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