WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.

The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.

It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.

The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.

President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.

Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.

“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.

A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.

States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.

Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.

Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”“Stay tuned,” she added.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

Medicare finalizing coverage policy for coronavirus vaccine

Information provided by the Geary County Health Department on Tuesday included two new recovered COVID-19 cases but no new positive cases.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were 14 active cases in the county with two people currently hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 389 confirmed positive cases and 371 recovered cases. Four people have died.

Information provided by the Geary County Health Department on Tuesday included two new recovered COVID-19 cases but no new positive cases.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were 14 active cases in the county with two people currently hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 389 confirmed positive cases and 371 recovered cases. Four people have died.

Two recovered COVID-19 cases are reported on Tuesday

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.

Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.

Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.

&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.

The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.

“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

Kansas City sees record number of virus deaths 

Geary County health officials reported five new COVID-19 cases in the county Monday, and there were 17 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials reported five new COVID-19 cases in the county Monday, and there were 17 recovered cases.<figure>
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Health Department provides Monday COVID-19 update

&nbsp;Riley County has 29 new positive cases and 11 additional recoveries since Friday’s report. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 1 positive patient at this time. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Anyone who has symptoms, is a close contact of a positive patient, or would like information about how to get tested should contact their health care provider or 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. Riley County Statistics for Monday, October 26, 2020:

Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

Riley County has seven active outbreaks at this time. No new outbreaks have been declared since the last report.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Riley County has 29 new positive cases and 11 additional recoveries since Friday’s report. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 1 positive patient at this time. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Anyone who has symptoms, is a close contact of a positive patient, or would like information about how to get tested should contact their health care provider or 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. Riley County Statistics for Monday, October 26, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 2,140</li><li>Total active: 100</li><li>Total recovered: 2,029</li><li>Total deaths: 11</li><li>Total negative tests: 17,028</li>
 </ul>Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.Riley County has seven active outbreaks at this time. No new outbreaks have been declared since the last report.&nbsp;

Riley County health provides COVID-19 update

Over the last 2 months, Geary Community Hospital has had 11 staff members and 3 trustees that have tested positive for COVID-19.They all have recovered and or/ are currently at home in isolation. GCH leaders will continue to collaborate with KDHE and local agencies to identify those who may have had close contact with the individuals while they were potentially infectious. 

GCH spokesperson Ashley King said close contact persons will be monitored for fever, respiratory symptoms, and advised to remain quarantined at home in accordance with CDC guidelines. "We follow the KDHE and CDC protocols and continue to adapt to changes as they occur." said GCH CEO, Frank Corcoran. “We believe it’s inevitable given those circumstances that we would have some of our team exposed to positive COVID cases and potentially develop COVID-19.

A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified staff is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms.


Over the last 2 months, Geary Community Hospital has had 11 staff members and 3 trustees that have tested positive for COVID-19.They all have recovered and or/ are currently at home in isolation. GCH leaders will continue to collaborate with KDHE and local agencies to identify those who may have had close contact with the individuals while they were potentially infectious. GCH spokesperson Ashley King said close contact persons will be monitored for fever, respiratory symptoms, and advised to remain quarantined at home in accordance with CDC guidelines. "We follow the KDHE and CDC protocols and continue to adapt to changes as they occur." said GCH CEO, Frank Corcoran. “We believe it’s inevitable given those circumstances that we would have some of our team exposed to positive COVID cases and potentially develop COVID-19.A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified staff is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms.

GCH provides update on COVID-19

Geary County health officials reported one new positive COVID-19 case on Friday, but there were 12 new recovered cases.

The total number of active cases has been calculated at 29 with two people hospitalized.

Geary County health officials reported one new positive COVID-19 case on Friday, but there were 12 new recovered cases.The total number of active cases has been calculated at 29 with two people hospitalized.

Health Department provides the Friday COVID-19 update

Geary County Commissioners will meet virtually on Monday at 1:15 p.m. due to the unavailability in person of Commissioners Brad Scholz and Charles Stimatze for an in person meeting. Both have confirmed that they have tested positive for COVID-19.

Also, county officials have noted that the Convention and Visitor's Bureau office is closed for a ten-day period due to COVID-19 related issues. That period began on Thursday of this week.

Geary County Commissioners will meet virtually on Monday at 1:15 p.m. due to the unavailability in person of Commissioners Brad Scholz and Charles Stimatze for an in person meeting. Both have confirmed that they have tested positive for COVID-19.Also, county officials have noted that the Convention and Visitor's Bureau office is closed for a ten-day period due to COVID-19 related issues. That period began on Thursday of this week.

County Commission will meet virtually Monday - CVB office closed temporarily

Geary County Commissioners Charles Stimatze and Brad Scholz have announced via social media that they have tested positive for COVID-19.

On Thursday Stimatze stated that out of precaution he took the initiative to get tested after finding out he was in close contact with others who tested positive. Stimatze confirmed that his test also came back positive."I have had no symptoms but will quarantine until I am cleared."

Scholz said he tested positive for COVID-19,&nbsp; but the only problems were a sore throat and headache.&nbsp; He noted that the Health Department indicated that they would contact everyone he had been in contact with the three previous days. On Thursday he posted, "Have spent most of the day on the phone so I don't see my getting&nbsp; behind in my work being an issue."

Both Stimatze and Scholz are isolating at their homes.

Geary County Commissioners Charles Stimatze and Brad Scholz have announced via social media that they have tested positive for COVID-19.On Thursday Stimatze stated that out of precaution he took the initiative to get tested after finding out he was in close contact with others who tested positive. Stimatze confirmed that his test also came back positive."I have had no symptoms but will quarantine until I am cleared."Scholz said he tested positive for COVID-19,&nbsp; but the only problems were a sore throat and headache.&nbsp; He noted that the Health Department indicated that they would contact everyone he had been in contact with the three previous days. On Thursday he posted, "Have spent most of the day on the phone so I don't see my getting&nbsp; behind in my work being an issue."Both Stimatze and Scholz are isolating at their homes.

Two members of the Geary County Commission test positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.

The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.

Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.

The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.

“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.

The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.

Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.

Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.

So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603450089080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.___

FDA approves the first drug for treating COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.

For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.

The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.

The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.

It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.

The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.

An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.

The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.

In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.

“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.

The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.

The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591480312815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.___

CDC redefines COVID-19 close contact, adds brief encounters

Geary County health officials have announced that they are doing the tracing work on12 new cases of positive COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend,&nbsp; and will notify the public if the cases are related.

There were 12 new cases and 10 recovered cases. One person is hospitalized.

Geary County health officials have announced that they are doing the tracing work on12 new cases of positive COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend,&nbsp; and will notify the public if the cases are related.There were 12 new cases and 10 recovered cases. One person is hospitalized.

Health Department issues COVID-19 update for Monday

&nbsp;The Riley State Bank in the City of Riley has been declared a new area of outbreak. Six cases have been identified at that location, with the most recent positive tests taking place on October 14. A public outbreak is declared when five or more cases can be linked to spread at a specific location and time period.&nbsp; RCHD staff talked with Bank President Mike Hagenmaier.&nbsp;The bank's lobby has been closed since last week and will potentially reopen next week. The bank's drive thru is open for normal business and night drop 8am-6pm. There are currently 10 active updates in Riley County. The Alpha Delta Pi outbreak expired Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Riley State Bank in the City of Riley has been declared a new area of outbreak. Six cases have been identified at that location, with the most recent positive tests taking place on October 14. A public outbreak is declared when five or more cases can be linked to spread at a specific location and time period.&nbsp; RCHD staff talked with Bank President Mike Hagenmaier.&nbsp;The bank's lobby has been closed since last week and will potentially reopen next week. The bank's drive thru is open for normal business and night drop 8am-6pm. There are currently 10 active updates in Riley County. The Alpha Delta Pi outbreak expired Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New COVID-19 outbreak occurs in Riley County

Geary County health officials reported one new positive COVID-19 case on Friday and two recoveries. There are 27 active cases in the county. One person is hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 357 confirmed positive cases and 326 total recovered cases. There have been four deaths.

Geary County health officials reported one new positive COVID-19 case on Friday and two recoveries. There are 27 active cases in the county. One person is hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 357 confirmed positive cases and 326 total recovered cases. There have been four deaths.

One new COVID-19 case is reported

The Riley County Health Department was notified of the eleventh COVID-related death in the county. The patient passed away in his home in Manhattan at the age of 67. No further details will be released about the patient. Riley County has 31 new positive cases and 14 additional recoveries since Wednesday’s report. Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 2 positive patients at this time. The patients have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Riley County Statistics for Friday, October 16, 2020:

Anyone who would like to be tested for COVID-19 is welcome to participate in the free testing events in City Park weekend. This evening, drive-up testing will be available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, free testing is available from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Please wear a mask and enter the park from Fremont Street, near Wefald Pavilion. No appointment or doctor’s referral is necessary and participants will be notified of test results as soon as they are received. Typically, results take 2-4 days to process. There are currently 10 active outbreaks in Riley County. No new outbreaks have been identified since the last report. Three outbreaks passed the 28 day period without a new case and have been declared expired: Homestead Assisted Living, Gamma Phi Beta, and Sigma Kappa. An outbreak is declared released or expired when 28 days have passed without a new positive case. See a PDF of outbreak information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=a0e01fa709&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19543/10-16-public-outbreak-information</a>

*Please note, some ages have been updated after patient information was verified. Category totals have changed since last reported on Monday, October 12. The column at the right represents the 31 new cases in Riley County.



The Riley County Health Department was notified of the eleventh COVID-related death in the county. The patient passed away in his home in Manhattan at the age of 67. No further details will be released about the patient. Riley County has 31 new positive cases and 14 additional recoveries since Wednesday’s report. Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 2 positive patients at this time. The patients have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Riley County Statistics for Friday, October 16, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 2,035</li><li>Total active: 107</li><li>Total recovered: 1,917</li><li>Total deaths: 11</li>
 </ul>Anyone who would like to be tested for COVID-19 is welcome to participate in the free testing events in City Park weekend. This evening, drive-up testing will be available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, free testing is available from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Please wear a mask and enter the park from Fremont Street, near Wefald Pavilion. No appointment or doctor’s referral is necessary and participants will be notified of test results as soon as they are received. Typically, results take 2-4 days to process. There are currently 10 active outbreaks in Riley County. No new outbreaks have been identified since the last report. Three outbreaks passed the 28 day period without a new case and have been declared expired: Homestead Assisted Living, Gamma Phi Beta, and Sigma Kappa. An outbreak is declared released or expired when 28 days have passed without a new positive case. See a PDF of outbreak information at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=a0e01fa709&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19543/10-16-public-outbreak-information</a>*Please note, some ages have been updated after patient information was verified. Category totals have changed since last reported on Monday, October 12. The column at the right represents the 31 new cases in Riley County.

Riley County Health Department reports 11th COVID-19 related death

There were 10 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Geary County reported by the Health Department on Thursday. There were seven recovered cases. Right now there are 28 active cases and one person is hospitalized.

There have been 356 confirmed positive&nbsp; cases since the pandemic began and 324 recovered cases.

There were 10 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Geary County reported by the Health Department on Thursday. There were seven recovered cases. Right now there are 28 active cases and one person is hospitalized.There have been 356 confirmed positive&nbsp; cases since the pandemic began and 324 recovered cases.

Health Department reports a COVID-19 update

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/14/hospital-staffing-and-capacity-a-concern-for-kansas-communities-as-covid-19-multiplies/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Concerns are 
growing about adequate staffing levels and bed capacity at Kansas 
hospitals and nursing homes strained by rising COVID-19 cases.

Hospitals in southeast Kansas already are struggling with capacity issues. <a href="https://www.morningsun.net/news/20201013/county-health-officials-consider-policy-changes-as-area-hospitals-reach-capacity">Ascension Via Christi Hospital announced this week</a>
 it would implement its surge plan and cease all elective surgeries 
because of a spike in cases in Crawford and Bourbon counties.

Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said Tuesday most hospitals 
he has spoken with are staying ahead of the virus. He said as case 
numbers rise in a community, however, so will the strain on hospital 
staff.

“Staffing challenges will 
be the first thing that we notice as numbers get worse,” Norman said. 
“It’s not because the people are out with an illness or in quarantine. 
It’s just because there are only so many critical care practitioners — 
whether they are doctors, nurses or therapists — to go around.”

As flu season begins, 
Norman emphasized the need to keep community COVID-19 case numbers low 
and, in effect, keep all areas of the hospital operating at full 
capacity.

Norman said he has 
discussed surge capacity plans and the possibility of strain on staffing
 levels during conversations this week with hospitals and nursing homes 
across the state.

Physical inventory, such 
as dialysis machines and ventilators, is strong statewide, Norman said, 
and he expects hospitals to remain well-stocked. But he is advising a 
cautious approach to potential staffing shortfalls.

“We have to do whatever we
 can to push it down,” Norman said. “I think we might get pinched, which
 is an excellent reason, I think, to bolster up and strengthen the 
anti-contagion practices in every county, city and town.”

KDHE on Wednesday reported
 an increase in of 1,293 cases of COVID-19 since Monday, and a two-day 
increase of 67 deaths. That brings state totals to 69,155 cases and 838 
deaths since the pandemic began in early March.

Kansas remains in the red zone for total cases per 100,000 people compared to the United States as a whole.

Norman said there is 
mounting evidence people could face re-infection with different strains 
of the virus. A woman in the Netherlands died this week after 
reinfection with COVID-19, although she was also fighting a rare form of
 cancer at the same time.

Nonfatal reinfections also has been reported in Hong Kong, Belgium and Nevada.

Norman said these reports 
contrast with the belief many hold that those who are infected are no 
longer at risk of contracting it again.

“We don’t know for sure if
 an immunity to the first time you had it, if it is a slightly different
 virus, will provide immunity the next time you are exposed,” Norman 
said. “Which means as a person that had it before, can they act like 
they won’t get it again? We don’t know the answer to that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602783801990.png" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said capacity issues in southeast Kansas should serve as a wake-up call as concerns grow over rising COVID-19 case numbers and their strain on hospital staffing levels. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said capacity issues in southeast Kansas should serve as a wake-up call as concerns grow over rising COVID-19 case numbers and their strain on hospital staffing levels. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/14/hospital-staffing-and-capacity-a-concern-for-kansas-communities-as-covid-19-multiplies/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Concerns are 
growing about adequate staffing levels and bed capacity at Kansas 
hospitals and nursing homes strained by rising COVID-19 cases.Hospitals in southeast Kansas already are struggling with capacity issues. <a href="https://www.morningsun.net/news/20201013/county-health-officials-consider-policy-changes-as-area-hospitals-reach-capacity">Ascension Via Christi Hospital announced this week</a>
 it would implement its surge plan and cease all elective surgeries 
because of a spike in cases in Crawford and Bourbon counties.Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said Tuesday most hospitals 
he has spoken with are staying ahead of the virus. He said as case 
numbers rise in a community, however, so will the strain on hospital 
staff.“Staffing challenges will 
be the first thing that we notice as numbers get worse,” Norman said. 
“It’s not because the people are out with an illness or in quarantine. 
It’s just because there are only so many critical care practitioners — 
whether they are doctors, nurses or therapists — to go around.”As flu season begins, 
Norman emphasized the need to keep community COVID-19 case numbers low 
and, in effect, keep all areas of the hospital operating at full 
capacity.Norman said he has 
discussed surge capacity plans and the possibility of strain on staffing
 levels during conversations this week with hospitals and nursing homes 
across the state.Physical inventory, such 
as dialysis machines and ventilators, is strong statewide, Norman said, 
and he expects hospitals to remain well-stocked. But he is advising a 
cautious approach to potential staffing shortfalls.“We have to do whatever we
 can to push it down,” Norman said. “I think we might get pinched, which
 is an excellent reason, I think, to bolster up and strengthen the 
anti-contagion practices in every county, city and town.”KDHE on Wednesday reported
 an increase in of 1,293 cases of COVID-19 since Monday, and a two-day 
increase of 67 deaths. That brings state totals to 69,155 cases and 838 
deaths since the pandemic began in early March.Kansas remains in the red zone for total cases per 100,000 people compared to the United States as a whole.Norman said there is 
mounting evidence people could face re-infection with different strains 
of the virus. A woman in the Netherlands died this week after 
reinfection with COVID-19, although she was also fighting a rare form of
 cancer at the same time.Nonfatal reinfections also has been reported in Hong Kong, Belgium and Nevada.Norman said these reports 
contrast with the belief many hold that those who are infected are no 
longer at risk of contracting it again.“We don’t know for sure if
 an immunity to the first time you had it, if it is a slightly different
 virus, will provide immunity the next time you are exposed,” Norman 
said. “Which means as a person that had it before, can they act like 
they won’t get it again? We don’t know the answer to that.”

Hospital staffing, capacity a concern for Kan. communities as COVID-19 multiplies

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.

First, remember that no test is ever perfect. False positives and false negatives are possible, as well as results that are “inconclusive”. Secondary testing may be required for a more definitive result.

Q: What is the difference between Viral Testing and Antibody Testing?

A: Viral testing is intended to identify if a person is currently infected with the virus. Antibody testing determines if the person had the virus in the past.

Q: What do the Viral test results mean, and what should I do based on those results?

A: If you have a positive viral test result, it means you most likely have COVID-19, and are contagious. Stay home and follow isolation/quarantine guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or local health department. If the results are negative, you most likely do not have COVID, but should still continue monitoring symptoms and seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve.

Q: What do the Antibody test results mean, and what should I know about the results?

A: A positive antibody test means you likely had COVID-19 in the past. You may be protected from re-infection (developed an immunity to COVID-19), but that is not known at this time. You should still follow mitigation protocols. A negative antibody test means you have not yet had, nor developed antibodies for COVID019, you are still at risk.

Q: What if I have both tests done, what do the combined results mean?

A: If both the viral and antibody tests result positive, treat it the same as the viral test being positive.

If the viral test is positive and the antibody test is negative, you most likely have the virus currently, but have not developed antibodies for it. Follow guidelines to stay home and isolate/quarantine.

If the viral test is negative and the antibody test is positive, you have likely had COVID-19 in the past, and have now recovered from it. Continue to take steps to protect yourself from possible re-infection.

If both tests are negative it is most likely you do not have, and have never had a COVID-19 infection. You are still susceptible and should take proactive steps (masks, hand washing, physical distancing) to protect yourself and others.

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.Viral Testing vs Antibody TestingFirst, remember that no test is ever perfect. False positives and false negatives are possible, as well as results that are “inconclusive”. Secondary testing may be required for a more definitive result.Q: What is the difference between Viral Testing and Antibody Testing?A: Viral testing is intended to identify if a person is currently infected with the virus. Antibody testing determines if the person had the virus in the past.Q: What do the Viral test results mean, and what should I do based on those results?A: If you have a positive viral test result, it means you most likely have COVID-19, and are contagious. Stay home and follow isolation/quarantine guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or local health department. If the results are negative, you most likely do not have COVID, but should still continue monitoring symptoms and seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve.Q: What do the Antibody test results mean, and what should I know about the results?A: A positive antibody test means you likely had COVID-19 in the past. You may be protected from re-infection (developed an immunity to COVID-19), but that is not known at this time. You should still follow mitigation protocols. A negative antibody test means you have not yet had, nor developed antibodies for COVID019, you are still at risk.Q: What if I have both tests done, what do the combined results mean?A: If both the viral and antibody tests result positive, treat it the same as the viral test being positive.If the viral test is positive and the antibody test is negative, you most likely have the virus currently, but have not developed antibodies for it. Follow guidelines to stay home and isolate/quarantine.If the viral test is negative and the antibody test is positive, you have likely had COVID-19 in the past, and have now recovered from it. Continue to take steps to protect yourself from possible re-infection.If both tests are negative it is most likely you do not have, and have never had a COVID-19 infection. You are still susceptible and should take proactive steps (masks, hand washing, physical distancing) to protect yourself and others.

COVID Corner - by Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie County

Geary County health officials released their latest COVID-19 report on Wednesday afternoon. There were five new positive coronavirus cases and no additional recoveries, leaving 25 active cases in&nbsp; the county.

One person is hospitalized with COVID-19 and four people have died since the pandemic began. There have been 346 confirmed positive cases and 317 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials released their latest COVID-19 report on Wednesday afternoon. There were five new positive coronavirus cases and no additional recoveries, leaving 25 active cases in&nbsp; the county.One person is hospitalized with COVID-19 and four people have died since the pandemic began. There have been 346 confirmed positive cases and 317 recovered cases.

Five new positive COVID-19 cases are reported

Geary County officials have set aside $50,000 from CARES Act funds for small business assistance grants with a maximum amount per business of $3,000. This applies to small businesses in the county with 50 or fewer employees that have hard costs for the business that are directly associated with COVID-19.

Hard costs can range from personal protective equipment for employees to modifications for physical changes that were necessary due to the coronavirus such as plexiglass, floor markers, hardware or software necessary to process payments or deliver online services.

The Chamber of Commerce said applications will be available at the Chamber office at 222 West 6th Street on Thursday ( Oct. 15 ) beginning at 10 a.m.

All completed applications will be submitted by the EDC to Witt O'Brien' for approval and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Witt O'Brien's is the SPARK funds consulting firm hired by the county.

For more information or questions visit www.jcacc.org / GC-Spark-Grant-Program or contact Mickey Fornaro-Dean at 762-1976 at her office, 316-641-6296 via cell, or at mickey.dean@jcacc.org.

Geary County officials have set aside $50,000 from CARES Act funds for small business assistance grants with a maximum amount per business of $3,000. This applies to small businesses in the county with 50 or fewer employees that have hard costs for the business that are directly associated with COVID-19.Hard costs can range from personal protective equipment for employees to modifications for physical changes that were necessary due to the coronavirus such as plexiglass, floor markers, hardware or software necessary to process payments or deliver online services.The Chamber of Commerce said applications will be available at the Chamber office at 222 West 6th Street on Thursday ( Oct. 15 ) beginning at 10 a.m.All completed applications will be submitted by the EDC to Witt O'Brien' for approval and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Witt O'Brien's is the SPARK funds consulting firm hired by the county.For more information or questions visit www.jcacc.org / GC-Spark-Grant-Program or contact Mickey Fornaro-Dean at 762-1976 at her office, 316-641-6296 via cell, or at mickey.dean@jcacc.org.

County COVID-19 Small Business SPARK Grant Program is unveiled

WASHINGTON (AP) —Independent monitors have paused enrollment in a study testing the COVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir plus an experimental antibody therapy being developed by Eli Lilly that’s similar to a treatment President Donald Trump recently received.

Lilly confirmed Tuesday that the study had been paused “out of an abundance of caution” and said safety is its top concern. The company would not say more about what led to this step.

The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which sponsors the study, would not immediately comment.

Antibodies are proteins the body makes when an infection occurs; they attach to a virus and help it be eliminated. The experimental drugs are concentrated versions of one or two specific antibodies that worked best against the coronavirus in lab and animal tests.

<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501978?term=ACTIV-3&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">This study</a>&nbsp;was testing a single antibody that Lilly is developing with the Canadian company AbCellera. Trump received an experimental two-antibody combo drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Lilly and Regeneron have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant emergency use authorization for their drugs for COVID-19 while late-stage studies continue.

The paused study, called ACTIV-3, started in August and aims to enroll 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United States, Denmark and Singapore. All are given remdesivir, which has been authorized in the U.S. as an emergency treatment for COVID-19, plus either the Lilly antibody or a placebo.

The main goals are reducing the need for extra oxygen and time to recovery. Deaths, relief of symptoms and other measures also are being tracked. All of the drugs are given through an IV.

Such pauses are not uncommon in long clinical studies. Unlike a study hold imposed by government regulators, a pause is initiated by the sponsor of the drug trial and often can be quickly resolved.

The pause in the Lilly study comes a day after a temporary halt to enrollment in a coronavirus vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson executives said Tuesday that it will be a few days before they know more about an unexplained illness in one participant that caused a pause in its late-stage vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson isn’t disclosing the nature of the illness.

“It may have nothing to do with the vaccine,” said Mathai Mammen, head of research and development for Janssen, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s medicine development business.

Mammen said the company doesn’t know yet whether the ill participant received the experimental vaccine or a dummy shot. He says Johnson &amp; Johnson gave information on the case to the independent monitoring board overseeing the safety of patients in the study, as the research protocol requires. It will recommend next steps.

The study of the one-dose vaccine will include up to 60,000 people from multiple countries. The company expects to complete enrollment in the study in two or three months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602636110217.png" alt="photo courtesy Eli Lilly" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Eli Lilly</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Independent monitors have paused enrollment in a study testing the COVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir plus an experimental antibody therapy being developed by Eli Lilly that’s similar to a treatment President Donald Trump recently received.Lilly confirmed Tuesday that the study had been paused “out of an abundance of caution” and said safety is its top concern. The company would not say more about what led to this step.The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which sponsors the study, would not immediately comment.Antibodies are proteins the body makes when an infection occurs; they attach to a virus and help it be eliminated. The experimental drugs are concentrated versions of one or two specific antibodies that worked best against the coronavirus in lab and animal tests.<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501978?term=ACTIV-3&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">This study</a>&nbsp;was testing a single antibody that Lilly is developing with the Canadian company AbCellera. Trump received an experimental two-antibody combo drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.Lilly and Regeneron have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant emergency use authorization for their drugs for COVID-19 while late-stage studies continue.The paused study, called ACTIV-3, started in August and aims to enroll 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United States, Denmark and Singapore. All are given remdesivir, which has been authorized in the U.S. as an emergency treatment for COVID-19, plus either the Lilly antibody or a placebo.The main goals are reducing the need for extra oxygen and time to recovery. Deaths, relief of symptoms and other measures also are being tracked. All of the drugs are given through an IV.Such pauses are not uncommon in long clinical studies. Unlike a study hold imposed by government regulators, a pause is initiated by the sponsor of the drug trial and often can be quickly resolved.The pause in the Lilly study comes a day after a temporary halt to enrollment in a coronavirus vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson executives said Tuesday that it will be a few days before they know more about an unexplained illness in one participant that caused a pause in its late-stage vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson isn’t disclosing the nature of the illness.“It may have nothing to do with the vaccine,” said Mathai Mammen, head of research and development for Janssen, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s medicine development business.ADVERTISEMENTMammen said the company doesn’t know yet whether the ill participant received the experimental vaccine or a dummy shot. He says Johnson &amp; Johnson gave information on the case to the independent monitoring board overseeing the safety of patients in the study, as the research protocol requires. It will recommend next steps.The study of the one-dose vaccine will include up to 60,000 people from multiple countries. The company expects to complete enrollment in the study in two or three months.

Possible safety issue spurs pause of COVID-19 antibody study

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot.

The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness.

The pause is at least the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-4239b8c69ba4b3703b2ca8c77810bf07">second such hold</a>&nbsp;to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.

The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness, citing the participant’s privacy.

Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common. Few are made public in typical drug trials, but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications.

Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing. Given that such tests are done on tens of thousands of people, some medical problems are a coincidence. In fact, one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo.

The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT.

Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-82885b32aeeae6c2a0a84cadf55ced90">illness in its trial</a>&nbsp;poses a safety risk. That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis, a rare inflammation of the spinal cord, the company has said. That company’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-drug-trials-bc340f0a92d940aff88ee140f2774aee">has restarted</a>&nbsp;elsewhere.

Johnson &amp; Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus. Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot.The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness.The pause is at least the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-4239b8c69ba4b3703b2ca8c77810bf07">second such hold</a>&nbsp;to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness, citing the participant’s privacy.Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common. Few are made public in typical drug trials, but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications.Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing. Given that such tests are done on tens of thousands of people, some medical problems are a coincidence. In fact, one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo.The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT.Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-82885b32aeeae6c2a0a84cadf55ced90">illness in its trial</a>&nbsp;poses a safety risk. That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis, a rare inflammation of the spinal cord, the company has said. That company’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-drug-trials-bc340f0a92d940aff88ee140f2774aee">has restarted</a>&nbsp;elsewhere.Johnson &amp; Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus. Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots.

2nd COVID-19 vaccine trial paused over unexplained illness

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – October 12, 2020) Riley County has 23 new positive cases and 29 additional recoveries since Friday’s report. Of the 23 new cases, 12 are in the 18-24 age range. This age group represents 52% of the new positives and almost 77% of the total number of positives in the county. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients. The patients have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. “The guidelines in Local Health Order No. 18 are working,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “I am thankful that we are entering the fall months with a downward trend for positive cases in Riley County. As winter approaches, with holiday travel and the typical flu season, we could see a spike in cases. We are preparing for that. I am hopeful that schools can remain open and that the current guidelines will continue to keep the community safe.” Two free COVID-19 testing events will be held in Manhattan this week. RCHD is partnering with KDHE and the Kansas National Guard to host events in City Park on Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Please enter the park from Fremont Street, near the Wefald Pavilion. No appointment or doctor’s referral is necessary to participate. Anyone who has symptoms, is a close contact of a positive patient, or would like information about how to get tested should contact their health care provider or 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. RCPD is fielding complaints about local businesses and organizations who are not following mask guidelines in the City of Manhattan. Upon investigation, RCPD has been able to gain voluntary compliance without the need to issue new citations in recent weeks.&nbsp; “I would like to applaud local businesses for the speed at which they responded to the health crisis,” said Gibbs. “The businesses and employees in Riley County were quick to adapt to the situation and implement safety regulations. I know it hasn’t been easy, but your efforts are paying off and we’re grateful for your hard work.” Assistance is available for local businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has information about grant opportunities on their website at www.manhattan.org. They also share information about requirements and best practices that businesses can follow in order to keep employees and customers safe. Riley County Statistics for Monday, October 12, 2020:

Percent positive information is not available at the time of this update. Percent positive data will be posted online in the&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d94aff7601&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Data &amp; Info</a>&nbsp;section of the Riley County Coronavirus web page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e58c445382&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;as soon as it is available. Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. The next video update will be Wednesday, October 14, at 4:15 p.m. on the Riley County Health Department’s Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=36fa80aeda&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f29384c086&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>, follow RCHD on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=460354ca20&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>&nbsp;and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – October 12, 2020) Riley County has 23 new positive cases and 29 additional recoveries since Friday’s report. Of the 23 new cases, 12 are in the 18-24 age range. This age group represents 52% of the new positives and almost 77% of the total number of positives in the county. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients. The patients have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. “The guidelines in Local Health Order No. 18 are working,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “I am thankful that we are entering the fall months with a downward trend for positive cases in Riley County. As winter approaches, with holiday travel and the typical flu season, we could see a spike in cases. We are preparing for that. I am hopeful that schools can remain open and that the current guidelines will continue to keep the community safe.” Two free COVID-19 testing events will be held in Manhattan this week. RCHD is partnering with KDHE and the Kansas National Guard to host events in City Park on Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Please enter the park from Fremont Street, near the Wefald Pavilion. No appointment or doctor’s referral is necessary to participate. Anyone who has symptoms, is a close contact of a positive patient, or would like information about how to get tested should contact their health care provider or 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. RCPD is fielding complaints about local businesses and organizations who are not following mask guidelines in the City of Manhattan. Upon investigation, RCPD has been able to gain voluntary compliance without the need to issue new citations in recent weeks.&nbsp; “I would like to applaud local businesses for the speed at which they responded to the health crisis,” said Gibbs. “The businesses and employees in Riley County were quick to adapt to the situation and implement safety regulations. I know it hasn’t been easy, but your efforts are paying off and we’re grateful for your hard work.” Assistance is available for local businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has information about grant opportunities on their website at www.manhattan.org. They also share information about requirements and best practices that businesses can follow in order to keep employees and customers safe. Riley County Statistics for Monday, October 12, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 1,968</li><li>Total active: 132</li><li>Total recovered: 1,827</li><li>Total deaths: 9</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Percent positive information is not available at the time of this update. Percent positive data will be posted online in the&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d94aff7601&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Data &amp; Info</a>&nbsp;section of the Riley County Coronavirus web page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e58c445382&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;as soon as it is available. Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. The next video update will be Wednesday, October 14, at 4:15 p.m. on the Riley County Health Department’s Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=36fa80aeda&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f29384c086&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>, follow RCHD on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=460354ca20&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>&nbsp;and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.

23 New Covid-19 Cases in Riley County

REPUBLIC COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with local public health, are advising people who attended an auction in Republic County on September 26 that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, as six of cases have been connected to the event to date, according to a media release from KDHE.

 The auction was held at 208 Bedford Street in Cuba, Kansas on September 26 from about 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This auction had attendees from other communities in Kansas as well as those from out of state.

Anyone who attended this event should be aware of symptoms of COVID which can develop up to 14 days after exposure. Those symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your health care provider or local health department for guidance on testing. In an emergency please call 911 and notify first responders that you were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and, if possible, wear a cloth face mask before they arrive.

REPUBLIC COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with local public health, are advising people who attended an auction in Republic County on September 26 that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, as six of cases have been connected to the event to date, according to a media release from KDHE. The auction was held at 208 Bedford Street in Cuba, Kansas on September 26 from about 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This auction had attendees from other communities in Kansas as well as those from out of state.Anyone who attended this event should be aware of symptoms of COVID which can develop up to 14 days after exposure. Those symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your health care provider or local health department for guidance on testing. In an emergency please call 911 and notify first responders that you were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and, if possible, wear a cloth face mask before they arrive.

KDHE: COVID-19 cases linked to Republic Co. auction

There were 11 new positive cases and 12 recovered positive COVID-19 cases in the latest report from the Geary County Health Department. There are now 23 active cases in the county, and one person is hospitalized.

There have been 338 confirmed positive cases in the county since the pandemic began and 311 recovered cases.

There were 11 new positive cases and 12 recovered positive COVID-19 cases in the latest report from the Geary County Health Department. There are now 23 active cases in the county, and one person is hospitalized.There have been 338 confirmed positive cases in the county since the pandemic began and 311 recovered cases.

Coronavirus Update