbsp;

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.&nbsp;Since the last report, there have been 57 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County. That brings the total number of active cases to 94.&nbsp;In addition to the new confirmed positive cases, there have been 63 additional recoveries since the last report, bringing the total number of recoveries in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 814.&nbsp;There are currently six people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County, down one since the last report.&nbsp;There were an additional 65 Covid-19 tests performed in the county since the most recent report, bringing the total number of tests performed to 5,236.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County provides a COVID-19 update

Of the $50,000.00 that was set aside for local businesses from the Geary County round 1 SPARK monies, 56 businesses picked up applications and of those 56 applicants 22 businesses provided the required documentation in order to receive funds. The total amount of money that was issued to local businesses was $ 37,594.01 The SPARK monies that these businesses received, are monies that do not need to be paid back.

Originally, Mickey Dean, Director of the Junction City, Geary County Economic development committee spoke with Commissioner Scholz in an effort to see if Geary County could help local businesses with any of the SPARK round 1 monies.

 Once, SPARK monies were earmarked, Mickey Dean and Dawn Stephens, Chamber Membership Director, created a marketing campaign to bring this to the attention of all the businesses in Geary County. The EDC also supplied all applications, helped businesses fill them out and worked directly with Witt Obrien which is the company the County hired to help with the disbursement of SPARK monies. Commissioner Scholz stated that “the EDC within a limited time frame in which to work did an exceptional job of helping several of the businesses in Geary County who were hit hard by the pandemic to receive these SPARK monies”

Of the $50,000.00 that was set aside for local businesses from the Geary County round 1 SPARK monies, 56 businesses picked up applications and of those 56 applicants 22 businesses provided the required documentation in order to receive funds. The total amount of money that was issued to local businesses was $ 37,594.01 The SPARK monies that these businesses received, are monies that do not need to be paid back.Originally, Mickey Dean, Director of the Junction City, Geary County Economic development committee spoke with Commissioner Scholz in an effort to see if Geary County could help local businesses with any of the SPARK round 1 monies. Once, SPARK monies were earmarked, Mickey Dean and Dawn Stephens, Chamber Membership Director, created a marketing campaign to bring this to the attention of all the businesses in Geary County. The EDC also supplied all applications, helped businesses fill them out and worked directly with Witt Obrien which is the company the County hired to help with the disbursement of SPARK monies. Commissioner Scholz stated that “the EDC within a limited time frame in which to work did an exceptional job of helping several of the businesses in Geary County who were hit hard by the pandemic to receive these SPARK monies”

Geary County/Junction City Businesses benefit from SPARK round 1 monies:

NIC and State of Kansas Offer are offering free, painless COVID-19 Testing in Junction City. It begins Friday, Dec. 18 and is available seven days a week.

Digital government solutions firm NIC Inc. and the State of Kansas are expanding TourHealth COVID-19 testing in Kansas to include a site in Junction City. TourHealth testing in Kansas is also offered in Olathe, Leavenworth, Colby, Goodland, Hays and Russell.

Beginning Friday testing in Junction City will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week at the former Dick Edwards Auto Plaza, 375 Grant Ave. They will be closed on Christmas Day.

Appointments are encouraged and can be made online for streamlined communications and results delivery. To register online, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourhealth.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2GpjnWblzc1tzXsJ5gdpgQTfvV21qCHU7sowTVio94yYnMhPs4o4ORebY&amp;h=AT0n69DL2Awf6Ktw4rmIIeZIfgDWfuBD3Rof8Q-pyF-E_jyPdT_XvNlSwH-G5SIsY7qoQbE07g70ePlxBDeOFSuQXp4LDNNRA4vIYuNCHW-5eVusm4VwXLrKOBFnhzkKapg5&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2NY9_8dARG3FxLtkYmIdnG968L2QtPVQNYUml18BjPnAaGA4ZdP4_BPOUGJJvP7z-GWRV8b9_7AWw9GWkIs8yKAtqkxLLMThSkxgEHvcr2ddNnjUJHFIhTHp7jLoh324jcRyCNEmM0mjeNBtaPeuKrtQHCSMycR_R_N6W-BeN6K0zs9xEH4l0TDZNJ8PrUDYu8" target="_blank">www.tourhealth.com</a>, register and sign up for the preferred date and location. Drive-up will be allowed without appointments.

Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or need a referral to be tested. All testing is provided at no cost regardless of insurance or country of residence. Junction City

The information was provided by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges,

NIC and State of Kansas Offer are offering free, painless COVID-19 Testing in Junction City. It begins Friday, Dec. 18 and is available seven days a week.Digital government solutions firm NIC Inc. and the State of Kansas are expanding TourHealth COVID-19 testing in Kansas to include a site in Junction City. TourHealth testing in Kansas is also offered in Olathe, Leavenworth, Colby, Goodland, Hays and Russell.Beginning Friday testing in Junction City will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week at the former Dick Edwards Auto Plaza, 375 Grant Ave. They will be closed on Christmas Day.Appointments are encouraged and can be made online for streamlined communications and results delivery. To register online, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourhealth.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2GpjnWblzc1tzXsJ5gdpgQTfvV21qCHU7sowTVio94yYnMhPs4o4ORebY&amp;h=AT0n69DL2Awf6Ktw4rmIIeZIfgDWfuBD3Rof8Q-pyF-E_jyPdT_XvNlSwH-G5SIsY7qoQbE07g70ePlxBDeOFSuQXp4LDNNRA4vIYuNCHW-5eVusm4VwXLrKOBFnhzkKapg5&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2NY9_8dARG3FxLtkYmIdnG968L2QtPVQNYUml18BjPnAaGA4ZdP4_BPOUGJJvP7z-GWRV8b9_7AWw9GWkIs8yKAtqkxLLMThSkxgEHvcr2ddNnjUJHFIhTHp7jLoh324jcRyCNEmM0mjeNBtaPeuKrtQHCSMycR_R_N6W-BeN6K0zs9xEH4l0TDZNJ8PrUDYu8" target="_blank">www.tourhealth.com</a>, register and sign up for the preferred date and location. Drive-up will be allowed without appointments.Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or need a referral to be tested. All testing is provided at no cost regardless of insurance or country of residence. Junction CityThe information was provided by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges,

Free COVID-19 testing is being offered in Junction City

Geary Community Hospital reported 15 new COVID-19 positive tests on Thursday. Eight people are now hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment at GCH.&nbsp;

There were 80 negative test results on Thursday and 32 tests are pending.

Since&nbsp; the pandemic began there have been 758 positive tests and 5,659 negative tests.

Geary Community Hospital reported 15 new COVID-19 positive tests on Thursday. Eight people are now hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment at GCH.&nbsp;There were 80 negative test results on Thursday and 32 tests are pending.Since&nbsp; the pandemic began there have been 758 positive tests and 5,659 negative tests.

GCH updates their COVID-19 numbers

Geary County health officials reported on Thursday that there were 11 confirmed positive cases and 46 recovered cases of COVID-19 in the county. There are now 163 active cases.&nbsp;

Another death was reported an five people from the county are currently hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,006 confirmed positive cases and 828 recoveries.

Geary County health officials reported on Thursday that there were 11 confirmed positive cases and 46 recovered cases of COVID-19 in the county. There are now 163 active cases.&nbsp;Another death was reported an five people from the county are currently hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 1,006 confirmed positive cases and 828 recoveries.

Health Department provides the COVID-19 update

One hundred doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Geary Community Hospital on Thursday. "We are offering it to all of our providers and our nursing staff and then we will go down the line to administer it and make sure everyone gets vaccinated that needs to be, " said&nbsp; Hospital spokesperson Ashley King.

Dr. Rhonda Mace received the first shot. "The first dose as I understand is about 50% effective and then you have to get the second dose in three weeks which I will do."

Mace said for her the decision to get the shot was not difficult. "We've got to stop the spread of this and I trust the science and Pfizer and the FDA made sure they did their science." Mace added she was happy to get the first dose at the hospital, and is hopeful the vaccine will be received for Valley View Senior Life residents and staff in the near future. "

One hundred doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Geary Community Hospital on Thursday. "We are offering it to all of our providers and our nursing staff and then we will go down the line to administer it and make sure everyone gets vaccinated that needs to be, " said&nbsp; Hospital spokesperson Ashley King.Dr. Rhonda Mace received the first shot. "The first dose as I understand is about 50% effective and then you have to get the second dose in three weeks which I will do."Mace said for her the decision to get the shot was not difficult. "We've got to stop the spread of this and I trust the science and Pfizer and the FDA made sure they did their science." Mace added she was happy to get the first dose at the hospital, and is hopeful the vaccine will be received for Valley View Senior Life residents and staff in the near future. "

Doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive at GCH

As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.

On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.

In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.

Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.

The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.

But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.

Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.

In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.

These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.

The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.

Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.

The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.

U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.

The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.

Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.

“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.

The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.

The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.

The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.

On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.

Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608072923749.png" alt="Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressAs COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER VACCINATION?Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.WHAT ABOUT SERIOUS RISKS?The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.WHAT IF OTHER RISKS CROP UP?The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.___

Health officials track safety as COVID-19 vaccines roll out

COVID-19 testing at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library this week produced some positive test results and to the temporary closure of the facility.

Library officials announced the closure until further notice via social media.

Officials did say that the outside book drop at the north entrance is available. For questions email to jclibrary@jclib.org or leave a voicemail at 785-238-4311. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

COVID-19 testing at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library this week produced some positive test results and to the temporary closure of the facility.Library officials announced the closure until further notice via social media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608213868528.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officials did say that the outside book drop at the north entrance is available. For questions email to jclibrary@jclib.org or leave a voicemail at 785-238-4311. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Coronavirus Update