LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.

Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.

“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.

“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.

Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.

Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.

The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.

“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.

Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on speculation that Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, will soon be vaccinated and then make it public, a move that could reassure anyone nervous about getting a vaccination.

“Our goal is totally to protect every member of the population, Her Majesty, of course, as well,” Dr. June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which authorized the vaccine, told the BBC.

The U.K. has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which can cover 20 million people. Since the British government will only immunize people over 16, around 55 million people in the U.K. will be eligible. In total, Britain has procured 357 million doses of seven vaccine candidates, including 100 million of the much cheaper Oxford vaccine, which has a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Now that the first tranche of the vaccine has arrived from Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Belgium, checks are being conducted by a specialist medical logistics company to ensure there was no damage in transit. This could take up to a day.

Each box containing the vaccines, which includes five packs of 975 doses, will need to be opened and unpacked manually at specially licensed sites. After that, the vaccines will then be made available to hospitals.

Delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is complicated because it needs to be stored at super-chilled temperatures: about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Fortunately, the vaccine is stable at normal refrigerator temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 F), for a few days, meaning it can be stored locally. After defrosting the vaccine, which takes a few hours, additional time is required to prepare it to be given in a shot.

Public Health England has secured 58 special Twin Guard ultra-low temperature freezers that provide sufficient storage for approximately five million doses. The fridges, which are not portable, each hold around 86,000 doses.

The vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-germany-immunizations-coronavirus-pandemic-3ac7e19981b7937f0f08a29667ddf09e">won’t just be provided by hospitals</a>. Local doctors’ offices and other local health care centers are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccine, with a small number expected to do so the week of Dec. 14. More medical practices in more parts of the country will be phased in during December and in the coming months.

There are plans for vaccination centers treating large numbers of patients in sports areas and conference centers and for local pharmacies to be able to offer the jabs as they do with annual influenza shots.

Although nursing home residents top the prioritization list given to the British government by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, they won’t be getting the vaccinations straight away, as the vaccine packs of 975 doses cannot yet be divided, making it very difficult to deliver vaccines to individual care homes.

The NHS hopes authorities will soon approve a safe way of splitting up the dose packs so the shots can get to nursing homes during December.

During the first phase of the immunization program, Britain has created nine separate groups in its prioritization list down to those aged 50 and above. Overall, it hopes that up to 99% of people most at risk of dying from COVID 19 will have been immunized during the first phase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532171471.png" alt="Photo courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.Buckingham Palace refused to comment on speculation that Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, will soon be vaccinated and then make it public, a move that could reassure anyone nervous about getting a vaccination.“Our goal is totally to protect every member of the population, Her Majesty, of course, as well,” Dr. June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which authorized the vaccine, told the BBC.The U.K. has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which can cover 20 million people. Since the British government will only immunize people over 16, around 55 million people in the U.K. will be eligible. In total, Britain has procured 357 million doses of seven vaccine candidates, including 100 million of the much cheaper Oxford vaccine, which has a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.Now that the first tranche of the vaccine has arrived from Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Belgium, checks are being conducted by a specialist medical logistics company to ensure there was no damage in transit. This could take up to a day.Each box containing the vaccines, which includes five packs of 975 doses, will need to be opened and unpacked manually at specially licensed sites. After that, the vaccines will then be made available to hospitals.Delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is complicated because it needs to be stored at super-chilled temperatures: about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Fortunately, the vaccine is stable at normal refrigerator temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 F), for a few days, meaning it can be stored locally. After defrosting the vaccine, which takes a few hours, additional time is required to prepare it to be given in a shot.Public Health England has secured 58 special Twin Guard ultra-low temperature freezers that provide sufficient storage for approximately five million doses. The fridges, which are not portable, each hold around 86,000 doses.The vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-germany-immunizations-coronavirus-pandemic-3ac7e19981b7937f0f08a29667ddf09e">won’t just be provided by hospitals</a>. Local doctors’ offices and other local health care centers are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccine, with a small number expected to do so the week of Dec. 14. More medical practices in more parts of the country will be phased in during December and in the coming months.There are plans for vaccination centers treating large numbers of patients in sports areas and conference centers and for local pharmacies to be able to offer the jabs as they do with annual influenza shots.Although nursing home residents top the prioritization list given to the British government by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, they won’t be getting the vaccinations straight away, as the vaccine packs of 975 doses cannot yet be divided, making it very difficult to deliver vaccines to individual care homes.The NHS hopes authorities will soon approve a safe way of splitting up the dose packs so the shots can get to nursing homes during December.During the first phase of the immunization program, Britain has created nine separate groups in its prioritization list down to those aged 50 and above. Overall, it hopes that up to 99% of people most at risk of dying from COVID 19 will have been immunized during the first phase.

Huge coronavirus vaccine rollout set to begin

Geary County health officials released a report on Friday that included 12 new positive COVID-19 cases and 34 recoveries. One person from Geary County is hospitalize.&nbsp;

The total number of active case numbers has been calculated at 176.

Geary County health officials released a report on Friday that included 12 new positive COVID-19 cases and 34 recoveries. One person from Geary County is hospitalize.&nbsp;The total number of active case numbers has been calculated at 176.

Geary County reports 34 recoveries and 12 new positive COVID-19 cases 

Geary Community Hospital officials reported on Friday that six people are hospitalized there due to COVID-19. The hospital serves multiple counties.&nbsp;

There were three new patients hospitalized as of Friday morning and 12 new positive tests since the last report on Thursday. Fourteen tests are pending.

Geary Community Hospital officials reported on Friday that six people are hospitalized there due to COVID-19. The hospital serves multiple counties.&nbsp;There were three new patients hospitalized as of Friday morning and 12 new positive tests since the last report on Thursday. Fourteen tests are pending.

Six people are hospitalized at GCH for COVID-19 treatment

There were 17 new COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department on Thursday, and 29 recovered cases. That leaves the total number of active cases at 198. One person from Geary County is hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 744 confirmed positive cases, 531 recoveries and five deaths.

There were 17 new COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department on Thursday, and 29 recovered cases. That leaves the total number of active cases at 198. One person from Geary County is hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 744 confirmed positive cases, 531 recoveries and five deaths.

Health Department provides the coronavirus update.

Via Geary County Emergency Services, Garry Berges, Tammy Von Busch

Geary County will continue with the 14-day quarantine until the current situation changes.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently issued guidance similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allowing counties to opt into the shortened quarantine period of either 10 or 7 days with testing or continue with the 14 days.

KDHE continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine and monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The incubation for this disease is still 14 days. The guidance is being changed at a federal level to encourage more people to get tested and encourage better compliance with quarantines.”

Geary County is currently working closely with Riley County, Pottawatomie County, and Ft. Riley to reach a consensus across the region on an acceptable quarantine period. Until Ft. Riley receives guidance from MEDCOM, the WildCat region will continue with a 14-day quarantine to avoid confusion for people who live or work in a different county. Additionally, before reducing the current quarantine length, Geary County should achieve stabilization or a reduction in new cases each day.

The CDC has stated that with the reduction to a 10-day quarantine, there is a 1 to 10% risk of post-quarantine transmission. With a reduction to 7 days, there is a 5 to 12% risk of post-quarantine transmission. Even with a reduced quarantine length, people will still be expected to wear masks and monitor for symptoms.

As a reminder, gatherings of larger than 100 are prohibited and special events require approval from the local health department at least 2 weeks in advance of the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Geary County Health Department at 785-762-5788.

Via Geary County Emergency Services, Garry Berges, Tammy Von BuschGeary County will continue with the 14-day quarantine until the current situation changes.Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently issued guidance similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allowing counties to opt into the shortened quarantine period of either 10 or 7 days with testing or continue with the 14 days.KDHE continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine and monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The incubation for this disease is still 14 days. The guidance is being changed at a federal level to encourage more people to get tested and encourage better compliance with quarantines.”Geary County is currently working closely with Riley County, Pottawatomie County, and Ft. Riley to reach a consensus across the region on an acceptable quarantine period. Until Ft. Riley receives guidance from MEDCOM, the WildCat region will continue with a 14-day quarantine to avoid confusion for people who live or work in a different county. Additionally, before reducing the current quarantine length, Geary County should achieve stabilization or a reduction in new cases each day.The CDC has stated that with the reduction to a 10-day quarantine, there is a 1 to 10% risk of post-quarantine transmission. With a reduction to 7 days, there is a 5 to 12% risk of post-quarantine transmission. Even with a reduced quarantine length, people will still be expected to wear masks and monitor for symptoms.As a reminder, gatherings of larger than 100 are prohibited and special events require approval from the local health department at least 2 weeks in advance of the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Geary County Health Department at 785-762-5788.

Geary County Provides Update on Quarantine Period

Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson has confirmed that 16 firefighters are out temporarily due to COVID-19. Fourteen firefighters tested positive and two are close contacts.

The first case was diagnosed on Nov.24th. The firefighters are expected to return within the next week. In the meantime Johnson noted that the department has reached out to Fort Riley, Geary County and Grandview Plaza for help if it becomes necessary. JCFD staff are handling regular day to day duties.

The positive diagnosis involved firefighters from both Stations One and Two. Facilities have been cleaned and devices have been installed to filter air. The Fire Department continues to serve the community.

Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson has confirmed that 16 firefighters are out temporarily due to COVID-19. Fourteen firefighters tested positive and two are close contacts.The first case was diagnosed on Nov.24th. The firefighters are expected to return within the next week. In the meantime Johnson noted that the department has reached out to Fort Riley, Geary County and Grandview Plaza for help if it becomes necessary. JCFD staff are handling regular day to day duties.The positive diagnosis involved firefighters from both Stations One and Two. Facilities have been cleaned and devices have been installed to filter air. The Fire Department continues to serve the community.

Sixteen Junction City firefighters are out due to COVID-19

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.

The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.

“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.

“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.

Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.

Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.

Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.

A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.

Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”

“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.

While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.

One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.

Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.

“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.

The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”

Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.

The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.

“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.

The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.

Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.

The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated PressBritish officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.___

First COVID-19 vaccinations expected next week

There are now 188 active positive COVID-19 cases in Geary County.

According to the Health Department the number of new confirmed positive cases on Tuesday rose by 20, while there was one recovered case. That left the total active case number at 188.

One person from Geary County is hospitalized.

According to a social media post from Geary Community Hospital earlier Tuesday there were four COVID-19 patients hospitalized there. GCH, however, serves multiple counties. Hospital officials confirmed 16 tests were pending.

There are now 188 active positive COVID-19 cases in Geary County.According to the Health Department the number of new confirmed positive cases on Tuesday rose by 20, while there was one recovered case. That left the total active case number at 188.One person from Geary County is hospitalized.According to a social media post from Geary Community Hospital earlier Tuesday there were four COVID-19 patients hospitalized there. GCH, however, serves multiple counties. Hospital officials confirmed 16 tests were pending.

Positive COVID-19 case numbers increase

By JODI FORTINO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-01/coronavirus-deaths-in-missouri-top-4-000-as-hospitals-worry-about-capacity-for-rising-number-of-patients">Kansas News Service</a>

COVID-19-related deaths in Missouri hit 4,006 in updated data 
released by the state Tuesday, as officials on both sides of the state 
line worried that hospitals in rural and metropolitan areas were 
reaching capacity.

In Missouri, 19,716 new cases, including 60 deaths, were reported in the last seven days, according to <a href="https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/public-health/" target="_blank">a public health dashboard run by the state</a>. In all, there have been nearly 303,000 total cases. In Kansas, there have been a total of 157,446 cases and 1,560 deaths, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/Nov-30-case-summary?bidId=" target="_blank">according to a state website</a>.

In the nine-county Kansas City area (which encompasses both sides of the state line) 1,088 have died, according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.

The
 University of Kansas Health System announced at its daily briefing 
Tuesday that 101 patients have active COVID-19 cases, of which 53 are in
 the intensive care unit and 24 are on ventilators.

KU experts 
said the increase of patients in the intensive care unit was a reason 
for concern as the hospital’s capacity continues to dwindle. Around 47% 
of ICU beds in Kansas City are taken up by coronavirus patients, 
according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.

“In
 general, the data tells us that we're in for at least a couple of weeks
 more of challenges with the hospitalizations at this point,” said David
 Wild, KU’s vice president of performance improvement.

Wild said 
he believes the dip in the case numbers the week of Thanksgiving was 
likely a result of less people getting tested over the holiday weekend. 
The hospital tested around 1,000 over the four-day period, a number it 
normally tests in a day.

Now that people are back to work, Wild 
said lines are forming at the system’s testing centers. If case numbers 
don’t begin to decrease soon, he anticipates another lockdown will take 
place.

“I think that there's a need for further intervention for 
our community risk mitigation and whether that's a full lockdown or 
whether that's additional sort of restrictions on how we move and 
gather, especially in the places that we know by data are likely to be 
hotspots for transmission,” said Wild.

Rural counties, many of 
which still do not have mask mandates, will have a harder time accepting
 more restrictions, said Bob Moser, dean of the University of Kansas 
School of Medicine-Salina.

While the university has managed to keep case numbers down through mask-wearing and social-distancing, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">Saline County</a> jumped from five to 34 hospitalizations in just four weeks.

As
 Kansas City-area hospitals also begin to fill up, Moser said rural 
hospitals are struggling to find open rooms for critical patients. <a href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/about-us/community/care-collaborative" target="_blank">The University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative</a> spent nearly eight hours this month finding an available hospital for just one patient, said Moser.

As a result, smaller hospitals are holding on to more COVID-19 patients rather than facing the challenges of transferring.

“That
 means other health conditions, chronic conditions that we deal with 
every day, may have to suffer because they don’t have the capacity for 
that. It's getting pretty critical,” said Moser.

Moser said 
another one of his biggest concerns is how rural communities will fit 
into the state’s plan to distribute vaccines. During the H1N1 crisis, 
Moser said rural counties were given very few vaccines because the state
 based area’s needs on their population size.

There is no plan yet
 for when rural areas will receive the vaccine, but KU health experts 
said it will first go to those at highest risk, first responders and 
healthcare workers.

“That's why we need more companies, because we
 know that through Operation Warp Speed, there has been a buildup of 
supply from those other companies that will help as well, if they do get
 approved. So this first batch is going to be a range, but it will be a 
small range,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease expert at 
the University of Kansas Health System.

Hawkinson said the system 
is now working with Wyandotte County on a plan to get vaccinations to 
the area’s most vulnerable populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606851264919.png" alt="Health experts in rural counties of Kansas said routine treatment and care is being put on hold because of the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Health experts in rural counties of Kansas said routine treatment and care is being put on hold because of the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By JODI FORTINO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-01/coronavirus-deaths-in-missouri-top-4-000-as-hospitals-worry-about-capacity-for-rising-number-of-patients">Kansas News Service</a>COVID-19-related deaths in Missouri hit 4,006 in updated data 
released by the state Tuesday, as officials on both sides of the state 
line worried that hospitals in rural and metropolitan areas were 
reaching capacity.In Missouri, 19,716 new cases, including 60 deaths, were reported in the last seven days, according to <a href="https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/public-health/" target="_blank">a public health dashboard run by the state</a>. In all, there have been nearly 303,000 total cases. In Kansas, there have been a total of 157,446 cases and 1,560 deaths, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/Nov-30-case-summary?bidId=" target="_blank">according to a state website</a>. In the nine-county Kansas City area (which encompasses both sides of the state line) 1,088 have died, according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>. The
 University of Kansas Health System announced at its daily briefing 
Tuesday that 101 patients have active COVID-19 cases, of which 53 are in
 the intensive care unit and 24 are on ventilators.KU experts 
said the increase of patients in the intensive care unit was a reason 
for concern as the hospital’s capacity continues to dwindle. Around 47% 
of ICU beds in Kansas City are taken up by coronavirus patients, 
according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.“In
 general, the data tells us that we're in for at least a couple of weeks
 more of challenges with the hospitalizations at this point,” said David
 Wild, KU’s vice president of performance improvement.Wild said 
he believes the dip in the case numbers the week of Thanksgiving was 
likely a result of less people getting tested over the holiday weekend. 
The hospital tested around 1,000 over the four-day period, a number it 
normally tests in a day.Now that people are back to work, Wild 
said lines are forming at the system’s testing centers. If case numbers 
don’t begin to decrease soon, he anticipates another lockdown will take 
place.“I think that there's a need for further intervention for 
our community risk mitigation and whether that's a full lockdown or 
whether that's additional sort of restrictions on how we move and 
gather, especially in the places that we know by data are likely to be 
hotspots for transmission,” said Wild.Rural counties, many of 
which still do not have mask mandates, will have a harder time accepting
 more restrictions, said Bob Moser, dean of the University of Kansas 
School of Medicine-Salina.While the university has managed to keep case numbers down through mask-wearing and social-distancing, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">Saline County</a> jumped from five to 34 hospitalizations in just four weeks.As
 Kansas City-area hospitals also begin to fill up, Moser said rural 
hospitals are struggling to find open rooms for critical patients. <a href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/about-us/community/care-collaborative" target="_blank">The University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative</a> spent nearly eight hours this month finding an available hospital for just one patient, said Moser.As a result, smaller hospitals are holding on to more COVID-19 patients rather than facing the challenges of transferring.“That
 means other health conditions, chronic conditions that we deal with 
every day, may have to suffer because they don’t have the capacity for 
that. It's getting pretty critical,” said Moser.Moser said 
another one of his biggest concerns is how rural communities will fit 
into the state’s plan to distribute vaccines. During the H1N1 crisis, 
Moser said rural counties were given very few vaccines because the state
 based area’s needs on their population size.There is no plan yet
 for when rural areas will receive the vaccine, but KU health experts 
said it will first go to those at highest risk, first responders and 
healthcare workers.“That's why we need more companies, because we
 know that through Operation Warp Speed, there has been a buildup of 
supply from those other companies that will help as well, if they do get
 approved. So this first batch is going to be a range, but it will be a 
small range,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease expert at 
the University of Kansas Health System.Hawkinson said the system 
is now working with Wyandotte County on a plan to get vaccinations to 
the area’s most vulnerable populations.

Virus deaths in Missouri top 4,000 as hospitals worry about capacity

As of Monday, Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher reported that approximately $5 million of the $6.3 million in COVID-10 SPARKS money targeted for the county had been distributed. Approximately $1 million remains to be distributed to local entities and organizations.

The largest allotment is $2 million targeted for a radio system, explained Ascher. 

"For all entities in the county. Includes the sheriff, the PD, the (Junction City) fire department the rural fire department, high school, hospital, Konza, everybody that needs to be in first responder stuff was attached to that," he said.

The remainder of the money must be distributed by the end of the month, and allotments for those funds are already set.

As of Monday, Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher reported that approximately $5 million of the $6.3 million in COVID-10 SPARKS money targeted for the county had been distributed. Approximately $1 million remains to be distributed to local entities and organizations.The largest allotment is $2 million targeted for a radio system, explained Ascher. "For all entities in the county. Includes the sheriff, the PD, the (Junction City) fire department the rural fire department, high school, hospital, Konza, everybody that needs to be in first responder stuff was attached to that," he said.The remainder of the money must be distributed by the end of the month, and allotments for those funds are already set.

SPARKS funding continues to be distributed in Geary Co.

More positive COVID-19 cases were reported Monday by the Geary County Health Department. There were 75 new cases for the time period from Wednesday, Nov. 25th, to Monday Nov. 30th. There were also 20 recovered cases during that time and one person is currently hospitalized.&nbsp;

The total number of active cases in the county is now at 169, up 55.

Since the pandemic began there have been 675 confirmed positive cases, 501 recovered cases and five deaths.

More positive COVID-19 cases were reported Monday by the Geary County Health Department. There were 75 new cases for the time period from Wednesday, Nov. 25th, to Monday Nov. 30th. There were also 20 recovered cases during that time and one person is currently hospitalized.&nbsp;The total number of active cases in the county is now at 169, up 55.Since the pandemic began there have been 675 confirmed positive cases, 501 recovered cases and five deaths.

Geary County health officials confirm 75 new positive COVID-19 cases

HOLTON, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Small rural hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are increasingly spending hours searching for facilities they can transfer patients to because they are struggling to cope with the surge in coronavirus cases.

As the region's hospitals fill up with COVID-19 patients, smaller hospitals like the one in Holton, Kansas, are finding it difficult to treat patients who don't have the disease but still need care.

“People don’t just stop having heart attacks or those sorts of things,” said Carrie Saia, CEO of the hospital in Holton, which is about 30 miles north of Topeka, Kansas. “I just worry that we’re going to be so consumed that we’re not really able to care for some emergency that comes in.”

The urban and rural health care systems in Missouri and Kansas are intertwined, with smaller hospitals identifying which patients need more advanced care and transferring them to larger facilities in bigger cities, the Kansas City Star reported. But lately, smaller hospitals have been spending hours searching for beds for their patients in larger facilities in places such as Wichita, Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.

When COVID-19 patients stress the capacity of smaller hospitals, it makes it harder to care for patients with heart attacks, strokes or other serious conditions.

“Those patients, when they come through our doors, honestly that’s a little more scary than COVID,” said Valarie Davis who is the administrator of Mercy’s smaller hospitals in Cassville and Aurora, Missouri. “We have to get them somewhere as quick as we possibly can.”

And rural hospital administrators increasingly worry about how the surge in patients is affecting their nurses and doctors.

“I’ve had one of the nurses literally break down right in front of me because of her concern for one of the patients, which is a wonderful thing but it takes a toll on the staff,” said Dennis Franks, CEO of the 25-bed Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas. “They’re working a lot.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606685988313.png" alt="Holton Community Hospital is 30 miles north of Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Holton Community Hospital is 30 miles north of Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLTON, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Small rural hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are increasingly spending hours searching for facilities they can transfer patients to because they are struggling to cope with the surge in coronavirus cases.As the region's hospitals fill up with COVID-19 patients, smaller hospitals like the one in Holton, Kansas, are finding it difficult to treat patients who don't have the disease but still need care.“People don’t just stop having heart attacks or those sorts of things,” said Carrie Saia, CEO of the hospital in Holton, which is about 30 miles north of Topeka, Kansas. “I just worry that we’re going to be so consumed that we’re not really able to care for some emergency that comes in.”The urban and rural health care systems in Missouri and Kansas are intertwined, with smaller hospitals identifying which patients need more advanced care and transferring them to larger facilities in bigger cities, the Kansas City Star reported. But lately, smaller hospitals have been spending hours searching for beds for their patients in larger facilities in places such as Wichita, Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.When COVID-19 patients stress the capacity of smaller hospitals, it makes it harder to care for patients with heart attacks, strokes or other serious conditions.“Those patients, when they come through our doors, honestly that’s a little more scary than COVID,” said Valarie Davis who is the administrator of Mercy’s smaller hospitals in Cassville and Aurora, Missouri. “We have to get them somewhere as quick as we possibly can.”And rural hospital administrators increasingly worry about how the surge in patients is affecting their nurses and doctors.“I’ve had one of the nurses literally break down right in front of me because of her concern for one of the patients, which is a wonderful thing but it takes a toll on the staff,” said Dennis Franks, CEO of the 25-bed Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kansas. “They’re working a lot.”

Surge in virus cases stresses rural hospitals across Kansas

Coronavirus cases have been on the increase in Geary County in recent days. Tammy Von Busch, Health Officer,&nbsp; noted that there is a current face mask order in place. "We had it before the Governor sent hers out. It's a little bit more restrictive I think, than the Governor's." Our order states that people over the age of two have to wear masks if they cannot maintain a six foot distance from other individuals."

Von Busch said the order applies to everybody. "We don't want to have to shut businesses down. We don't want to see the state come out and say we're going to shut down businesses because of&nbsp; the spike in our numbers. So we really want people to understand the use of masks is really important. It protects you and the people around you."

Von Busch noted that sometimes people say masks don't work. "I think that what people is that when they're wearing their mask they're protected and they don't think about the other critical part of protecting yourself. That's hand washing and remembering don't touch your face, your eyes, your mouth." 

Von Busch cited an example of people properly wearing their mask into a grocery store but they touch food items other people may have touched, key pads in the checkout lines and when they take their items to the car they take their mask off. "People need to remember that you should have some sanitizer in the car and sanitize your hands before you even take your mask off. If your hands are contaminated from anything in the store you touch your mask and now your mask is contaminated. And so when you put that mask on again you run the risk of infecting yourself with any virus particles that might be on that mask."

Von Busch said there are multiple approaches to keeping yourself ranging from face masks and hand washing to social distancing and not touching your face and mouth.

Coronavirus cases have been on the increase in Geary County in recent days. Tammy Von Busch, Health Officer,&nbsp; noted that there is a current face mask order in place. "We had it before the Governor sent hers out. It's a little bit more restrictive I think, than the Governor's." Our order states that people over the age of two have to wear masks if they cannot maintain a six foot distance from other individuals."Von Busch said the order applies to everybody. "We don't want to have to shut businesses down. We don't want to see the state come out and say we're going to shut down businesses because of&nbsp; the spike in our numbers. So we really want people to understand the use of masks is really important. It protects you and the people around you."Von Busch noted that sometimes people say masks don't work. "I think that what people is that when they're wearing their mask they're protected and they don't think about the other critical part of protecting yourself. That's hand washing and remembering don't touch your face, your eyes, your mouth." Von Busch cited an example of people properly wearing their mask into a grocery store but they touch food items other people may have touched, key pads in the checkout lines and when they take their items to the car they take their mask off. "People need to remember that you should have some sanitizer in the car and sanitize your hands before you even take your mask off. If your hands are contaminated from anything in the store you touch your mask and now your mask is contaminated. And so when you put that mask on again you run the risk of infecting yourself with any virus particles that might be on that mask."Von Busch said there are multiple approaches to keeping yourself ranging from face masks and hand washing to social distancing and not touching your face and mouth.

Health officer explains the face mask order for Geary County

Junction City High School students will move to remote learning effective Wednesday, Dec. 2nd through the remainder of the month. There will be no class for students Monday, Nov. 30th and Tuesday, Dec. 1st to allow teachers time to prepare for the transition and give students an opportunity to retrieve the necessary equipment supplies from the school.

The change affects only high school students. Middle school and elementary school students who attend classes in brick and mortar buildings will continue with that learning option.

Throughout this school year, USD 475 has worked very closely with the Geary County Health Department to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is minimized in our schools, through the safety precautions that have been implemented.&nbsp; Those efforts have allowed the district to keep schools open for the last 3 months.&nbsp; Over the past few weeks, there has been an increasing number of USD 475 teachers quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure.&nbsp; While students and staff were out during the Thanksgiving break, that number increased significantly.&nbsp;

GCHD is concerned with the rising number of cases within Geary County, especially over the past few weeks. &nbsp;On Friday, November 27, 2020, GCHD has issued the recommendation to USD 475 that all of JCHS students move to a remote learning platform for the month of December, to assist with slowing the spread of COVID-19 within our community.&nbsp; In an effort to keep the community safe and slow the spread, USD 475 has agreed to follow this recommendation.

JCHS will move all students to a remote learning platform for the month of December.&nbsp; JCHS students will not have class on Monday, November 30, or on Tuesday December 1, 2020.&nbsp; This will allow students time to retrieve any items from school that students may need to facilitate remote learning, and it will allow teachers to have two days to prepare for the transition.&nbsp; Parents and students will receive item pick up and remote learning schedules from JCHS, via email. &nbsp;Students will be allowed to enter the building briefly to retrieve any items, such as laptops or textbooks, to ensure that they are able to effectively participate in remote learning.&nbsp; Students without adequate access to internet at home can contact the USD 475 help desk, and they will be issued a wireless hotspot device.&nbsp; The help desk can be contacted at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:helpdesk@usd475.org" target="_blank">helpdesk@usd475.org</a>, or by calling 785-717-HELP(4357).

This change will only affect students at JCHS.&nbsp; All other USD 475 schools will operate normally, and all other students will attend classes on November 30 and December 1, 2020.&nbsp; At this time, there are no discussions about moving any other schools to an all remote learning environment.

JCHS staff will still report to school on Monday, November 30, 2020.&nbsp; Teachers will teach remotely from their regular classrooms for the month of December.&nbsp; Kitchen staff will report to the Central Kitchen on Monday to assist in preparing meals for students to pick up.&nbsp; Students will still be able to receive meals from school, even on November 30 and December 1.&nbsp; JCHS students will be able to pick up meals at the HD Karns Building at 300 W 9th&nbsp;St., in Junction City. &nbsp;Students that live on Fort Riley will be able to pick up meals at any USD 475 school closest to them.&nbsp; All school meals are provided free of charge to USD 475 students for this school year.&nbsp; Lunch pickup schedules are being developed, and will be communicated to parents and students soon.&nbsp;

Winter sports practices will continue to take place, for now.&nbsp; Students should expect to attend practices at the normal times.&nbsp; However, no transportation services will be provided to JCHS students during the month of December, so students should seek alternative means of transportation to and from practices.&nbsp; Parents and students are encouraged to communicate directly with coaches for questions or concerns about practices.

These changes will not affect those JCHS students attending the Innovations program at the HD Karns building.&nbsp; Those students will continue to attend classes in person, and will receive more information soon, via email.

USD 475 will continue to work with GCHD to monitor the spread of COVID-19 within the community. District and JCHS administrators will assess the situation again over the winter break and determine if it is safe for students to return to in-person classes when school resumes, on January 4, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604404895402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City High School students will move to remote learning effective Wednesday, Dec. 2nd through the remainder of the month. There will be no class for students Monday, Nov. 30th and Tuesday, Dec. 1st to allow teachers time to prepare for the transition and give students an opportunity to retrieve the necessary equipment supplies from the school.The change affects only high school students. Middle school and elementary school students who attend classes in brick and mortar buildings will continue with that learning option.Below is the news release from USD 475.Throughout this school year, USD 475 has worked very closely with the Geary County Health Department to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is minimized in our schools, through the safety precautions that have been implemented.&nbsp; Those efforts have allowed the district to keep schools open for the last 3 months.&nbsp; Over the past few weeks, there has been an increasing number of USD 475 teachers quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure.&nbsp; While students and staff were out during the Thanksgiving break, that number increased significantly.&nbsp;GCHD is concerned with the rising number of cases within Geary County, especially over the past few weeks. &nbsp;On Friday, November 27, 2020, GCHD has issued the recommendation to USD 475 that all of JCHS students move to a remote learning platform for the month of December, to assist with slowing the spread of COVID-19 within our community.&nbsp; In an effort to keep the community safe and slow the spread, USD 475 has agreed to follow this recommendation.JCHS will move all students to a remote learning platform for the month of December.&nbsp; JCHS students will not have class on Monday, November 30, or on Tuesday December 1, 2020.&nbsp; This will allow students time to retrieve any items from school that students may need to facilitate remote learning, and it will allow teachers to have two days to prepare for the transition.&nbsp; Parents and students will receive item pick up and remote learning schedules from JCHS, via email. &nbsp;Students will be allowed to enter the building briefly to retrieve any items, such as laptops or textbooks, to ensure that they are able to effectively participate in remote learning.&nbsp; Students without adequate access to internet at home can contact the USD 475 help desk, and they will be issued a wireless hotspot device.&nbsp; The help desk can be contacted at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:helpdesk@usd475.org" target="_blank">helpdesk@usd475.org</a>, or by calling 785-717-HELP(4357).This change will only affect students at JCHS.&nbsp; All other USD 475 schools will operate normally, and all other students will attend classes on November 30 and December 1, 2020.&nbsp; At this time, there are no discussions about moving any other schools to an all remote learning environment.JCHS staff will still report to school on Monday, November 30, 2020.&nbsp; Teachers will teach remotely from their regular classrooms for the month of December.&nbsp; Kitchen staff will report to the Central Kitchen on Monday to assist in preparing meals for students to pick up.&nbsp; Students will still be able to receive meals from school, even on November 30 and December 1.&nbsp; JCHS students will be able to pick up meals at the HD Karns Building at 300 W 9th&nbsp;St., in Junction City. &nbsp;Students that live on Fort Riley will be able to pick up meals at any USD 475 school closest to them.&nbsp; All school meals are provided free of charge to USD 475 students for this school year.&nbsp; Lunch pickup schedules are being developed, and will be communicated to parents and students soon.&nbsp;Winter sports practices will continue to take place, for now.&nbsp; Students should expect to attend practices at the normal times.&nbsp; However, no transportation services will be provided to JCHS students during the month of December, so students should seek alternative means of transportation to and from practices.&nbsp; Parents and students are encouraged to communicate directly with coaches for questions or concerns about practices.These changes will not affect those JCHS students attending the Innovations program at the HD Karns building.&nbsp; Those students will continue to attend classes in person, and will receive more information soon, via email.USD 475 will continue to work with GCHD to monitor the spread of COVID-19 within the community. District and JCHS administrators will assess the situation again over the winter break and determine if it is safe for students to return to in-person classes when school resumes, on January 4, 2021.

JCHS is moving students to remote learning for December

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – November 27, 2020) An 87 year-old Riley County woman passed away November 24th after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 3rd. She was a resident of Leonardville Nursing Home and represents the 15th COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has 136 new positive cases and 209 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, November 23. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 8 positive patients and 2 PUI patients at this time. Persons Under Investigation or PUIs are patients who have symptoms and are waiting for test results. Free drive-up testing will be offered next Thursday, December 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary. Please enter CiCo Park from the Kimball/Candlewood entrance and drive to the 4H barns near Pottorf Hall for testing. Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 3, 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. If you are sick or would like information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Friday, November 27, 2020:

Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – November 27, 2020) An 87 year-old Riley County woman passed away November 24th after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 3rd. She was a resident of Leonardville Nursing Home and represents the 15th COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has 136 new positive cases and 209 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, November 23. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 8 positive patients and 2 PUI patients at this time. Persons Under Investigation or PUIs are patients who have symptoms and are waiting for test results. Free drive-up testing will be offered next Thursday, December 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary. Please enter CiCo Park from the Kimball/Candlewood entrance and drive to the 4H barns near Pottorf Hall for testing. Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 3, 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. If you are sick or would like information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Friday, November 27, 2020:<ol>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 3,564</li><li>Total active: 436</li><li>Total recovered: 3,113</li><li>Total deaths: 15</li>
 </ol> Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.By Vivienne UccelloPublic Information OfficerRiley County Emergency Operations Center

Health Department confirms 15th COVID-19 related death occurs in Riley County

Hospital officials have confirmed that on Thursday, Nov. 26,&nbsp; that family medicine physician,&nbsp; Dr. Jason Butler at Geary Community Hospital,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Butler is experiencing mild symptoms and is now on quarantine at his home.

Hospital officials will be in contact with patients that he has seen since Monday, November 23rd. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 call the GCH COVID screening line at 785.210.4214.

For all other questions or medical related concerns, you may contact Dr. Butler’s office during office hours at 785.762.2585, after hours you can call 785.238.4131. GCH will continue their high level of care during this time. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606440176076.jpeg" alt="Dr. Jason Butler" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jason Butler</figcaption>
 </figure>Hospital officials have confirmed that on Thursday, Nov. 26,&nbsp; that family medicine physician,&nbsp; Dr. Jason Butler at Geary Community Hospital,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Butler is experiencing mild symptoms and is now on quarantine at his home.Hospital officials will be in contact with patients that he has seen since Monday, November 23rd. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 call the GCH COVID screening line at 785.210.4214.For all other questions or medical related concerns, you may contact Dr. Butler’s office during office hours at 785.762.2585, after hours you can call 785.238.4131. GCH will continue their high level of care during this time.

Dr. Jason Butler tests positive for COVID-19

Six people were hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital on Wednesday in connection with COVID-19. The hospital serves multiple area counties so the numbers represent more than Geary County.

Dating back to the beginning of the pandemic 5,350 COVID-19 tests have been given at GCH, with 4,837 negative and 467 showing positive results. The latest report on Wednesday showed 22 new positive tests and 44 negative tests.

Six people were hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital on Wednesday in connection with COVID-19. The hospital serves multiple area counties so the numbers represent more than Geary County.Twenty-five tests were pending.Dating back to the beginning of the pandemic 5,350 COVID-19 tests have been given at GCH, with 4,837 negative and 467 showing positive results. The latest report on Wednesday showed 22 new positive tests and 44 negative tests.

GCH updates their COVID-19 numbers

Geary County officials reported on Wednesday that there were 27 new positive COVID-19 cases and no new recovered cases. There are now 114 active cases in the county. One person from Geary County is hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 600 confirmed positive cases and 481 recovered cases. There have also been five fatalities.

Geary County officials reported on Wednesday that there were 27 new positive COVID-19 cases and no new recovered cases. There are now 114 active cases in the county. One person from Geary County is hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 600 confirmed positive cases and 481 recovered cases. There have also been five fatalities.

Add 27 cases to the COVID-19 positive case total

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?

Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.

While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.

China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.

A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:

Packaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.

Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.

Trading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.

The virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.

Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.

Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.

Virus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.

“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”

A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:CHINA’S CRACKDOWNPackaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.OVERSEAS COMPLAINTSTrading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.SURFACE TRANSMISSIONThe virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.WHAT EXPERTS SAYVirus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.___

China claims coronavirus found on frozen foods

Covid-19 cases are on the rise across Fort Riley. As a result, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley have announced that they are taking action and implementing prevention measures to prevent the spread. 

-Patronizing off-post fitness centers is prohibited. 

-Dining indoors at off-post restaurants and bars is prohibited, including those with outdoor space. 

-Curfew is in place for all service members from 2300-0500. 

Fitness Centers on Fort Riley will remain open and operate under strict Covid-19 protection measures. 

Service members will be able to receive food from restaurants through take-out or delivery services only. 

Additional details will be laid our later this week.

Covid-19 cases are on the rise across Fort Riley. As a result, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley have announced that they are taking action and implementing prevention measures to prevent the spread. Effective November 25: -Patronizing off-post fitness centers is prohibited. -Dining indoors at off-post restaurants and bars is prohibited, including those with outdoor space. -Curfew is in place for all service members from 2300-0500. Fitness Centers on Fort Riley will remain open and operate under strict Covid-19 protection measures. Service members will be able to receive food from restaurants through take-out or delivery services only. Additional details will be laid our later this week.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise on Post

Coronavirus concerns have resulted in the cancellation of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Coordinator Mark Ediger confirmed the decision to cancel Tuesday evening. The parade had been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday. "

Ediger noted that things had looked good for the outdoor event, but that changed. "Encouraging folks to mask up and be careful, but events over the last few days in Geary County with a huge spike in COVID cases just convinced us in cooperation with the Geary County Health Department that maybe we need to cancel this year for the safety of our community."

With COVID-19 positive case numbers increasing in the county there was concern about the safety of those who might attend the parade. Among those expressing reservations was Geary County Health Officer Tammy Von Busch, and after a series of telephone calls with community leaders and Von Busch the decision was made to call off the event.

This was the first ever cancellation in the 25-year history of the Christmas parade. That was something Ediger had thought about quite a bit. "There were many years I worried about whether it's going to rain or whether it's going to snow or whether we would get enough entries for the parade." Ediger added never in his dreams did he think something like the coronavirus pandemic would happen and cancel the parade.

This would have been the 25th annual parade since it was started by Mark Ediger and KJCK Radio.

On Tuesday there were 17 new positive COVID-19 cases in the county and 44 more cases were reported Monday by the Health Department.

Coronavirus concerns have resulted in the cancellation of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Coordinator Mark Ediger confirmed the decision to cancel Tuesday evening. The parade had been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday. "Ediger noted that things had looked good for the outdoor event, but that changed. "Encouraging folks to mask up and be careful, but events over the last few days in Geary County with a huge spike in COVID cases just convinced us in cooperation with the Geary County Health Department that maybe we need to cancel this year for the safety of our community."With COVID-19 positive case numbers increasing in the county there was concern about the safety of those who might attend the parade. Among those expressing reservations was Geary County Health Officer Tammy Von Busch, and after a series of telephone calls with community leaders and Von Busch the decision was made to call off the event.This was the first ever cancellation in the 25-year history of the Christmas parade. That was something Ediger had thought about quite a bit. "There were many years I worried about whether it's going to rain or whether it's going to snow or whether we would get enough entries for the parade." Ediger added never in his dreams did he think something like the coronavirus pandemic would happen and cancel the parade.This would have been the 25th annual parade since it was started by Mark Ediger and KJCK Radio.On Tuesday there were 17 new positive COVID-19 cases in the county and 44 more cases were reported Monday by the Health Department.

Christmas Parade is being cancelled

Geary County Health officials confirmed 17 more positive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. There were six recovered cases.

Right now there are 87 active cases in the county. Geary Community Hospital has two COVID-19 patients, one of which is from Geary County.

Since the pandemic began there have been 573 confirmed positive cases and 481 recovered cases in the county.

Geary County Health officials confirmed 17 more positive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. There were six recovered cases.Right now there are 87 active cases in the county. Geary Community Hospital has two COVID-19 patients, one of which is from Geary County.Since the pandemic began there have been 573 confirmed positive cases and 481 recovered cases in the county.

Coronavirus Update