By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
It could be at least two weeks or even a few more days before there is a peak in COVID-19 in the Riley - Pottawatomie-Geary County area. The President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital Bob Copple noted this past Thursday that the middle of the country always follows the coasts and that's been true with COVID-19. He added that in Kansas the peak is about two weeks away. "We anticipate that Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary County are actually going to lag that by a few days." Copple added that is based on experience up until now with this virus and other health related issues.
Speaking on Friday, Pat Collins, Riley County Emergency Management Director, discussed preparedness. "Listening to the professionals out there we're talking about at least two weeks yet there before some kind of a peak on this so we could still be preparing for those type of items."
Collins discussed severe weather concerns and how it factors in with preparedness for this type of event or any type of event. "When you're looking at tornado preparedness we always talk about have a plan, have a place, have a kit, those type of things. There is a kit that's out there, ready.gov website for FEMA is a really good place and it's got a list of things on it."
Collins advised people to think about what what they will do if they're adversely affected by the COVID-19 virus. "You need to have a regimen of your prescription drugs, you need to have a regimen of non-prescription drugs that you normally take. "Those latter drugs could range from aspirin to cough medicine.
"What happens if you are the person that is quarantined? "What happens to pets? So you need to talk to your veterinarian and find out what's the best thing to do with your pets, ow to keep them, if there's a place to keep them." A buddy system where someone could take care of your pets or you could take care of their pets was another idea mentioned by Collins. "There's a lot of things out there that we need to think about."
Collins reminded the public to be prepared in case you or one member of your family is ill-affected.