As the U.S. continues its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the fewer restrictions there will be and the more confidence people will have to shop in person. While almost all states have fully reopened, we’ll only be able to completely get back to life as normal once most of the population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus. The good news is that the U.S. is picking up speed with vaccination, as around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">50%</a>&nbsp;of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some states are already safer than others, though, based on how well they have kept the pandemic under control and how much they are vaccinating. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. WalletHub's data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.

As the U.S. continues its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the fewer restrictions there will be and the more confidence people will have to shop in person. While almost all states have fully reopened, we’ll only be able to completely get back to life as normal once most of the population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus. The good news is that the U.S. is picking up speed with vaccination, as around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">50%</a>&nbsp;of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some states are already safer than others, though, based on how well they have kept the pandemic under control and how much they are vaccinating. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. WalletHub's data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.<div><iframe src="https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/embed/86567/safest-states-covid-v14.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-during-covid/86567">WalletHub</a></div></div>

Safest states during COVID-19

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided a community COVID-19 update on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The report states that there have been 55 new positive confirmed cases in the county since the last report, bringing the total to 67 active cases along with 40 recoveries. There are also four people currently hospitalized in Pottawatomie County with COVID-19.

The Pottawatomie County Health Department continues to strongly encourage those who are not vaccinated to schedule their appointments. To schedule an appointment, click <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php.">HERE</a>.

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided a community COVID-19 update on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;The report states that there have been 55 new positive confirmed cases in the county since the last report, bringing the total to 67 active cases along with 40 recoveries. There are also four people currently hospitalized in Pottawatomie County with COVID-19.The Pottawatomie County Health Department continues to strongly encourage those who are not vaccinated to schedule their appointments. To schedule an appointment, click <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php.">HERE</a>.

Pottawatomie County Coid-19 Update

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - In a press release Wednesday evening, the Geary County Emergency Services recommended masks to be worn in schools this fall with numbers of the COVID-19 Delta Variant rising, and with only 45% of Geary County being vaccinated.

According to the CDC, only 45% of the population of Geary County is fully vaccinated. They also report a high level of community transmission in our county.

On Monday, August 2nd, Geary County Health Department staff met with USD 475 superintendent and other members of the school district staff to discuss the need for masks. It is imperative that we proceed with looking out for the best way to protect our children during the coming school year. The Health Department strongly encouraged the implementation of a mask requirement based on current and historic statistics concerning COVID-19.

Last school year, approximately 950 staff and students were either isolated or quarantined as a result of COVID infection or exposure. This only includes those tracked by the Health Department, not those tracked by Fort Riley. Over the past 2 months—June and July—we have had 87 children under the age of 17 test positive for COVID. Since April, we have had 100 cases of the Delta variant in Geary County: 61 of those cases just in July. Twenty-two of those cases are in children 17 and younger. Twelve of those cases are in children 12 and over who could be vaccinated. With the ongoing, close contact that occurs in school, it is critical to keep the students and staff safe through the use of masks, as well as other practices, such as vaccination, handwashing, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, and testing.

The use of masks and the implementation of the COVID testing plan recommended by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for K-12 Schools will be critical to keeping kids in school and learning. We are currently working with school district on the development of the Test to Stay and Learn plan, which will be used to ensure students and staff can remain in school, even when they have been exposed to a positive case.

More information can be obtained by contacting Geary County Health Director, Tanmy VonBusch at (785) 762-5788.

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - In a press release Wednesday evening, the Geary County Emergency Services recommended masks to be worn in schools this fall with numbers of the COVID-19 Delta Variant rising, and with only 45% of Geary County being vaccinated.Here is the full update:According to the CDC, only 45% of the population of Geary County is fully vaccinated. They also report a high level of community transmission in our county.On Monday, August 2nd, Geary County Health Department staff met with USD 475 superintendent and other members of the school district staff to discuss the need for masks. It is imperative that we proceed with looking out for the best way to protect our children during the coming school year. The Health Department strongly encouraged the implementation of a mask requirement based on current and historic statistics concerning COVID-19.Last school year, approximately 950 staff and students were either isolated or quarantined as a result of COVID infection or exposure. This only includes those tracked by the Health Department, not those tracked by Fort Riley. Over the past 2 months—June and July—we have had 87 children under the age of 17 test positive for COVID. Since April, we have had 100 cases of the Delta variant in Geary County: 61 of those cases just in July. Twenty-two of those cases are in children 17 and younger. Twelve of those cases are in children 12 and over who could be vaccinated. With the ongoing, close contact that occurs in school, it is critical to keep the students and staff safe through the use of masks, as well as other practices, such as vaccination, handwashing, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, and testing.The use of masks and the implementation of the COVID testing plan recommended by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for K-12 Schools will be critical to keeping kids in school and learning. We are currently working with school district on the development of the Test to Stay and Learn plan, which will be used to ensure students and staff can remain in school, even when they have been exposed to a positive case.More information can be obtained by contacting Geary County Health Director, Tanmy VonBusch at (785) 762-5788.

Geary County Emergency Services recommends masks in schools

Face masks will be a requirement in USD 475 buildings and vehicles, including school buses, during the upcoming school year, at least until the first quarter comes to an end at which time there will be a reassessment. Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, covered the recommendation that was approved by the Board of Education. "At the end of the first quarter we will return and reassess where we are based on data and be able to make the determination if we need to continue on with the mask provision."

USD 475 stated in a release that if a vaccinated student or staff member is exposed to COVID-19, they will have the opportunity to test to stay at school. More information regarding the district’s testing plan will be released by Aug. 11.


The end of the first quarter is Oct. 8th. Officials indicated that the new requirement will not apply on the playground or in sports. The action is being taken following the increase in COVID-19 with the Delta variant.

The move follows similar action by Fort Riley last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627955155143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Face masks will be a requirement in USD 475 buildings and vehicles, including school buses, during the upcoming school year, at least until the first quarter comes to an end at which time there will be a reassessment. Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, covered the recommendation that was approved by the Board of Education. "At the end of the first quarter we will return and reassess where we are based on data and be able to make the determination if we need to continue on with the mask provision."USD 475 stated in a release that if a vaccinated student or staff member is exposed to COVID-19, they will have the opportunity to test to stay at school. More information regarding the district’s testing plan will be released by Aug. 11.
The end of the first quarter is Oct. 8th. Officials indicated that the new requirement will not apply on the playground or in sports. The action is being taken following the increase in COVID-19 with the Delta variant.The move follows similar action by Fort Riley last week.

USD 475 will require students, staff and visitors to wear face masks inside facilities

Delta Variant is the new reason to get vaccinated. According to a social media post by Fort Riley, COVID-19 vaccines are available inside the Main PX from 10 am to 3 pm this week, August 2 - 5. No appointment is necessary. 

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine medical experts are available inside the Main PX to answer any questions or concerns. To learn more about the COVID-19 Delta Variant, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxF9sk%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ixEhq7QRUlsojJzlvminAjeLZiR39L42d-5gfEWhwm1zQv9u-oD0luY8&amp;h=AT3BLtMbbOJuwdhLK1tNOQDg5JdR0uoL5NVidVEohQUt3w6KHdCwXVJEmppAtjUpTBCgTOEijrUOHCCPiRyTjR6QigUZSKTfJOARpJ3wJqH0WnuU1SH75tB9h-y9dp9-2EMt&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3A8nfcyue19eso_yuY4CwY8prGbwJvwzmvT9nIjxf9jAXonZftlUjwxpir3U3CJ64du_93_NtKZLPlWhNPLW8Q9RZNar1XZoxkGGWZQ103-3IK8Em3n8r7REfFUurgAxt3mYTZQ3t6pwtafSG-lrDfSWpB8Vrcx1ffKSqYJda-LQvS8_mtPIzWSpt0" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xF9sk</a>

Delta Variant is the new reason to get vaccinated. According to a social media post by Fort Riley, COVID-19 vaccines are available inside the Main PX from 10 am to 3 pm this week, August 2 - 5. No appointment is necessary. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine medical experts are available inside the Main PX to answer any questions or concerns. To learn more about the COVID-19 Delta Variant, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.usa.gov%2FxF9sk%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ixEhq7QRUlsojJzlvminAjeLZiR39L42d-5gfEWhwm1zQv9u-oD0luY8&amp;h=AT3BLtMbbOJuwdhLK1tNOQDg5JdR0uoL5NVidVEohQUt3w6KHdCwXVJEmppAtjUpTBCgTOEijrUOHCCPiRyTjR6QigUZSKTfJOARpJ3wJqH0WnuU1SH75tB9h-y9dp9-2EMt&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3A8nfcyue19eso_yuY4CwY8prGbwJvwzmvT9nIjxf9jAXonZftlUjwxpir3U3CJ64du_93_NtKZLPlWhNPLW8Q9RZNar1XZoxkGGWZQ103-3IK8Em3n8r7REfFUurgAxt3mYTZQ3t6pwtafSG-lrDfSWpB8Vrcx1ffKSqYJda-LQvS8_mtPIzWSpt0" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xF9sk</a>

COVID vaccines available on Post at Fort Riley

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – July 28, 2021) Four individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;

A fully vaccinated 98-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/19/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/26/2021.&nbsp;

A fully vaccinated 92-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/15/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/25/2021.

A fully vaccinated 75-year-old male tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/12/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/24/2021.

An 89-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19 on 01/27/2021, and she passed away on 6/1/2021. COVID was a contributing factor, and records indicate she was unvaccinated.

Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 49.&nbsp;

“It is important to note that while we did have individuals who were fully vaccinated pass away this past week, they are exceptions. The majority of vaccine breakthrough cases have mild symptoms, and have not needed to be hospitalized. The deaths underscore the importance of those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated. It is the unvaccinated who are putting our vulnerable population at risk,” pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 146 new positive Coronavirus cases and 102 additional recoveries since the last report on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;

Eleven COVID-positive patients, including two who are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Five unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 70 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7c58b83154&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (56) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;

The CDC guidance updated Tuesday notes that while current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19, they could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone in Riley County to follow the CDC guidance&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3a9b88905d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">updated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that recommends everyone two and older, even those fully vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public spaces, including K-12 schools, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with the contagious Delta variant in the community,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp; Facebook Live

Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President Bob Copple and Riley County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Aryn Price, Ph.D., will participate in a Facebook live tomorrow, Thursday, July 29th, 4:30 pm. They will be available to answer any questions the community may have about COVID-19 in our community.&nbsp;

Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,988

Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;

Vaccines for those 12 and older are also being offered at USD 383’s central registration event at Manhattan High School on July 30th from 9 am to 2 pm. Information regarding other upcoming clinics can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3fd17b895e&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV</a>

Through a partnership with the Manhattan Regional Airport and RADxUP, a National Institutes of Health-funded program, COVID-19 saliva-based testing is available to those traveling into and out of Manhattan Regional Airport. Testing is offered from 10 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.&nbsp;

Results from the tests typically take 72 hours to receive, so please take this time frame into account and plan to test in advance of travel, when possible. Travel destination testing requirements vary, so please look up testing requirements in advance.

Testing will be provided free of charge, and no insurance is needed. An ID will be required. For more information, please call 785-565-6558.

The Riley County Health Department continues to provide rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 4th. Starting next week, we will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f7bb94d4f3&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=de6c3eb349&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – July 28, 2021) Four individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.&nbsp;A fully vaccinated 98-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/19/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/26/2021.&nbsp;A fully vaccinated 92-year-old female tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/15/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/25/2021.A fully vaccinated 75-year-old male tested positive for COVIID-19 on 7/12/2021 at Via Christi Village and passed away on 7/24/2021.An 89-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19 on 01/27/2021, and she passed away on 6/1/2021. COVID was a contributing factor, and records indicate she was unvaccinated.Their deaths bring the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 49.&nbsp;“It is important to note that while we did have individuals who were fully vaccinated pass away this past week, they are exceptions. The majority of vaccine breakthrough cases have mild symptoms, and have not needed to be hospitalized. The deaths underscore the importance of those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated. It is the unvaccinated who are putting our vulnerable population at risk,” pointed out Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 146 new positive Coronavirus cases and 102 additional recoveries since the last report on July 21, 2021.&nbsp;Eleven COVID-positive patients, including two who are fully vaccinated, are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Five unvaccinated patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;In Riley County, since December, there have been a total of 70 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7c58b83154&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. A majority of the cases (56) are the Delta Variant.&nbsp;The CDC guidance updated Tuesday notes that while current research shows fully vaccinated individuals represent a small amount of transmission and, in most cases, are protected from severe illness due to COVID-19, they could potentially still be asymptomatic and spread the virus.“We are strongly encouraging everyone in Riley County to follow the CDC guidance&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3a9b88905d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">updated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that recommends everyone two and older, even those fully vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public spaces, including K-12 schools, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with the contagious Delta variant in the community,” said Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp; Facebook LiveRiley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President Bob Copple and Riley County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Aryn Price, Ph.D., will participate in a Facebook live tomorrow, Thursday, July 29th, 4:30 pm. They will be available to answer any questions the community may have about COVID-19 in our community.&nbsp;Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,988Received dose 1 of 2: 490Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department on Thursdays by appointment. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;Vaccines for those 12 and older are also being offered at USD 383’s central registration event at Manhattan High School on July 30th from 9 am to 2 pm. Information regarding other upcoming clinics can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3fd17b895e&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV</a>TestingThrough a partnership with the Manhattan Regional Airport and RADxUP, a National Institutes of Health-funded program, COVID-19 saliva-based testing is available to those traveling into and out of Manhattan Regional Airport. Testing is offered from 10 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.&nbsp;Results from the tests typically take 72 hours to receive, so please take this time frame into account and plan to test in advance of travel, when possible. Travel destination testing requirements vary, so please look up testing requirements in advance.Testing will be provided free of charge, and no insurance is needed. An ID will be required. For more information, please call 785-565-6558.The Riley County Health Department continues to provide rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.Riley County Statistics for July 28:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 7,038</li><li>Total active: 148</li><li>Total recovered: 6,841</li><li>Total deaths: 49</li><li>Total variant cases: 70</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 29 (July 18 - July 24) 8.7%<ul>
 <li>107 positive</li><li>1231 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 28 (July 11 - July 17) 9.0%&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>100 positive</li><li>1112 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 8.83%<ul>
 <li>207 positive&nbsp;</li><li>2,343 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, August 4th. Starting next week, we will also begin publishing COVID-19 statistics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f7bb94d4f3&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://coronavirus-response-rcitgis.hub.arcgis.com</a>For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=de6c3eb349&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

4 deaths and 146 new COVID-19 cases in Riley County

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.

Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.

The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.

Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.

“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”

Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.

“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”

Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.

Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.

Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.

In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.

Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.

And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.

Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.

On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.

Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”

“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.

Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.

“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”

And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.

You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.

Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?

Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.

The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.

But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.

And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.

That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.

“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”

Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”

The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.

So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.

Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.

Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.

“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.

“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”

Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.

“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”

The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.

But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.

So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.

Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.

Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.

So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330587128.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.That’s why time really matters.Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.<h2>The delta in Kansas</h2>In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330645256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.<h2>The big question</h2>How bad will it get in Kansas?Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330675834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.So what happens next?“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”<h2>The school debate</h2>Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kan. COVID cases skyrocket from hundreds to thousands per week 

Konza Prairie Community Health Center will host their annual Back to School Health Fair on Friday, July 30 at their 361 Grant Ave. location. The hours will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tahni Leonguerrero, Clinic Coordinator at Konza, said COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all ages 12 and up including parents and guardians who may want to get vaccinated that day. "COVID vaccines are free, no out of pocket expense. We also have the Pfizer vaccine authorized for 12 and older. The vaccine is also given in two doses spaced about three weeks apart."

There will also be childhood vaccines for all school age children, sports physicals for $20 or a donation of five canned goods and dental oral health screening.

For those interested in vaccinations bring shot records and your insurance card if you have one. Insurance is not required and there is not any out of pocket cost for vaccines.

All medical services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Community organizations will also provide information on health, wellness and community activities, Each participant will receive a free goodie bag, lunch and a chance to win one of many door prizes.

Konza Prairie Community Health Center will host their annual Back to School Health Fair on Friday, July 30 at their 361 Grant Ave. location. The hours will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Tahni Leonguerrero, Clinic Coordinator at Konza, said COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all ages 12 and up including parents and guardians who may want to get vaccinated that day. "COVID vaccines are free, no out of pocket expense. We also have the Pfizer vaccine authorized for 12 and older. The vaccine is also given in two doses spaced about three weeks apart."There will also be childhood vaccines for all school age children, sports physicals for $20 or a donation of five canned goods and dental oral health screening.For those interested in vaccinations bring shot records and your insurance card if you have one. Insurance is not required and there is not any out of pocket cost for vaccines.All medical services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.Community organizations will also provide information on health, wellness and community activities, Each participant will receive a free goodie bag, lunch and a chance to win one of many door prizes.

Back to School Health Fair information is provided

Geary Community Hospital officials are urging the public to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Director of Communications Ashley King stated that recent statistics showed the county had the lowest percentage for vaccination rates in the state and hospitalizations have also been up recently.

Delta variant cases of COVID-19 are also being reported. "We are seeing quite a few Delta variants and quite a few breakthroughs. A breakthrough is someone that is fully vaccinated and has been vaccinated for two weeks but then are becoming positive for COVID. Those breakthroughs have been a Delta. "

GCH, CVS Pharmacy, Wal Mart, Konza Prairie Community Health Center and the Health Department provide the COVID-19 vaccinations.

King urged people to get a vaccine and if you are not vaccinated to wear your mask. Face masks are required at Geary Community Hospital.

Geary Community Hospital officials are urging the public to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Director of Communications Ashley King stated that recent statistics showed the county had the lowest percentage for vaccination rates in the state and hospitalizations have also been up recently.Delta variant cases of COVID-19 are also being reported. "We are seeing quite a few Delta variants and quite a few breakthroughs. A breakthrough is someone that is fully vaccinated and has been vaccinated for two weeks but then are becoming positive for COVID. Those breakthroughs have been a Delta. "GCH, CVS Pharmacy, Wal Mart, Konza Prairie Community Health Center and the Health Department provide the COVID-19 vaccinations.King urged people to get a vaccine and if you are not vaccinated to wear your mask. Face masks are required at Geary Community Hospital.

Hospital urges COVID-19 vaccinations

COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Geary County. According to Health Department Director Tammy Von Busch as of this past Wednesday there were 56 active cases in the county, a significant increase. 

By comparison last April when the mask mandate went from being required to strongly encouraged there were only three active cases. "So now what's happened is we continue to see our cases rising, " said Von Busch.

There have been a total of 73 Delta variant cases in the county and 42 were identified in July. Von Busch added emphasis to the importance of vaccinations. "Of those 42&nbsp; 18 are less than 20 years old and 3 are over 65." Von Busch said 42.9% of the Geary County population has been vaccinated but in the 65 and older 81.4% have received COVID-19 vaccinations. "That speaks volumes to the importance of vaccination."

Von Busch said the Pfizer vaccines are available to kids 12and older. With the school year beginning in August this is the perfect time for them to get vaccinated.&nbsp; She added that most of the pharmacies, the Health Department, Konza Prairie Community Health Center and medical providers at Geary Community Hospital can provide vaccinations.

COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Geary County. According to Health Department Director Tammy Von Busch as of this past Wednesday there were 56 active cases in the county, a significant increase. By comparison last April when the mask mandate went from being required to strongly encouraged there were only three active cases. "So now what's happened is we continue to see our cases rising, " said Von Busch.There have been a total of 73 Delta variant cases in the county and 42 were identified in July. Von Busch added emphasis to the importance of vaccinations. "Of those 42&nbsp; 18 are less than 20 years old and 3 are over 65." Von Busch said 42.9% of the Geary County population has been vaccinated but in the 65 and older 81.4% have received COVID-19 vaccinations. "That speaks volumes to the importance of vaccination."Von Busch said the Pfizer vaccines are available to kids 12and older. With the school year beginning in August this is the perfect time for them to get vaccinated.&nbsp; She added that most of the pharmacies, the Health Department, Konza Prairie Community Health Center and medical providers at Geary Community Hospital can provide vaccinations.

Get vaccinated for COVID-19

There are 53 active cases of COVID-19 reported by the Geary County Health Department. According to a report released on Friday there were 14 new positive cases and 15 recovered cases. Six people were hospitalized.&nbsp;

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,903 positive cases and 1,818 recovered cases reported by the Health Department.

There are 53 active cases of COVID-19 reported by the Geary County Health Department. According to a report released on Friday there were 14 new positive cases and 15 recovered cases. Six people were hospitalized.&nbsp;Since the pandemic began there have been 1,903 positive cases and 1,818 recovered cases reported by the Health Department.

Health Department provides COVID-19 update

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.

“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent.

“I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said.

After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. 

The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621437146845.jpeg" alt="The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent. “I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said. After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

Eisenhower Museum to close due to public health conditions

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas has ranked 29th for states recovering quickest from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is better than three of its four border states.

With 48% of the population fully vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="http://wallethub.com/" target="_blank">WalletHub.com</a>&nbsp;says it has released its updated rankings for&nbsp;<a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-covid-recovery/90947" target="_blank">States That Are Recovering the Quickest From COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It said to find the states with the most successful recoveries, it compared the 50 states and Washington, D.C., across metrics that include the share of the population fully vaccinated and real GDP vs. pre-COVID levels.

According to the Study, Kansas has ranked 29th for states with the quickest recoveries. It said the state ranked 35th for COVID Health, 24th for Lesuire and Travel and 14th for Economy and Labor Market, accounting for its overall score of 51.37.

However, the study showed that Colorado came in at 34th for states recovering the quickest, Oklahoma came in at 43rd and Missouri ranked 51st. The only border state that came ahead of Kansas was Nebraska, which ranked fourth in the nation.

WalletHub said Missouri ranked second for the highest death rate due to COVID-19 and tied Arkansas, Kentucky and Nevada for the highest hospitalization rate. It said Colorado had the fifth highest GDP vs. Pre-COVID levels. It also said Nebraska had the third-lowest unemployment rate vs. Pre-COVID levels while Colorado had the second-highest unemployment rate vs Pre-COVID levels. Lastly, it said Colorado also had the fifth-highest real estate active listings vs. Pre-COVID levels.

For more information or to see where other states fall, click&nbsp;<a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-covid-recovery/90947" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

By WIBW TV's Sarah MotterTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas has ranked 29th for states recovering quickest from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is better than three of its four border states.With 48% of the population fully vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="http://wallethub.com/" target="_blank">WalletHub.com</a>&nbsp;says it has released its updated rankings for&nbsp;<a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-covid-recovery/90947" target="_blank">States That Are Recovering the Quickest From COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It said to find the states with the most successful recoveries, it compared the 50 states and Washington, D.C., across metrics that include the share of the population fully vaccinated and real GDP vs. pre-COVID levels.According to the Study, Kansas has ranked 29th for states with the quickest recoveries. It said the state ranked 35th for COVID Health, 24th for Lesuire and Travel and 14th for Economy and Labor Market, accounting for its overall score of 51.37.However, the study showed that Colorado came in at 34th for states recovering the quickest, Oklahoma came in at 43rd and Missouri ranked 51st. The only border state that came ahead of Kansas was Nebraska, which ranked fourth in the nation.<div><iframe src="https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/embed/90947/covid-recovering-v3.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-covid-recovery/90947">WalletHub</a></div></div>WalletHub said Missouri ranked second for the highest death rate due to COVID-19 and tied Arkansas, Kentucky and Nevada for the highest hospitalization rate. It said Colorado had the fifth highest GDP vs. Pre-COVID levels. It also said Nebraska had the third-lowest unemployment rate vs. Pre-COVID levels while Colorado had the second-highest unemployment rate vs Pre-COVID levels. Lastly, it said Colorado also had the fifth-highest real estate active listings vs. Pre-COVID levels.For more information or to see where other states fall, click&nbsp;<a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-covid-recovery/90947" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Kansas recovering from pandemic quicker than bordering states

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.

That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.

The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.

Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.

Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.

Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.

J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.___

US officials flag "small" risk with J&J vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.

The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.

Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.

On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”

Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.

“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”

He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.

Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.

Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”

Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”

The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”

Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

Fauci: Too soon to say if you may need vaccine booster

To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the CDC recommends most people wear cloth face covers in public, like at the grocery store. But remember, social distancing and hand washing are still very important steps in prevention.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Learn more about face coverings: <a href="https://ascn.io/3dTlewi?fbclid=IwAR17kpQoHqIWzc4zuOw2X9yTRWHn7kh3J-oGF17_VoNH2JHTGT_kAJRo3Z4" target="_blank">https://ascn.io/3dTlewi</a>

To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the CDC recommends most people wear cloth face covers in public, like at the grocery store. But remember, social distancing and hand washing are still very important steps in prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp; Learn more about face coverings: <a href="https://ascn.io/3dTlewi?fbclid=IwAR17kpQoHqIWzc4zuOw2X9yTRWHn7kh3J-oGF17_VoNH2JHTGT_kAJRo3Z4" target="_blank">https://ascn.io/3dTlewi</a>

Ascension Via Christi Hospital provides advice on slowing COVID-19

Geary County health officials said Tuesday that there are 45 total active cases of COVID-19 in the county, up five from their last report. Three people are hospitalized.&nbsp;

On Tuesday there were 24 confirmed positive cases and 18 recovered cases.

The County's numbers do not include COVID-19 cases from Fort Riley.

Geary County health officials said Tuesday that there are 45 total active cases of COVID-19 in the county, up five from their last report. Three people are hospitalized.&nbsp;On Tuesday there were 24 confirmed positive cases and 18 recovered cases.The County's numbers do not include COVID-19 cases from Fort Riley.

Health Department updates COVID-19 numbers

There have been a small number of the COVID-19 Delta variant reported in Geary County. Health Officer Tammy Von Busch said based on information from the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment there were three breakthrough cases. "Meaning that they have been vaccinated, they are past their two weeks post-vaccination so they should be considered completely covered but they have come down with the Delta variant."

Von Busch noted that vaccines are extremely effective but you always run a risk of falling in the five or six percent group that do not have complete vaccine coverage.

There have been four cases in youth under the age of 18, and none of them had been completely vaccinated, said Von Busch.&nbsp; "It's extremely important to get vaccinated. The only way that we're going to be able to protect the community, protect ourselves and hopefully prevent any variance from developing."&nbsp;

Symptoms with the Delta variant are similar to those with the initial COVID-19.

There will be public events on the July 4th weekend. Could the Delta variant spread? Von&nbsp; Busch said it's possible. "It could, yeah, absolutely. We still don't have herd immunity in the community so it's important that people take the necessary precautions. Wear a mask if you are around people you don't know or aren't vaccinated, practice the social distancing and hand washing and all the necessary precautions that we've been stressing the whole time through this pandemic."&nbsp;

Von Busch added that if anyone is sick, regardless of whether it is or is not COVID-19, stay home.&nbsp;

People are encouraged to get vaccinated. You can get that service at the Geary County Health Department via a walk-in clinic.

There have been a small number of the COVID-19 Delta variant reported in Geary County. Health Officer Tammy Von Busch said based on information from the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment there were three breakthrough cases. "Meaning that they have been vaccinated, they are past their two weeks post-vaccination so they should be considered completely covered but they have come down with the Delta variant."Von Busch noted that vaccines are extremely effective but you always run a risk of falling in the five or six percent group that do not have complete vaccine coverage.There have been four cases in youth under the age of 18, and none of them had been completely vaccinated, said Von Busch.&nbsp; "It's extremely important to get vaccinated. The only way that we're going to be able to protect the community, protect ourselves and hopefully prevent any variance from developing."&nbsp;Symptoms with the Delta variant are similar to those with the initial COVID-19.There will be public events on the July 4th weekend. Could the Delta variant spread? Von&nbsp; Busch said it's possible. "It could, yeah, absolutely. We still don't have herd immunity in the community so it's important that people take the necessary precautions. Wear a mask if you are around people you don't know or aren't vaccinated, practice the social distancing and hand washing and all the necessary precautions that we've been stressing the whole time through this pandemic."&nbsp;Von Busch added that if anyone is sick, regardless of whether it is or is not COVID-19, stay home.&nbsp;People are encouraged to get vaccinated. You can get that service at the Geary County Health Department via a walk-in clinic.

COVID-19 Delta variant is confirmed in Geary County

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – June 30, 2021) Riley County has identified 24 new positive Coronavirus cases and 28 additional recoveries since the last report on June 23, 2021.&nbsp;

The percent of positive cases for the week of June 20th was 5.2%. That translates to 30 of the 580 tests performed coming back positive.&nbsp;

Four COVID-positive patients are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Two patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

In Riley County, since February, there has been a total of 31 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=9e54759258&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. Nineteen of the cases are from the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, 11 cases from the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant, and one from the B.1.429 (Epsilon) variant.&nbsp;

As the Delta variant becomes more prevalent throughout the United States, it is important to know the variant is estimated to be 75% more contagious than the original strain. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the “fastest and fittest” variant.&nbsp;

“The new variant is spreading quickly. Continue to wash your hands, wear your mask in crowded settings, especially if you are not vaccinated, and practice social distancing when you can,” explains Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;

There has been an additional seven confirmed vaccine breakthrough cases in Riley County. However, unlike the six breakthrough cases reported last week, which were linked to individuals who tested positive for a variant, these cases were not tested for variant lineage. This is because the seven individuals refused, or the sequencing was not requested at the time of testing.&nbsp;

As noted previously, vaccine breakthrough cases are expected. While vaccines are still the best protection from COVID-19, no vaccine is 100% effective. According to the CDC, there is some evidence getting a COVID-19 vaccine may make symptoms less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick. Furthermore, current data suggests COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e30454fa4a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants</a>, while natural immunity may not.&nbsp;

<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e175b2ad54&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s requirements for a vaccine breakthrough case</a>.&nbsp;

Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,736

Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If individuals are traveling out of the state or country, they can contact the RCHD to get a PCR saliva test kit to take before they travel. Most overseas travel requires a negative test result within 72 hours of flying.&nbsp;

The Riley County Health Department provides rapid testing for symptomatic individuals and saliva-based testing for anyone. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.&nbsp;

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, July 7.

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – June 30, 2021) Riley County has identified 24 new positive Coronavirus cases and 28 additional recoveries since the last report on June 23, 2021.&nbsp;The percent of positive cases for the week of June 20th was 5.2%. That translates to 30 of the 580 tests performed coming back positive.&nbsp;Four COVID-positive patients are currently under care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Two patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;In Riley County, since February, there has been a total of 31 positive cases from&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=9e54759258&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants of concern</a>. Nineteen of the cases are from the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, 11 cases from the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant, and one from the B.1.429 (Epsilon) variant.&nbsp;As the Delta variant becomes more prevalent throughout the United States, it is important to know the variant is estimated to be 75% more contagious than the original strain. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the “fastest and fittest” variant.&nbsp;“The new variant is spreading quickly. Continue to wash your hands, wear your mask in crowded settings, especially if you are not vaccinated, and practice social distancing when you can,” explains Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs.&nbsp;There has been an additional seven confirmed vaccine breakthrough cases in Riley County. However, unlike the six breakthrough cases reported last week, which were linked to individuals who tested positive for a variant, these cases were not tested for variant lineage. This is because the seven individuals refused, or the sequencing was not requested at the time of testing.&nbsp;As noted previously, vaccine breakthrough cases are expected. While vaccines are still the best protection from COVID-19, no vaccine is 100% effective. According to the CDC, there is some evidence getting a COVID-19 vaccine may make symptoms less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick. Furthermore, current data suggests COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e30454fa4a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">variants</a>, while natural immunity may not.&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e175b2ad54&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s requirements for a vaccine breakthrough case</a>.&nbsp;Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 21,736Received dose 1 of 2: 525Vaccines are being offered at the Riley County Health Department. Please call 785-565-6560 M-F between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to schedule an appointment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County Statistics for June 30:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 6,706</li><li>Total active: 43</li><li>Total recovered: 6,620</li><li>Total deaths: 43</li><li>Total variant cases: 31&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 25 (June 20 - June 26) 5.2%<ul>
 <li>30 positive cases</li><li>580 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 24 (June 13 - June 19) 7.5%<ul>
 <li>37 positive cases</li><li>493 total tests&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 6.24%<ul>
 <li>67 positive&nbsp;</li><li>1,073 total tests</li>
 </ul>TestingIf individuals are traveling out of the state or country, they can contact the RCHD to get a PCR saliva test kit to take before they travel. Most overseas travel requires a negative test result within 72 hours of flying.&nbsp;The Riley County Health Department provides rapid testing for symptomatic individuals and saliva-based testing for anyone. Please call our screening call center at 785-323-640 for more information.&nbsp;The next written update will be published on Wednesday, July 7.For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d3c7dd671a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to covid19vaccine@gmail.com

Coronavirus Update