K-State Today reported that Kansas State University is encouraging the use of some simple safety tips from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;while watching the Super Bowl.

Low-risk celebration options According to the CDC, the best way to celebrate events&nbsp;with the lowest risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19 is to have a small gathering with people who live in your household. Other low-risk options for celebrating with others include having a virtual Super Bowl watch party or gathering outdoors if possible.

If you decide to host a gathering:

If you attend an event or gathering:

It is important to remember that someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread it for two days, or 48 hours, before they show any symptoms. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, but they may still spread it to others. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, has shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and avoid in-person activities.

K-State Today reported that Kansas State University is encouraging the use of some simple safety tips from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;while watching the Super Bowl.Low-risk celebration options According to the CDC, the best way to celebrate events&nbsp;with the lowest risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19 is to have a small gathering with people who live in your household. Other low-risk options for celebrating with others include having a virtual Super Bowl watch party or gathering outdoors if possible.If you decide to host a gathering:<ul>
 <li>Remind guests to stay home if they are sick or have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/covid-19-exposure-protocol.html">exposed to COVID-19</a>.</li><li>Keep a list of guests who attend for potential future&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/contact-tracing.html">contact tracing</a>&nbsp;needs.</li><li>Encourage physical distancing and wear face coverings.</li><li>Ensure the room or space is well ventilated. (For example, open a window.) </li>
 </ul>If you attend an event or gathering:<ul>
 <li>Stay home if you are sick, if you are waiting on results of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/testing.html">COVID-19 test</a>&nbsp;or if you may have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/covid-19-exposure-protocol.html">exposed to COVID-19</a>.</li><li>Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor gatherings.</li><li>Bring a face covering and hand sanitizer.</li>
 </ul>It is important to remember that someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread it for two days, or 48 hours, before they show any symptoms. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, but they may still spread it to others. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, has shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and avoid in-person activities.

K-State Today's safety tips for watching the Super Bowl

Free COVID-19 tests are now available at Kollhoff Pharmacy, 407 South Washington in Junction City.&nbsp;

The Chamber of Commerce passed along the information that tests are available at no cost, anyone can request one and COVID-19 symptoms or exposure are not required. This will be a saliva PCR test and will not involve a nasal swab.

The Drive-Thru and lobby are open at Kollhoff Pharmacy.

Geary County health officials said this week that there is now one number for a COVID-19 screening line in&nbsp; the county. The number is 785-210-4214.&nbsp;

Free COVID-19 tests are now available at Kollhoff Pharmacy, 407 South Washington in Junction City.&nbsp;The Chamber of Commerce passed along the information that tests are available at no cost, anyone can request one and COVID-19 symptoms or exposure are not required. This will be a saliva PCR test and will not involve a nasal swab.The Drive-Thru and lobby are open at Kollhoff Pharmacy.--Geary County health officials said this week that there is now one number for a COVID-19 screening line in&nbsp; the county. The number is 785-210-4214.&nbsp;

There are COVID-19 related information developments

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."

According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612377815413.png" alt="Fauci photo National Institute of Health" />
 <figcaption>Fauci photo National Institute of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.<ul>
 <li>Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.</li><li>Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.</li><li>Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.</li>
 </ul>Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.<ul>
 <li>Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.</li><li>Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.</li>
 </ul>The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

Fauci warns against Super Bowl parties to avoid virus spread

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86

<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.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86<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/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. 

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.

Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.

“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”

The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:

The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. 

Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:<ol>
 <li>Look up nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations</li><li>Identify which locations have recently received vaccine doses</li><li>Access contact information for each location to confirm eligibility and availability</li>
 </ol>The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

Kansas launches new 'Find My Vaccine' online tool

Fort Riley saw an increase in COVID-19 cases after the holidays but Major General D.A. Sims noted that was anticipated when personnel took holiday block leave.&nbsp; He cited quarantine and restricted movement measures for those personnel as factors in response. "Again as we expected we did a really nice job as a community in shutting down that portion of the virus. So where we did see a spike when we returned from the block leave period we saw that spike start to diminish."

During a recent town hall meeting last week Sims noted that there has been a steady decline in positive rates. He said all the restrictions imposed from dining and gyms off-post to mask wearing and social distancing contributed to the reduction in cases.&nbsp;

Sims said the goals have not changed at Fort Riley. "We're trying to reduce hospitalization rates, we're trying to reduce the spread, ultimately we are working so we don't have any fatalities.

Sims noted that the COVID-19 vaccine has been tested, is safe and effective. "The way to get to the other side of the virus, the real way to get to the other side of the virus is to take the vaccine."

Fort Riley saw an increase in COVID-19 cases after the holidays but Major General D.A. Sims noted that was anticipated when personnel took holiday block leave.&nbsp; He cited quarantine and restricted movement measures for those personnel as factors in response. "Again as we expected we did a really nice job as a community in shutting down that portion of the virus. So where we did see a spike when we returned from the block leave period we saw that spike start to diminish."During a recent town hall meeting last week Sims noted that there has been a steady decline in positive rates. He said all the restrictions imposed from dining and gyms off-post to mask wearing and social distancing contributed to the reduction in cases.&nbsp;Sims said the goals have not changed at Fort Riley. "We're trying to reduce hospitalization rates, we're trying to reduce the spread, ultimately we are working so we don't have any fatalities.Sims noted that the COVID-19 vaccine has been tested, is safe and effective. "The way to get to the other side of the virus, the real way to get to the other side of the virus is to take the vaccine."

Fort Riley works to reduce any potential spread of COVID-19

The Monday report from the Geary County Health Department included new positive COVID-19 cases and 29 recoveries.

There are now 115 active cases in the county. Five people are hospitalized.

The Monday report from the Geary County Health Department included new positive COVID-19 cases and 29 recoveries.There are now 115 active cases in the county. Five people are hospitalized.

Geary County health reports 12 new positive COVID-19 cases

Geary Community Hospital reported Monday that five people were hospitalized with COVID-19, up two from Friday. One test was pending. There were 43 negative tests.

Geary Community Hospital reported Monday that five people were hospitalized with COVID-19, up two from Friday. One test was pending. There were 43 negative tests.

Hospital updates COVID-19 numbers

One additional COVID-positive patient has died in Riley County. The patient was a 76-year-old male. He tested positive for COVID on January&nbsp;7 and passed away on Sunday, January 31, at Via Christi Hospital. His passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 31.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 68 new positive cases and 147 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 29.&nbsp;

One additional COVID-positive patient has died in Riley County. The patient was a 76-year-old male. He tested positive for COVID on January&nbsp;7 and passed away on Sunday, January 31, at Via Christi Hospital. His passing brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to 31.&nbsp;Riley County has identified 68 new positive cases and 147 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, January 29.&nbsp;

Riley County health officials confirm one more COVID-19 death

Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano said over the weekend that she was pleased with the first public vaccine clinic at the&nbsp; C.L. Opera House. A total of 250 people were vaccinated.&nbsp;

Giordano said as with any first event they learned what could be done better for next time. That could not have happened without the cooperation of the employees of the county, city, Geary Community Hospital and Valley View Senior Life along with other volunteers.&nbsp;

The location was chosen by a group of medical professionals and members of emergency management who felt it was the best place for now. If larger numbers of vaccine doses are received a new location will be considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Giordano issued a special thank you to Sheila and Joe Markley, Opera House co-directors, who hosted the event and a vital part of making it a success.

As of now 3,500 Geary County residents are on the list to receive and it is growing every day. Not all law enforcement and school officials have been vaccinated yet and the list is growing every day. Getting them vaccinated in the works this week.&nbsp; Age and risk factor are taken into consideration in prioritizing the list.&nbsp;

If you haven’t signed up yet, the site is&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fform.jotform.com%2F210035411304031%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3QkAXh4f-t4lSU0yk-o6dxzl1-WsCFAcXbdSC4PnyiTaTE2dncmFv6lU4&amp;h=AT2jB8AcCRXcY-fKIp8zykbPKE8-EBfGPm0_c-95aq0x3L2Z0NHi0oFJVmE-CWlYB_Y54xjEGYOx4IoYt_Znjh02o9TDPpqV7GOeGnF4VVanWW0nLzYsZJJfBbp_-tfyVvZJ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2-7chJIQw4ZIzMsrOwMNRKS0Eq9V1Bi2bEtUwlVwaPnCi84CqV1krF_VkRk8doqEJHGzH5nUar5xiQPBFYyIyvbWooF79cr0lH5z9Z0IjLP6GItUDXKhtSjAK_jayPJS_cZbWG2cdnZ8rw46rq63sthjdB1gJ3krvCSpcm9DJG2Bks" target="_blank">https://form.jotform.com/210035411304031</a>

Officials are asking for patience and understanding during this time. It is a learning experience for every. There will be mistakes, but as long as they learn from those mistakes the effort will succeed.&nbsp;

The goal is to push out information on a regular basis to the public. Continue to wear your mask and social distance the best that you can.

Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano said over the weekend that she was pleased with the first public vaccine clinic at the&nbsp; C.L. Opera House. A total of 250 people were vaccinated.&nbsp;Giordano said as with any first event they learned what could be done better for next time. That could not have happened without the cooperation of the employees of the county, city, Geary Community Hospital and Valley View Senior Life along with other volunteers.&nbsp;The location was chosen by a group of medical professionals and members of emergency management who felt it was the best place for now. If larger numbers of vaccine doses are received a new location will be considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Giordano issued a special thank you to Sheila and Joe Markley, Opera House co-directors, who hosted the event and a vital part of making it a success.As of now 3,500 Geary County residents are on the list to receive and it is growing every day. Not all law enforcement and school officials have been vaccinated yet and the list is growing every day. Getting them vaccinated in the works this week.&nbsp; Age and risk factor are taken into consideration in prioritizing the list.&nbsp;If you haven’t signed up yet, the site is&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fform.jotform.com%2F210035411304031%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3QkAXh4f-t4lSU0yk-o6dxzl1-WsCFAcXbdSC4PnyiTaTE2dncmFv6lU4&amp;h=AT2jB8AcCRXcY-fKIp8zykbPKE8-EBfGPm0_c-95aq0x3L2Z0NHi0oFJVmE-CWlYB_Y54xjEGYOx4IoYt_Znjh02o9TDPpqV7GOeGnF4VVanWW0nLzYsZJJfBbp_-tfyVvZJ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2-7chJIQw4ZIzMsrOwMNRKS0Eq9V1Bi2bEtUwlVwaPnCi84CqV1krF_VkRk8doqEJHGzH5nUar5xiQPBFYyIyvbWooF79cr0lH5z9Z0IjLP6GItUDXKhtSjAK_jayPJS_cZbWG2cdnZ8rw46rq63sthjdB1gJ3krvCSpcm9DJG2Bks" target="_blank">https://form.jotform.com/210035411304031</a>Officials are asking for patience and understanding during this time. It is a learning experience for every. There will be mistakes, but as long as they learn from those mistakes the effort will succeed.&nbsp;The goal is to push out information on a regular basis to the public. Continue to wear your mask and social distance the best that you can.

Commissioner Giordano commends the public vaccine clinic

There were four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department on Friday. There were 10 recovered cases.&nbsp;

Right now there are 132 active cases in the county and three people are hospitalized.

There were four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department on Friday. There were 10 recovered cases.&nbsp;Right now there are 132 active cases in the county and three people are hospitalized.

Health officials release a COVID-19 update 

COVID-19 vaccines were administered to local residents at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Saturday. Those receiving the vaccines were by appointment only.

Health Officer Tammy Von Busch said they have been receiving about 300 doses per week, but are having to wait on receiving the follow up vaccine. "So we've had to use some of that on second doses for people. So we did the 250 people today."

To avoid the chilly weather and rain all of those receiving shots, every person who was called,&nbsp; was given an appointment time and we were all prepared so that they didn't have to stand and wait and wonder if we were going to have enough vaccine."

Von Busch noted that they have been given permission to use the Opera House as long as it is needed. "Hopefully trying to do this maybe every other weekend, depending on how much vaccine we get, we should be able to get a lot of people through here."&nbsp;

Von Busch confirmed that health officials are being allowed to use the Opera House without any charge.

The Health Officer said those receiving shots via appointment check in with clerks, provide their insurance information, have their paper work reviewed, go into the Opera House Theater and take a seat. "A runner will come and get them and take them back, fill out the paperwork for their immunization card and take them back to a nurse." The shots are administered on the stage and recipients wait in the seating area for 15 minutes before being released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612033509432.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of&nbsp; Health Officer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of&nbsp; Health Officer</figcaption>
 </figure>COVID-19 vaccines were administered to local residents at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Saturday. Those receiving the vaccines were by appointment only.Health Officer Tammy Von Busch said they have been receiving about 300 doses per week, but are having to wait on receiving the follow up vaccine. "So we've had to use some of that on second doses for people. So we did the 250 people today."To avoid the chilly weather and rain all of those receiving shots, every person who was called,&nbsp; was given an appointment time and we were all prepared so that they didn't have to stand and wait and wonder if we were going to have enough vaccine."Von Busch noted that they have been given permission to use the Opera House as long as it is needed. "Hopefully trying to do this maybe every other weekend, depending on how much vaccine we get, we should be able to get a lot of people through here."&nbsp;Von Busch confirmed that health officials are being allowed to use the Opera House without any charge.The Health Officer said those receiving shots via appointment check in with clerks, provide their insurance information, have their paper work reviewed, go into the Opera House Theater and take a seat. "A runner will come and get them and take them back, fill out the paperwork for their immunization card and take them back to a nurse." The shots are administered on the stage and recipients wait in the seating area for 15 minutes before being released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612033484839.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Health Officer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Health Officer</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612036288154.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Geary County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Geary County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>

COVID-19 vaccines are administered at the Opera House 

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>

Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.

She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.

But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.

“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”

As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.

Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.

Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.

She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.

“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”

The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.

“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”

Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?

“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”

Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.

<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.

“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”

Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.

“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”

Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.

“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.

The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.

Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.

“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”

Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758677381.png" alt="Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758747763.png" alt="Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758783538.png" alt="Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Pandemic takes an emotional toll on Kansas health care workers

The Geary County Health Department continues to receive limited amounts of COVID-19 vaccine. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said that they are currently receiving 300 doses a week and do not anticipate an increase in that number until the state begins to receive larger amounts from the federal government. As they continue with the vaccination efforts for Phase 2, they have shared this across multiple groups identified in the state plan. This includes firefighters, law enforcement, Community Corrections, USD 475 employees, as well as reaching out to people over 65 who have called to be put on the list or have signed up on their website to receive the vaccine.

As people call in or sign up on our website, the Health Department is&nbsp; prioritizing them according to age, medical risks or occupation.&nbsp; They want to be sure that we give everyone a chance to receive the vaccine. This Saturday, they are holding a vaccination clinic at the CL Hoover Opera House for people 65 and over with medical risks. They have reached out to people on their list and scheduled them for a time to come so that no one is waiting in the cold or makes it to the door only to find that the supply of vaccine has run out. As vaccine continues to be received they will schedule more clinics to reach as many people as possible. The schedule for Saturday is full, but&nbsp; officials are&nbsp; planning more clinics as vaccine is received from the state. Please do not come to the Opera House on Saturday seeking the vaccine if you have not been contacted.

As of Friday, the Health Department along with Geary Community Hospital and Konza Community Health have vaccinated 710 people with an additional 250 scheduled for Saturday. The remaining doses were provided as second immunizations as part of Phase 1 as we did not receive all of the allocated second doses from the State. The state has assured us that when the second doses for people are due, the Health Department will receive that additional vaccine along with the 300 doses received each week. If you would like to sign up to receive vaccine, please go to the Geary County Website https://www.gearycounty.org/1418/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19 and sign up on the Vaccination Roster Request.&nbsp;

The Geary County Health Department continues to receive limited amounts of COVID-19 vaccine. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said that they are currently receiving 300 doses a week and do not anticipate an increase in that number until the state begins to receive larger amounts from the federal government. As they continue with the vaccination efforts for Phase 2, they have shared this across multiple groups identified in the state plan. This includes firefighters, law enforcement, Community Corrections, USD 475 employees, as well as reaching out to people over 65 who have called to be put on the list or have signed up on their website to receive the vaccine.As people call in or sign up on our website, the Health Department is&nbsp; prioritizing them according to age, medical risks or occupation.&nbsp; They want to be sure that we give everyone a chance to receive the vaccine. This Saturday, they are holding a vaccination clinic at the CL Hoover Opera House for people 65 and over with medical risks. They have reached out to people on their list and scheduled them for a time to come so that no one is waiting in the cold or makes it to the door only to find that the supply of vaccine has run out. As vaccine continues to be received they will schedule more clinics to reach as many people as possible. The schedule for Saturday is full, but&nbsp; officials are&nbsp; planning more clinics as vaccine is received from the state. Please do not come to the Opera House on Saturday seeking the vaccine if you have not been contacted.As of Friday, the Health Department along with Geary Community Hospital and Konza Community Health have vaccinated 710 people with an additional 250 scheduled for Saturday. The remaining doses were provided as second immunizations as part of Phase 1 as we did not receive all of the allocated second doses from the State. The state has assured us that when the second doses for people are due, the Health Department will receive that additional vaccine along with the 300 doses received each week. If you would like to sign up to receive vaccine, please go to the Geary County Website https://www.gearycounty.org/1418/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19 and sign up on the Vaccination Roster Request.&nbsp;

County officials update the vaccination status for COVID-19

Geary Community Hospital officials reported Friday that there have been six new positive COVID-19 tests but the number of patients hospitalized has decreased by two, down to three patients. Twelve tests are pending.

Geary Community Hospital officials reported Friday that there have been six new positive COVID-19 tests but the number of patients hospitalized has decreased by two, down to three patients. Twelve tests are pending.There were 50 negative tests.

GCH provides a Friday report on COVID-19.

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy photos.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Pamela Mendez-Castro, Failure to appear, Arresed 1/28

Santiago Perez, Theft, Burglary, Theft or sexually motivated crime, Arrested 1/28

Dante Robertson, Failure to appear, Arrested 1/28

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy photos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611935950161.jpeg" alt="Bronson Cameron, Obstruction or impeding of lawful activities, Bicycle not equipped with lamp when in use at night, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium narcotic or certain stimulant, Arrested 1/29" />
 <figcaption>Bronson Cameron, Obstruction or impeding of lawful activities, Bicycle not equipped with lamp when in use at night, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium narcotic or certain stimulant, Arrested 1/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611936064108.jpeg" alt="Christian Gonzalez , Probation violation, Arrested 1/28" />
 <figcaption>Christian Gonzalez , Probation violation, Arrested 1/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611936111529.jpeg" alt="Isaac Matthews, Possession paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Possession of controlled substance, Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant, Failure to appear, Outside warrant, Arrested 1/28" />
 <figcaption>Isaac Matthews, Possession paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Possession of controlled substance, Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant, Failure to appear, Outside warrant, Arrested 1/28</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Pamela Mendez-Castro, Failure to appear, Arresed 1/28Santiago Perez, Theft, Burglary, Theft or sexually motivated crime, Arrested 1/28Dante Robertson, Failure to appear, Arrested 1/28Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy photos.

Geary County Friday Booking Photos

Geary County officials are working to develop a new emergency operations center in the basement of the County Office Building.&nbsp; Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director, said the conference room in his office is currently being used to run everything on the COVID response. "When we first started we had 17 to 20 people in their a day. "&nbsp; With social distancing that couldn't be done so much of the work has been done by Zoom meetings. Berges added, "But there is a lot of talk that has to go on."

Berges said funding was secured through the County's Public Building Commission to pay for the majority of the project from money left over from when the building was built in the 2007-2008 time frame.&nbsp;

A grant is also being sought to finance safe rooms in the basement for storm shelter. The County is waiting on final word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on whether those funds will be awarded.

Berges noted that bids are being sought for the project and the county commission did give approval.&nbsp;

Geary County officials are working to develop a new emergency operations center in the basement of the County Office Building.&nbsp; Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director, said the conference room in his office is currently being used to run everything on the COVID response. "When we first started we had 17 to 20 people in their a day. "&nbsp; With social distancing that couldn't be done so much of the work has been done by Zoom meetings. Berges added, "But there is a lot of talk that has to go on."Berges said funding was secured through the County's Public Building Commission to pay for the majority of the project from money left over from when the building was built in the 2007-2008 time frame.&nbsp;A grant is also being sought to finance safe rooms in the basement for storm shelter. The County is waiting on final word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on whether those funds will be awarded.Berges noted that bids are being sought for the project and the county commission did give approval.&nbsp;

Emergency Operations Center is planned

Geary County health confirmed Thursday that there were four new positive cases of COVID-19 and five recovered cases. There are 138 active cases.

Geary County health confirmed Thursday that there were four new positive cases of COVID-19 and five recovered cases. There are 138 active cases.Three people were hospitalized.

Health Department provides a Thursday COVID-19 report

Geary County health officials reported six new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. There were four recovered cases.

There are 135 active cases in the county and five people are hospitalized.

Geary County health officials reported six new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. There were four recovered cases.There are 135 active cases in the county and five people are hospitalized.

Health Department updates the COVID-19 count

Geary Community Hospital reported six new positive COVID-19 tests on Wednesday. There were 44 negative tests and five people were hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19. A total of 19 tests are pending.

Geary Community Hospital reported six new positive COVID-19 tests on Wednesday. There were 44 negative tests and five people were hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19. A total of 19 tests are pending.

GCH provides COVID-19 update

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.

But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.

“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.

The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.

“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.

Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.

Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.

“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”

Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.

The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.

However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.

House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.

Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.

About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.

“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611752735957.png" alt="Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.(Watch Tuesday's hearing below)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9XyAclr57w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753536468.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx</figcaption>
 </figure>Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753419734.png" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.___

🎥  Kan. lawmakers push for answers on COVID-19, vaccine reporting

The Army said Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for beneficiaries ages 75 and older, at the tension fabric structure (“clamshell”) west of the hospital.

Beneficiaries can also schedule an appointment by calling 785-240-7265 to leave their name and phone number. As vaccine supply becomes available, hospital staff are returning calls to those who have indicated interest to minimize delay between shipment arrival and vaccination.

IACH will offer vaccine to beneficiaries ages 65 – 74 years when they are able to move to the next phase.

The Army said Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for beneficiaries ages 75 and older, at the tension fabric structure (“clamshell”) west of the hospital.Beneficiaries can also schedule an appointment by calling 785-240-7265 to leave their name and phone number. As vaccine supply becomes available, hospital staff are returning calls to those who have indicated interest to minimize delay between shipment arrival and vaccination.IACH will offer vaccine to beneficiaries ages 65 – 74 years when they are able to move to the next phase..-3

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled Wednesday at Fort Riley

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.

“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”

As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My administration has prioritized transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. To further this effort, you may now view county-specific allocation data on our vaccine dashboard. <a href="https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9">https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1354124014311116800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

Vaccine data for your county available on Kansas website

Beginning this Saturday the C.L. Hoover Opera House will be a location for COVID-19 Phase Two vaccinations.&nbsp;

Opera House Co-Director Sheila Markley said officials there had offered the facility as a possible vaccine center. "Monday at 10:30 we did a walk through with members of the Health Department, the hospital, Konza Prairie Community &amp; Dental Health Center and Emergency Services. "

Markley noted those officials on the tour were pleased with the facility and could see possibilities of the building working easily for&nbsp; the vaccination requirements.

Opera House Co-Director Joe Markley explained the process for the vaccinations noting people receiving the vaccinations will enter the building off of 7th Street and enter the theater, get a shot on stage and wait 15 minutes in the seating area. After the waiting period they can exit out through the Jefferson Street doors or if necessary due to wheel chair requirements they can utilize the ramp areas in the building.

Joe Markley said the process will extend over several weeks.

At the Geary County Commission meeting on Monday the chair of the governing body, Trish Giordano noted that 300 doses of vaccine have been received for Phase Two recipients who already have been contacted for appointments. Some of&nbsp; that vaccine will also be distributed to the school district for use there.

Beginning this Saturday the C.L. Hoover Opera House will be a location for COVID-19 Phase Two vaccinations.&nbsp;Opera House Co-Director Sheila Markley said officials there had offered the facility as a possible vaccine center. "Monday at 10:30 we did a walk through with members of the Health Department, the hospital, Konza Prairie Community &amp; Dental Health Center and Emergency Services. "Markley noted those officials on the tour were pleased with the facility and could see possibilities of the building working easily for&nbsp; the vaccination requirements.Opera House Co-Director Joe Markley explained the process for the vaccinations noting people receiving the vaccinations will enter the building off of 7th Street and enter the theater, get a shot on stage and wait 15 minutes in the seating area. After the waiting period they can exit out through the Jefferson Street doors or if necessary due to wheel chair requirements they can utilize the ramp areas in the building.Joe Markley said the process will extend over several weeks.At the Geary County Commission meeting on Monday the chair of the governing body, Trish Giordano noted that 300 doses of vaccine have been received for Phase Two recipients who already have been contacted for appointments. Some of&nbsp; that vaccine will also be distributed to the school district for use there.

C.L. Hoover Opera House will serve as a location for COVID-19 vaccinations

There were 13 new positive COVID-19 cases reported at Geary Community Hospital on Monday, with six people hospitalized.&nbsp; There were 45 negative tests.

Since the pandemic began there have been 991 positive tests and 6,406 negative tests.

There were 13 new positive COVID-19 cases reported at Geary Community Hospital on Monday, with six people hospitalized.&nbsp; There were 45 negative tests.Since the pandemic began there have been 991 positive tests and 6,406 negative tests.

Coronavirus Update