Approximately 250 people received their second COVID-19 vaccine shot at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City on Friday. Tammy Von Busch, Health Department Director, said it went well. "Think it went just as smoothly as it did the first time around. We got everybody in and out, and everybody was really happy. We got a lot of positive comments about how smoothly it all ran."

Another 200 people are scheduled to receive their first dose of the coronavirus on Saturday at the Opera House. Those will be by appointment only.

Approximately 250 people received their second COVID-19 vaccine shot at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City on Friday. Tammy Von Busch, Health Department Director, said it went well. "Think it went just as smoothly as it did the first time around. We got everybody in and out, and everybody was really happy. We got a lot of positive comments about how smoothly it all ran."Another 200 people are scheduled to receive their first dose of the coronavirus on Saturday at the Opera House. Those will be by appointment only.

Round two COVID-19 vaccinations are conducted

Major General D. A. Sims said Friday that the prevalence and transmission of the coronavirus has declined in the local area. He stated in an online post that after careful consultation with disease experts, professional analysts and community leaders, he&nbsp; has updated the COVID-19 Order for Fort Riley.

Service members will still be required to wear a mask in any public space or facility, both in and outdoors, on and off the installation. 

The 150-mile travel radius and curfew have been rescinded.&nbsp;

Service members are permitted to dine-in at restaurants and bars including those in Aggieville in Manhattan between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Service members will masks in restaurants and bars unless actively eating or drinking. That includes entering and exiting the facility, sitting at tables and bar tops, using the restroom and during all movement in and around the establishment.&nbsp;

Soldiers are authorized to use off-post gym facilities. They will wear masks while in off-post gyms, even if not required by the individual gym's policy.

The in-home visitor limit has increased from six people up to 10 people while the barracks room visitor limit has from one person up to three people.

Service members will incur a 14-day quarantine when returning from a high risk area as defined by the Centers for Disease Control or the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment.&nbsp;

Sims added that the Fort Riley community has done an excellent job of adapting to changes in day-to-day life, coping with hardship and protecting those who call the Flint Hills home, and there has been a decline in the prevalence and transmission of the virus due to their diligence, discipline and responsibility.

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general said it's important to remember the virus has not disappeared and there are possibilities of increased spread from new variants if we let our guard down.&nbsp; Each of the changes is contingent on the continued discipline of Fort Riley Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members, and the virus's impact on the local area. As conditions change, we will modify restrictions and mitigation measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Major General D. A. Sims said Friday that the prevalence and transmission of the coronavirus has declined in the local area. He stated in an online post that after careful consultation with disease experts, professional analysts and community leaders, he&nbsp; has updated the COVID-19 Order for Fort Riley.Service members will still be required to wear a mask in any public space or facility, both in and outdoors, on and off the installation. The 150-mile travel radius and curfew have been rescinded.&nbsp;Service members are permitted to dine-in at restaurants and bars including those in Aggieville in Manhattan between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Service members will masks in restaurants and bars unless actively eating or drinking. That includes entering and exiting the facility, sitting at tables and bar tops, using the restroom and during all movement in and around the establishment.&nbsp;Soldiers are authorized to use off-post gym facilities. They will wear masks while in off-post gyms, even if not required by the individual gym's policy.The in-home visitor limit has increased from six people up to 10 people while the barracks room visitor limit has from one person up to three people.Service members will incur a 14-day quarantine when returning from a high risk area as defined by the Centers for Disease Control or the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment.&nbsp;Sims added that the Fort Riley community has done an excellent job of adapting to changes in day-to-day life, coping with hardship and protecting those who call the Flint Hills home, and there has been a decline in the prevalence and transmission of the virus due to their diligence, discipline and responsibility.The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general said it's important to remember the virus has not disappeared and there are possibilities of increased spread from new variants if we let our guard down.&nbsp; Each of the changes is contingent on the continued discipline of Fort Riley Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members, and the virus's impact on the local area. As conditions change, we will modify restrictions and mitigation measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Fort Riley modifies some COVID-19 restrictions

Members of the Geary County community who their first COVID-19 vaccine shot approximately four weeks ago will receive their second shot at designated times on Friday at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. That will include approximately 300 people.

 Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director, said the third round of first dose vaccinations consisting of 200 vaccinations by appointment only will be held on Saturday at the Opera House. These are phase one and phase two vaccinations. "The State has not said when counties can move to a phase three because there are still numerous counties that are still trying to finish up and get people done in phase one and phase two."

Members of the Geary County community who their first COVID-19 vaccine shot approximately four weeks ago will receive their second shot at designated times on Friday at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. That will include approximately 300 people. Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director, said the third round of first dose vaccinations consisting of 200 vaccinations by appointment only will be held on Saturday at the Opera House. These are phase one and phase two vaccinations. "The State has not said when counties can move to a phase three because there are still numerous counties that are still trying to finish up and get people done in phase one and phase two."

Some second round COVID-19 vaccine shots will be provided on Friday

Geary County health officials reported one new confirmed positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday and one recovered case. There are currently 30 active cases in the county, and two people are hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,521 positive cases and 1,472 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials reported one new confirmed positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday and one recovered case. There are currently 30 active cases in the county, and two people are hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 1,521 positive cases and 1,472 recovered cases.

COVID-19 positive case numbers are declining

There were five new confirmed positive&nbsp; cases reported in Geary County on Tuesday, but the Health Department also reported six recovered cases.

There are 30 total active cases in the county and two people were hospitalized.

There were five new confirmed positive&nbsp; cases reported in Geary County on Tuesday, but the Health Department also reported six recovered cases.There are 30 total active cases in the county and two people were hospitalized.

Health Department reports on COVID-19 case numbers

Geary County Health officials reported on Monday that there has been one more COVID-19 related death in the county. That brings the total since the pandemic began to 25.

There were 10 new positive cases on Monday and 15 recovered cases. The total number of active cases stands at 31, and three people are hospitalized.

Geary County Health officials reported on Monday that there has been one more COVID-19 related death in the county. That brings the total since the pandemic began to 25.There were 10 new positive cases on Monday and 15 recovered cases. The total number of active cases stands at 31, and three people are hospitalized.

Geary County Health confirms one more COVID-19 related death

Geary County officials have reported that as of noon Friday, 3,197 people have received COVID vaccines in the county. That includes vaccines given through the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City and Valley View Senior Life along with pharmacy partners Dillon's, Walmart, CVS an Kolhoff.

All of those who have received the shots have received their first vaccine and 908 have received the second vaccine.&nbsp; They were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the county is still in Phase 2, which includes those over 65, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement.

You are encouraged to get signed up on the Geary County website at www.gearycounty.org or the Health Department at 762-5788 or Geary Community Hospital at 238-0305 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You can also reach out to the pharmacies. You will be contacted when your phase is scheduled.

Geary County officials have reported that as of noon Friday, 3,197 people have received COVID vaccines in the county. That includes vaccines given through the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City and Valley View Senior Life along with pharmacy partners Dillon's, Walmart, CVS an Kolhoff.All of those who have received the shots have received their first vaccine and 908 have received the second vaccine.&nbsp; They were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the county is still in Phase 2, which includes those over 65, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement.You are encouraged to get signed up on the Geary County website at www.gearycounty.org or the Health Department at 762-5788 or Geary Community Hospital at 238-0305 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You can also reach out to the pharmacies. You will be contacted when your phase is scheduled.

More than 3,000 get COVID-19 vaccines

The number of COVID-19 cases have been decreasing. On Thursday the Geary County Health Department reported two new positive cases and five recovered cases. There are 34 active cases in the county. Four people are hospitalized.

The number of COVID-19 cases have been decreasing. On Thursday the Geary County Health Department reported two new positive cases and five recovered cases. There are 34 active cases in the county. Four people are hospitalized.

Health Department confirms two positive COVID-19 cases

Department of Defense is providing vaccination support in the United States. Major General D.A. Sims confirmed that Fort Riley has been asked to do part of that. "Later this week we will deploy a vaccination support team coming from Second Brigade that will deploy here in the United States to assist in providing increased numbers of vaccinations in a particular part of the country."

Sims added that this involves about 150 people and could go a little larger over time. He noted that this is one of those things in our country where they're able to make a big differencre.

Department of Defense is providing vaccination support in the United States. Major General D.A. Sims confirmed that Fort Riley has been asked to do part of that. "Later this week we will deploy a vaccination support team coming from Second Brigade that will deploy here in the United States to assist in providing increased numbers of vaccinations in a particular part of the country."Sims added that this involves about 150 people and could go a little larger over time. He noted that this is one of those things in our country where they're able to make a big differencre.

Fort Riley contingent of troops will help with COVID-19 vaccination support

Geary County health officials reported 14 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and nine recovered cases. There are currently 31 active cases in the county. Four people are hospitalized.

Geary County health officials reported 14 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and nine recovered cases. There are currently 31 active cases in the county. Four people are hospitalized.

Health Department reports 14 positive COVID-19 cases

Geary County Emergency Management said in just over three and a half hours on Saturday, 330 residents received their 1st COVID Vaccine at the&nbsp; C. L. Hoover Opera House. Due to a donation from a person who received their vaccine in the 1st clinic two weeks ago, organizers were able to provide snacks and Subway sandwiches to the volunteers Saturday. 

  Make sure that you get signed up to receive the COVID-19vaccine when your phase opens up.

Geary County Emergency Management said in just over three and a half hours on Saturday, 330 residents received their 1st COVID Vaccine at the&nbsp; C. L. Hoover Opera House. Due to a donation from a person who received their vaccine in the 1st clinic two weeks ago, organizers were able to provide snacks and Subway sandwiches to the volunteers Saturday. Make sure that you get signed up to receive the COVID-19vaccine when your phase opens up.

COVID-19 vaccines are administered at the C.L. Hoover Opera House

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Geary County dropped by 11 on Friday. There are now 26 active cases.

The report from the Health Department showed that there were three confirmed positive cases and 14 recovered cases. Two people are currently hospitalized, up from none on Thursday.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began here have been 1,481 confirmed positive cases and 1,431 recovered cases.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Geary County dropped by 11 on Friday. There are now 26 active cases.The report from the Health Department showed that there were three confirmed positive cases and 14 recovered cases. Two people are currently hospitalized, up from none on Thursday.Since the coronavirus pandemic began here have been 1,481 confirmed positive cases and 1,431 recovered cases.

Covid-19 case number drops to 26 in Geary County

Geary County is reporting that as of Friday at noon, a total of 1,889 persons have received COVID vaccines in Geary County. This includes the vaccines that have been given thru the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City, and Valley View Senior Life. We will also be reporting starting next week, the numbers from the local pharmacies that will be giving the COVID vaccine.

Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said out of the 1,809, they have all received their 1st vaccine. 788 of them have also received their 2nd vaccine. Depending on which vaccine they received as their first, they had to wait either 21 days or 28 days for their 2nd vaccine. These were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Geary County is scheduled to receive 500 doses of the vaccine next week. There is a by appointment only vaccine site scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021. They will be administrating 300 doses of the vaccine. We will continue to schedule additional vaccination sites as vaccines arrive. Reminder, that we are still in Phase 2, which includes those over 65 years of age, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement. We encourage everyone to get signed up on the Geary County website (www.gearycounty.org) or contact the Health Department at 762-5788 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You will be contacted when your Phase is scheduled. Please continue to be patient as we wait for additional vaccine to be received.

Geary County is reporting that as of Friday at noon, a total of 1,889 persons have received COVID vaccines in Geary County. This includes the vaccines that have been given thru the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City, and Valley View Senior Life. We will also be reporting starting next week, the numbers from the local pharmacies that will be giving the COVID vaccine.Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said out of the 1,809, they have all received their 1st vaccine. 788 of them have also received their 2nd vaccine. Depending on which vaccine they received as their first, they had to wait either 21 days or 28 days for their 2nd vaccine. These were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.Geary County is scheduled to receive 500 doses of the vaccine next week. There is a by appointment only vaccine site scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021. They will be administrating 300 doses of the vaccine. We will continue to schedule additional vaccination sites as vaccines arrive. Reminder, that we are still in Phase 2, which includes those over 65 years of age, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement. We encourage everyone to get signed up on the Geary County website (www.gearycounty.org) or contact the Health Department at 762-5788 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You will be contacted when your Phase is scheduled. Please continue to be patient as we wait for additional vaccine to be received.

More than 1,800 people have received COVID-19 vaccinations 

Geary County health officials have included one more death in their latest COVID-19 report for the county. That brings the total to 24 since the pandemic began.

The active case number dropped by 22 on Thursday down to a total of 37. There were six confirmed positive cases, 28 recovered cases and no one from the county is hospitalized.

Geary County health officials have included one more death in their latest COVID-19 report for the county. That brings the total to 24 since the pandemic began.The active case number dropped by 22 on Thursday down to a total of 37. There were six confirmed positive cases, 28 recovered cases and no one from the county is hospitalized.

Health Department reports the latest COVID-19 numbers

Geary Community Hospital officials reported Thursday that one person is hospitalized there due to COVID-19. There were 24 positive tests in the past week and 152 negative tests.&nbsp; Eleven tests were pending.&nbsp;

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,043 positive tests and 6,756 negative tests at the hospital.

Geary Community Hospital officials reported Thursday that one person is hospitalized there due to COVID-19. There were 24 positive tests in the past week and 152 negative tests.&nbsp; Eleven tests were pending.&nbsp;Since the pandemic began there have been 1,043 positive tests and 6,756 negative tests at the hospital.

GCH provides an update on COVID-19 numbers

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.

The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.

When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.

“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.

The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.

The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.

The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.

Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.

CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.

Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.

When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.

Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.

Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.

Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.

“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.“It works,” Brooks said.The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

CDC updates coronavirus face mask guidance

Geary County health officials reported on Wednesday that there were four confirmed new positive cases of COVID-19 and 33 recovered cases. Three people were hospitalized.

Total active case numbers in the county decreased by 29 down to 59.

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,472 confirmed positive cases and 1,393 total recovered cases.

Geary County health officials reported on Wednesday that there were four confirmed new positive cases of COVID-19 and 33 recovered cases. Three people were hospitalized.Total active case numbers in the county decreased by 29 down to 59.Since the pandemic began there have been 1,472 confirmed positive cases and 1,393 total recovered cases.

COVID-19 case numbers are trending down

Geary County health officials reported Tuesday that there were 88 active COVID-19 cases in the county.&nbsp; That was down 17 from Mondyay.

There were five confirmed positive cases and 22 recovered cases. Three people are currently hospitalized.

Geary County health officials reported Tuesday that there were 88 active COVID-19 cases in the county.&nbsp; That was down 17 from Mondyay.There were five confirmed positive cases and 22 recovered cases. Three people are currently hospitalized.

Active COVID-19 case numbers are going down

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.

Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.

“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”

Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.

“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.

He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.

He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.

But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.

“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”

Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.

But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.

With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612878873265.png" alt="Virus variant map image GSAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant map image GSAID</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

No evidence of wide spread of virus variant so far in Kansas

Starting Wednesday, February 10, Stoneybrook Assisted Living &amp; Memory Care residents&nbsp; in Manhattan will begin hosting family members and friends for in-person visits. Due to COVID-19, visitation at assisted living and memory care communities including Stoneybrook has been restricted to essential caregivers since March of 2020.

“This is easily the best announcement I’ve ever had the privilege to make,” said Troy Shaw, Executive Director at Stoneybrook. “Our residents and their families are so excited to be able to visit face-to-face again, and we are delighted to welcome them back into the community.”

The visitation policy change comes after residents and staff members at the community were offered both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After the second shot, the community waited the recommended 14 days to ensure the vaccine had enough time to be fully effective. Now, the community is preparing to welcome visitors, but there will still be safety precautions in place.

“Our residents and staff were fortunate to have been among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, but we’re still following recommended precautions,” said Shaw. “Our visitation policies include testing visitors for COVID-19 when they arrive, asking them to wear a facemask, practice social distancing and more.”

Visits at the community need to be scheduled in advance and visitors are also required to pass a health screen prior to entering the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine was not mandatory for Stoneybrook residents, but Shaw says seniors did not hesitate to opt-in.

Starting Wednesday, February 10, Stoneybrook Assisted Living &amp; Memory Care residents&nbsp; in Manhattan will begin hosting family members and friends for in-person visits. Due to COVID-19, visitation at assisted living and memory care communities including Stoneybrook has been restricted to essential caregivers since March of 2020.“This is easily the best announcement I’ve ever had the privilege to make,” said Troy Shaw, Executive Director at Stoneybrook. “Our residents and their families are so excited to be able to visit face-to-face again, and we are delighted to welcome them back into the community.”The visitation policy change comes after residents and staff members at the community were offered both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After the second shot, the community waited the recommended 14 days to ensure the vaccine had enough time to be fully effective. Now, the community is preparing to welcome visitors, but there will still be safety precautions in place.“Our residents and staff were fortunate to have been among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, but we’re still following recommended precautions,” said Shaw. “Our visitation policies include testing visitors for COVID-19 when they arrive, asking them to wear a facemask, practice social distancing and more.”Visits at the community need to be scheduled in advance and visitors are also required to pass a health screen prior to entering the community.The COVID-19 vaccine was not mandatory for Stoneybrook residents, but Shaw says seniors did not hesitate to opt-in.

Visitation policy is changing at Stoneybrook Assisted Living & Memory Care

Area state legislators and&nbsp; Geary County officials are not in favor of proposed Kansas House Bill 2142. That was clear during a Chamber of Commerce hosted legislative coffee on Saturday.

Trish Giordano, Geary County Commission Chair, told the elected officials the proposed bill would require Kansas counties to reimburse businesses for property taxes if they were shut down or had their capacity limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I wanted to hear what you thought about that. I know it's going to be debated on Tuesday, and I think that that would be very detrimental and cause a huge burden on us for sure, and I'm sure many other counties."

State Senator Tom Hawk said he would not support the bill. State Representative Dave Baker said the reality is that there has not been enough research on the measure. "And I don't think in the hearing this next week we'll have enough information to move me from an opponent to a proponent."

Baker noted that he had&nbsp; heard loud and clear from his county commissioners. He said there is a group in Geary County that have no problem calling him from the County ( Offices ), "and telling me how the cows eat the cabbage. And they made that call. " Baker stressed that he would not be supporting the bill.

Hawk also stated the Governor just announced a federal paycheck protection program and that there will be more PPP money coming out. He indicated that five or six billion dollars in federal money has already been invested, and that does not include what the states and counties have paid with their SPARK money. "I don't think it is fair to hang that on the counties to reimburse it, and certainly isn't affordable."

State Senator Jeff Longbine said he agreed with his colleagues. He noted that Phase Two of PPP is open now and applications are available at financial institutions. For second round participation you must demonstrate that your business was down at least 25% for a quarter. "But there are also new provisions for those that weren't in the first round and there are also new provisions for those that are self-employed, sole proprietorships, those type of things, where they can get reimbursement of some wages. I would encourage people to talk to their financial institutions now because that is open."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612635026692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Area state legislators and&nbsp; Geary County officials are not in favor of proposed Kansas House Bill 2142. That was clear during a Chamber of Commerce hosted legislative coffee on Saturday.Trish Giordano, Geary County Commission Chair, told the elected officials the proposed bill would require Kansas counties to reimburse businesses for property taxes if they were shut down or had their capacity limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I wanted to hear what you thought about that. I know it's going to be debated on Tuesday, and I think that that would be very detrimental and cause a huge burden on us for sure, and I'm sure many other counties."State Senator Tom Hawk said he would not support the bill. State Representative Dave Baker said the reality is that there has not been enough research on the measure. "And I don't think in the hearing this next week we'll have enough information to move me from an opponent to a proponent."Baker noted that he had&nbsp; heard loud and clear from his county commissioners. He said there is a group in Geary County that have no problem calling him from the County ( Offices ), "and telling me how the cows eat the cabbage. And they made that call. " Baker stressed that he would not be supporting the bill.Hawk also stated the Governor just announced a federal paycheck protection program and that there will be more PPP money coming out. He indicated that five or six billion dollars in federal money has already been invested, and that does not include what the states and counties have paid with their SPARK money. "I don't think it is fair to hang that on the counties to reimburse it, and certainly isn't affordable."State Senator Jeff Longbine said he agreed with his colleagues. He noted that Phase Two of PPP is open now and applications are available at financial institutions. For second round participation you must demonstrate that your business was down at least 25% for a quarter. "But there are also new provisions for those that weren't in the first round and there are also new provisions for those that are self-employed, sole proprietorships, those type of things, where they can get reimbursement of some wages. I would encourage people to talk to their financial institutions now because that is open."

House bill 2142 is not getting a positive reaction in Geary County

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The Geary County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.

Since the last report, there have been 7 new confirmed positive cases, with 8 additional recoveries. The 7 new cases brings the total number for the pandemic to 1,456, with the total number of recoveries increasing to 1,314.

There are currently 122 total active cases in Geary County, down 1 since the last report, with&nbsp; 5 people currently hospitalized.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The Geary County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.Since the last report, there have been 7 new confirmed positive cases, with 8 additional recoveries. The 7 new cases brings the total number for the pandemic to 1,456, with the total number of recoveries increasing to 1,314.There are currently 122 total active cases in Geary County, down 1 since the last report, with&nbsp; 5 people currently hospitalized.&nbsp;

Geary County Covid Update

TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.

The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612552423695.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
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KDHE reports death of 6-year-old due to COVID-19

Geary County is reporting that as of Friday at noon, a total of 1,707 persons have received COVID vaccines in Geary County. Emergency Management Director said that includes that vaccines that have been given thru the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital and Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City, Valley View Senior Life and the Mass Vaccination site last Saturday.

Of the 1,707, they have all received their 1st vaccine. 758 of them have also received their 2nd vaccine. Depending on which vaccine they received as their first, they had to wait either 21 days or 28 days for their 2nd vaccine. These were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The County continues to wait for additional vaccine to arrive from the State. They will continue to schedule additional vaccination sites as vaccines arrive. Reminder, this is still Phase 2, which includes those over 65 years of age, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement. Everyone is encouraged to get signed up on the Geary County website (www.gearycounty.org) or contact the Health Department at 762-5788 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You will be contacted when your Phase is scheduled.&nbsp;

Geary County is reporting that as of Friday at noon, a total of 1,707 persons have received COVID vaccines in Geary County. Emergency Management Director said that includes that vaccines that have been given thru the Health Department, Geary Community Hospital and Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Brookdale Junction City, Valley View Senior Life and the Mass Vaccination site last Saturday.Of the 1,707, they have all received their 1st vaccine. 758 of them have also received their 2nd vaccine. Depending on which vaccine they received as their first, they had to wait either 21 days or 28 days for their 2nd vaccine. These were all part of Phase 1 and Phase 2.The County continues to wait for additional vaccine to arrive from the State. They will continue to schedule additional vaccination sites as vaccines arrive. Reminder, this is still Phase 2, which includes those over 65 years of age, school employees, firefighters and law enforcement. Everyone is encouraged to get signed up on the Geary County website (www.gearycounty.org) or contact the Health Department at 762-5788 to be placed on the list to receive your vaccine. You will be contacted when your Phase is scheduled.&nbsp;

More than 1,700 Geary County residents have received COVID-19 vaccine

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
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Coronavirus Update