COVID-19 positive cases continue to surge upward in Riley County

  Riley County has 12 new positive patients, for a cumulative total of 103 since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  People who have come into close contact with the patients are being notified directly. There are 38 active cases, 62 people have recovered, and 3 people have died.

Riley County has seen an increase in the number of positive tests as well as the percentage of positives this week.

“The fight is far from over,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “If we all do our part and take action to make safety a priority in our daily lives, we can avoid going back to increased community-wide restrictions.”

Residents are asked to prioritize health and safety by making the choice to stay home as much as possible, stay 6 feet away from others, wear masks when it's difficult to stay 6 feet away, wash hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer.

Staying at least 6 feet away from others is the most important step you can take to prevent spread.

Almost all of the new positives are younger, under the age of 35. Younger people are not immune to the disease and can have serious cases. Headache and the loss of taste and/or smell, even without other symptoms, can indicate the presence of disease.  Contact a doctor or call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400 if you think you might be sick.

Avoid places, situations, and activities where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

“During the disease investigation and contact tracing process, we’ve pinpointed several bars and restaurants connected to the new patients and their close contacts,” said Riley County Health Department (RCHD) Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.

The RCHD is monitoring two businesses in particular. One business has closed voluntarily and the other may be ordered to close. Any business identified as being connected to multiple cases could be ordered to close to protect public safety. More information about these locations will be released as deemed necessary.