TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.

The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.

With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.

“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”

Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.

Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.

The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.

The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.

“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”

Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.

The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.

Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.

In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

Kansas counties tighten COVID rules; more schools online

The Delos V. Smith Senior Citizen Center is closed until after Thanksgiving.

Lisa Radi, administrative director said the closure is due to the high number of COVID cases in Reno County.

The center will update its website, Facebook page and phone announcements when they decide on a reopening date.

"Please stay safe and wear your masks," Radi said. "Let's all work together to bring the numbers down in Reno County, so we can see each other soon."

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 </figure>The Delos V. Smith Senior Citizen Center is closed until after Thanksgiving.Lisa Radi, administrative director said the closure is due to the high number of COVID cases in Reno County.The center will update its website, Facebook page and phone announcements when they decide on a reopening date."Please stay safe and wear your masks," Radi said. "Let's all work together to bring the numbers down in Reno County, so we can see each other soon."

Delos V. Smith Senior Citizen Center closed due to COVID


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 792 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 27.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 287 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 43 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 37 active clusters in the county.

There are 543 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred thirty-eight total have been hospitalized. Fifty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 15.63%, with the overall positive test rate at 22.49%. 22.40% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Tuesday the 17th at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 792 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 27.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 287 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 43 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 37 active clusters in the county.There are 543 cases in the community at large.Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred thirty-eight total have been hospitalized. Fifty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 15.63%, with the overall positive test rate at 22.49%. 22.40% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday the 17th at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 792, with 543 in community as of Thursday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The staffing situation at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center regarding COVID patients is critical.

"You know, our fantastic floor nurses right now are taking six to seven COVID patients a piece," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "They just cannot keep doing that. Our critical care nurses are two really sick patients to every nurse and until we stop that, we are going to have to continue to get tougher and tougher with the restrictions until we can get this under control. We're just going to wear our people out."

Exhaustion isn't good for the immune systems of those workers, either, but at least right now, they're keeping infection within the hospital at bay.

"What we are seeing upstream is more and more positive patients," Welch said. "We've got to try and keep that out of the hospital. We have, from day one, tried to create a COVID safe environment. To my knowledge, we have not had any nosocomial, or hospital acquired, COVID patients and we want to keep it that way."

To reiterate the theme, though, Welch notes that stopping the spread is in the community's hands, even though this is a wave they are having to deal with.

"The adherence to wearing a mask and doing the simple things to keep this virus at bay are not being complied with either," Welch said. "I have said from the beginning, this will come in waves. Labor Day, people coming together, they spread the virus, there's an incubation period and then a wave of sick people come. That's the way it's going to go, so when you see those ebbs and flows in positivity rates in the community, it's just like ripples or waves on a lake."

Early this week, more than two-thirds of the patients in the hospital were COVID-19 positive patients.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The staffing situation at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center regarding COVID patients is critical."You know, our fantastic floor nurses right now are taking six to seven COVID patients a piece," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "They just cannot keep doing that. Our critical care nurses are two really sick patients to every nurse and until we stop that, we are going to have to continue to get tougher and tougher with the restrictions until we can get this under control. We're just going to wear our people out."Exhaustion isn't good for the immune systems of those workers, either, but at least right now, they're keeping infection within the hospital at bay."What we are seeing upstream is more and more positive patients," Welch said. "We've got to try and keep that out of the hospital. We have, from day one, tried to create a COVID safe environment. To my knowledge, we have not had any nosocomial, or hospital acquired, COVID patients and we want to keep it that way."To reiterate the theme, though, Welch notes that stopping the spread is in the community's hands, even though this is a wave they are having to deal with."The adherence to wearing a mask and doing the simple things to keep this virus at bay are not being complied with either," Welch said. "I have said from the beginning, this will come in waves. Labor Day, people coming together, they spread the virus, there's an incubation period and then a wave of sick people come. That's the way it's going to go, so when you see those ebbs and flows in positivity rates in the community, it's just like ripples or waves on a lake."Early this week, more than two-thirds of the patients in the hospital were COVID-19 positive patients.

Welch: Staffing now stretched both on COVID floor and in ICU

Release from Reno County Health Department


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms three new deaths of local residents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19. This brings the Reno County death toll to twenty-seven (27).

Out of respect for the families, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about these individuals.

Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

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 </figure>Release from Reno County Health Department
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms three new deaths of local residents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19. This brings the Reno County death toll to twenty-seven (27).Out of respect for the families, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about these individuals.Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Reno County COVID-19 deaths now at 27

Release from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
COVID-19 has reached a critical level in Reno County. In early November, a group of local medical professionals warned of the severity of what our community is facing. Since then numbers have continued to climb, with no sign of decreasing. 

The Average COVID census in the hospital has reached between 35 to more than 40 per day. The hospital created a 3rd COVID unit on 3300. The hospital is also reducing the number of elective procedures done each day so staff can be reassigned to help throughout the hospital. Early this week, more than two-thirds of the patients in the hospital were COVID-19 positive patients.

Because of the high numbers of COVID patients, the visitation policy has been changed, effective immediately. 

Effective Immediately:  Due to the increased numbers of COVID patients and the commitment to provide a COVID safe environment for our Patients, Staff and Authorized Visitors, we are adjusting our Visitation Policy / Guidelines.

    • No Visitors are allowed for COVID positive patients. This will include patients admitted to ICU, and the 4400 and 3300 Medical COVID units. 

        ◦ Family members are welcome to call and video chat or talk as patient conditions allow. 

        ◦ The hospital requests that one designated family member call and receive updates about the patient. This helps the hospital provide consistent updates and information regarding the patient’s condition.

    • Labor and Delivery will allow One Support Person to accompany all delivering patients.

    • Pediatric patients can have Both Parents in the room, whether the child is being treated   in the ED or on the Pediatric Unit.

    • Telemetry and the 5100 Medical/Surgical unit and 4100 Inpatient Rehab can have One Visitor Per Day. This assigned visitor can no longer be changed out throughout the day. 

    • ED is only allowing visitors on a Case-by-Case basis. Common exceptions could be for someone in critical condition or a pediatric patient. The ED will work diligently to communicate updates and the plan of care with the family. When the patient is brought in, family can leave one contact number with the screening table outside ED. This number will be used to contact family for updates or get additional information as needed.

    • No Visitors allowed on Behavioral Health

    • For Outpatient Appointments like Physician office visits, Wound Care, Radiology, or Therapy, patients may bring 1 visitor if needed for care or support.

    • No one under 18 will be allowed to visit.

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center understands the value of family support for patients however, the volume of positive COVID patients in the community is so high, changes must be made to protect patients, physicians and staff.

The best way to help support your loved ones and the healthcare workers who are diligently caring for them is to wear your masks, practice good hand hygiene, exercise social distancing, don’t participate in groups larger than 10 people and support guidelines endorsed by the Reno County Health Department, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control.

As soon as the numbers of positive patients in the community and the hospital decrease, the hospital will reevaluate the visitation policies. 

No one under 18 will be allowed to visit.

1 single, designated visitor allowed per day

Visitors allowed on case-by-case basis depending on patient condition

    • Procedures like Surgery or Cath Lab

    • End of life care will have exceptions so family can be with the patient through that difficult time.

<figure>
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 </figure>Release from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare SystemHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
COVID-19 has reached a critical level in Reno County. In early November, a group of local medical professionals warned of the severity of what our community is facing. Since then numbers have continued to climb, with no sign of decreasing. The Average COVID census in the hospital has reached between 35 to more than 40 per day. The hospital created a 3rd COVID unit on 3300. The hospital is also reducing the number of elective procedures done each day so staff can be reassigned to help throughout the hospital. Early this week, more than two-thirds of the patients in the hospital were COVID-19 positive patients.Because of the high numbers of COVID patients, the visitation policy has been changed, effective immediately. Effective Immediately: Due to the increased numbers of COVID patients and the commitment to provide a COVID safe environment for our Patients, Staff and Authorized Visitors, we are adjusting our Visitation Policy / Guidelines. • No Visitors are allowed for COVID positive patients. This will include patients admitted to ICU, and the 4400 and 3300 Medical COVID units. ◦ Family members are welcome to call and video chat or talk as patient conditions allow. ◦ The hospital requests that one designated family member call and receive updates about the patient. This helps the hospital provide consistent updates and information regarding the patient’s condition. • Labor and Delivery will allow One Support Person to accompany all delivering patients. • Pediatric patients can have Both Parents in the room, whether the child is being treated in the ED or on the Pediatric Unit. • Telemetry and the 5100 Medical/Surgical unit and 4100 Inpatient Rehab can have One Visitor Per Day. This assigned visitor can no longer be changed out throughout the day. • ED is only allowing visitors on a Case-by-Case basis. Common exceptions could be for someone in critical condition or a pediatric patient. The ED will work diligently to communicate updates and the plan of care with the family. When the patient is brought in, family can leave one contact number with the screening table outside ED. This number will be used to contact family for updates or get additional information as needed. • No Visitors allowed on Behavioral Health • For Outpatient Appointments like Physician office visits, Wound Care, Radiology, or Therapy, patients may bring 1 visitor if needed for care or support. • No one under 18 will be allowed to visit.Hutchinson Regional Medical Center understands the value of family support for patients however, the volume of positive COVID patients in the community is so high, changes must be made to protect patients, physicians and staff.The best way to help support your loved ones and the healthcare workers who are diligently caring for them is to wear your masks, practice good hand hygiene, exercise social distancing, don’t participate in groups larger than 10 people and support guidelines endorsed by the Reno County Health Department, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control.As soon as the numbers of positive patients in the community and the hospital decrease, the hospital will reevaluate the visitation policies. New Visitation Policy11/10/2020No one under 18 will be allowed to visit.No Visitors Allowed • COVID Positive PatientsNo Visitors on Behavioral Health1 single, designated visitor allowed per day • Telemetry and Med/Surg-5100 • Inpatient Rehab-4100 • Pediatrics-4200 • Labor and Delivery-4300Visitors allowed on case-by-case basis depending on patient condition • ED1 visitor allowed for: • Physician appointments • Lab • Radiology • Wound Care • Therapy • Procedures like Surgery or Cath LabExceptions • End of life care will have exceptions so family can be with the patient through that difficult time.

HRMC releases new visitation guidelines


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 926 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 24.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 448 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 38 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 34 active clusters in the county.

There are 505 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred thirty-five total have been hospitalized. Fifty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.91%. 22.16% of the population has been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 926 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 24.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 448 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 38 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 34 active clusters in the county.There are 505 cases in the community at large.Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred thirty-five total have been hospitalized. Fifty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.91%. 22.16% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday the 17th at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 926, with 505 in community as of Wednesday evening

The Reno County overall case count is at 1084 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 24.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 594 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 33 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 34 active clusters in the county.

There are 516 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-three people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-nine total have been hospitalized. Fifty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.58%. 22.02% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
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 </figure>The Reno County overall case count is at 1084 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 24.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 594 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 33 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 34 active clusters in the county.There are 516 cases in the community at large.Twenty-three people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-nine total have been hospitalized. Fifty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.58%. 22.02% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday the 17th at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1084, with 516 in community as of Tuesday evening

The Reno County Health Department confirms two new deaths of local residents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19.&nbsp;

Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well.

It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County Health Department confirms two new deaths of local residents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19.&nbsp;Out of respect for the families, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about these individuals.Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Reno County deaths with COVID-19 now at 24


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;An issue that continues to be a problem for the contact tracers at the Reno County Health Department is refusals to give information.

"We don't dwell on that a whole lot when we're talking about it, but it is still an issue that people don't want to talk about who they've been with," Hammersmith said. "They don't answer the phone. They're avoiding us."

Data analyst DJ Gering says that for the month of October, there was around a 10% refusal rate. With the flood of cases thus far in November, they haven't been able to follow up on the numbers for this month yet.

"They're refusing to answer questions," Hammersmith said. "Refusing to tell them what church they go to, they've been around absolutely no one, those types of things. We can't notify people if we haven't heard."

The Health Department also can't confirm rumors of illness if someone hears that someone they may have been around has been infected.

"I'm bound by HIPAA, so I can't really say, yes, this person has it or not," Hammersmith said. "They're questioning why they weren't called and I can see an investigation was done and there are no contacts in there and sometimes a person even documents, the patient refused to leave any contacts. How do you tell somebody, you're not on a list because the person didn't identify you or didn't identify anyone, because I can't even tell them that I have a list with that patient."

Earlier on in the pandemic, the health department had just a handful of refusals, but it's been worse this fall.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;An issue that continues to be a problem for the contact tracers at the Reno County Health Department is refusals to give information."We don't dwell on that a whole lot when we're talking about it, but it is still an issue that people don't want to talk about who they've been with," Hammersmith said. "They don't answer the phone. They're avoiding us."Data analyst DJ Gering says that for the month of October, there was around a 10% refusal rate. With the flood of cases thus far in November, they haven't been able to follow up on the numbers for this month yet."They're refusing to answer questions," Hammersmith said. "Refusing to tell them what church they go to, they've been around absolutely no one, those types of things. We can't notify people if we haven't heard."The Health Department also can't confirm rumors of illness if someone hears that someone they may have been around has been infected."I'm bound by HIPAA, so I can't really say, yes, this person has it or not," Hammersmith said. "They're questioning why they weren't called and I can see an investigation was done and there are no contacts in there and sometimes a person even documents, the patient refused to leave any contacts. How do you tell somebody, you're not on a list because the person didn't identify you or didn't identify anyone, because I can't even tell them that I have a list with that patient."Earlier on in the pandemic, the health department had just a handful of refusals, but it's been worse this fall.

Refusals to give information make it tough for contact tracers

Correction: Saturday COVID-19 clinics are only taking place every other Saturday at the Fairgrounds, so the next one is November 21st. The Post regrets the error.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County overall case count is at 1051 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 22,&nbsp;fifteen of which have passed away in the last thirty days.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 596 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 28 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 33 active clusters in the county.

There are 479 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-two total have been hospitalized. Forty-nine have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.30%. 21.87% of the population has been tested.

The next weekend community testing date is Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Appointments are also available on Tuesdays for the rest of the year from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. those days. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: Saturday COVID-19 clinics are only taking place every other Saturday at the Fairgrounds, so the next one is November 21st. The Post regrets the error.HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County overall case count is at 1051 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 22,&nbsp;fifteen of which have passed away in the last thirty days.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 596 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 28 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 33 active clusters in the county.There are 479 cases in the community at large.Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-two total have been hospitalized. Forty-nine have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.30%. 21.87% of the population has been tested.The next weekend community testing date is Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Appointments are also available on Tuesdays for the rest of the year from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. those days. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Reno County overall case count at 1051, with 479 in community and 22 total deaths

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have allowed emergency use of the first antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental approach against the virus that has killed more than 238,000 Americans.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared the experimental <a href="https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-neutralizing-antibody-bamlanivimab-ly-cov555-receives-fda">drug from Eli Lilly</a> for people 12 and older with mild or moderate COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. It’s a one-time treatment given through an IV.

The therapy is still undergoing additional testing to establish its safety and effectiveness. It is similar to a treatment President Donald Trump received after contracting the virus last month.

Lilly’s studies of the antibody drug are continuing. Early results suggest it may help clear the coronavirus sooner and possibly cut hospitalizations in people with mild to moderate COVID-19. A study of it in hospitalized patients was stopped when independent monitors saw the drug did not seem to be helping in that situation.

The government previously reached an agreement to buy and supply much of the early production of Lilly’s drug.

Only one drug -- Gilead Sciences’ remdesivir -- has full FDA approval for treating COVID-19. Government treatment guidelines also back using dexamethasone and other steroids for certain severely ill, hospitalized patients.

One other treatment has an emergency use designation now — convalescent plasma, or the blood of COVID-19 survivors. No large studies have shown it to be more effective than usual care alone, however.

The new drug is part of an emerging family of biologic therapies that offer a promising new approach to preventing serious disease and death from COVID-19. Experts say the infused drugs could serve as a therapeutic bridge to help manage the virus until vaccines are widely available.

The drugs are laboratory-made versions of antibodies, blood proteins which the body creates to help target and eliminate foreign infections. The new therapies are concentrated versions of the antibodies that proved most effective against the virus in patient studies.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. also has asked for emergency authorization for an antibody drug it is testing, the one Trump received.

FDA regulators authorized the Lilly drug using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental drugs and other medical products during public health crises.

In normal times the FDA requires “substantial evidence” to show that a drug is safe and effective, usually through one or more large, rigorously controlled patient studies. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards and require only that an experimental treatment’s potential benefits outweigh its risks.

The emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To win full approval, Lilly will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug’s safety and benefit for patients.

The government has signed an agreement with Lilly to spend $375 million to buy 300,000 vials of the drug. How many doses that would provide is unclear. Each vial contains 70 milligrams and that dose proved ineffective in the early results. It took four times that amount — 2,800 milligrams — to show any effect.

The Lilly drug is authorized for people 12 and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds), and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain chronic medical conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604973355245.png" alt="Photo courtesy Eli Lilly" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Eli Lilly</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials have allowed emergency use of the first antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental approach against the virus that has killed more than 238,000 Americans.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared the experimental <a href="https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-neutralizing-antibody-bamlanivimab-ly-cov555-receives-fda">drug from Eli Lilly</a> for people 12 and older with mild or moderate COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. It’s a one-time treatment given through an IV.The therapy is still undergoing additional testing to establish its safety and effectiveness. It is similar to a treatment President Donald Trump received after contracting the virus last month.Lilly’s studies of the antibody drug are continuing. Early results suggest it may help clear the coronavirus sooner and possibly cut hospitalizations in people with mild to moderate COVID-19. A study of it in hospitalized patients was stopped when independent monitors saw the drug did not seem to be helping in that situation.The government previously reached an agreement to buy and supply much of the early production of Lilly’s drug.Only one drug -- Gilead Sciences’ remdesivir -- has full FDA approval for treating COVID-19. Government treatment guidelines also back using dexamethasone and other steroids for certain severely ill, hospitalized patients.One other treatment has an emergency use designation now — convalescent plasma, or the blood of COVID-19 survivors. No large studies have shown it to be more effective than usual care alone, however.The new drug is part of an emerging family of biologic therapies that offer a promising new approach to preventing serious disease and death from COVID-19. Experts say the infused drugs could serve as a therapeutic bridge to help manage the virus until vaccines are widely available.The drugs are laboratory-made versions of antibodies, blood proteins which the body creates to help target and eliminate foreign infections. The new therapies are concentrated versions of the antibodies that proved most effective against the virus in patient studies.Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. also has asked for emergency authorization for an antibody drug it is testing, the one Trump received.FDA regulators authorized the Lilly drug using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental drugs and other medical products during public health crises.In normal times the FDA requires “substantial evidence” to show that a drug is safe and effective, usually through one or more large, rigorously controlled patient studies. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards and require only that an experimental treatment’s potential benefits outweigh its risks.The emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To win full approval, Lilly will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug’s safety and benefit for patients.The government has signed an agreement with Lilly to spend $375 million to buy 300,000 vials of the drug. How many doses that would provide is unclear. Each vial contains 70 milligrams and that dose proved ineffective in the early results. It took four times that amount — 2,800 milligrams — to show any effect.The Lilly drug is authorized for people 12 and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds), and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain chronic medical conditions.___

US allows 1st emergency use of a COVID-19 antibody drug


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department has classified Hutchinson High School as a COVID-19 cluster because of the recent number of positive cases. 

Staff and/or students requested to isolate have been notified. 

 The district will continue with its modified hybrid learning plan.

The state identifies a cluster when an organization has five or more cases in the preceding 14 days. 

HHS has had 10 cases out of 1,500 students and staff in the past 14 days.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department has classified Hutchinson High School as a COVID-19 cluster because of the recent number of positive cases. Staff and/or students requested to isolate have been notified. The district will continue with its modified hybrid learning plan.The state identifies a cluster when an organization has five or more cases in the preceding 14 days. HHS has had 10 cases out of 1,500 students and staff in the past 14 days.

Hutch High classified as COVID-19 cluster

MCPHERSON -- In response to what it called "the alarming increase in new COVID-19 cases" and the pressure put on local healthcare systems, the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health are recommending McPherson County move back to Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan on Nov. 9, 2020.

Phase 2 recommendations, provided by the health department, can be found below, which differs slightly from the previously released Phase 2 recommendations in May 2020. Questions should be directed to the MCHD email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:machd@mcpcoks.us">machd@mcpcoks.us</a>.

• No more than 15 individuals in a gathering where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained; this does not limit the total occupancy allowed in a facility/event if 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals at all times

• Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Maintain 6-foot distance in both indoor and outdoor settings

• High-risk individuals with underlying medical conditions should stay home except for essential needs

• Follow any sector specific guidance or mandates released by business licensors

• Employees exhibiting illness should stay home and encouraged to seek medical care as needed

• Avoid gatherings greater than 15 individuals where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained

• Maintain 6-foot distance between workstations

• Minimize or avoid travel that isn’t for medical, family, or business-related needs

• KDHE travel-related quarantine mandates are still in effect for high-risk areas

• Continue to follow KSDE Navigating Change document and district plans

• Move to hybrid learning if applicable based on Risk Assessments and MCHD recommendation

• Higher education facilities should move learning online in settings that 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Events/activities should be postponed if 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity greater than 500 should not open

Fairs, Festivals, Carnivals, Parades

• Should not occur if people are gathering outside of vehicles

• Should not open except for first responder training, physical therapy use and athletic use

• When open for mentioned activities, 6-foot distance should be maintained

• Closed except for essential meal services and transportation

Long Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoringmof visitors

• Should continue to follow CMS, KDADS and KDHE guidelines and requirements

• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoring of visitors

• Groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained

• Spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used

• Players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups

• Practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls

• Concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among others

• Each room should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times

• Enhanced cleaning schedule before and after meetings

• Screen attendees before entering, require mask usage and register participants ahead of the meeting to avoid walk-in scenarios

• Group classes greater than 15 should not occur

• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use

• Space equipment apart by 6 feet or more

• Screen staff and patrons before entering the facility

• Locker rooms/showers can remain open if capacity is reduced to 50% and distancing and disinfecting practices are maintained

• Continue to follow guidelines from state licensures, KDHE and MCHD

• Screen employees and attendees before entering

• Identify then cohort/group classrooms together for out-of-classroom activities to reduce exposures across the facility

• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times

• General recommendation and support for moving services and activities to a remote model

• Recommendation to move services to carry-out and drive-thru if possible

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586828341581.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON -- In response to what it called "the alarming increase in new COVID-19 cases" and the pressure put on local healthcare systems, the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health are recommending McPherson County move back to Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan on Nov. 9, 2020.Phase 2 recommendations, provided by the health department, can be found below, which differs slightly from the previously released Phase 2 recommendations in May 2020. Questions should be directed to the MCHD email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:machd@mcpcoks.us">machd@mcpcoks.us</a>.Mass Gatherings• No more than 15 individuals in a gathering where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained; this does not limit the total occupancy allowed in a facility/event if 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals at all timesIndividuals• Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where 6-foot distance is not maintained• Maintain 6-foot distance in both indoor and outdoor settings• High-risk individuals with underlying medical conditions should stay home except for essential needsEmployers• Follow any sector specific guidance or mandates released by business licensors• Telework is encouraged when possible• Employees exhibiting illness should stay home and encouraged to seek medical care as needed• Avoid gatherings greater than 15 individuals where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained• Maintain 6-foot distance between workstationsTravel• Minimize or avoid travel that isn’t for medical, family, or business-related needs• KDHE travel-related quarantine mandates are still in effect for high-risk areasEducational Facilities• Continue to follow KSDE Navigating Change document and district plans• Move to hybrid learning if applicable based on Risk Assessments and MCHD recommendation• Higher education facilities should move learning online in settings that 6-foot distance is not maintained• Events/activities should be postponed if 6-foot distance is not maintainedLarge Entertainment Venues• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity greater than 500 should not openFairs, Festivals, Carnivals, Parades• Should not occur if people are gathering outside of vehiclesSwimming Pools• Should not open except for first responder training, physical therapy use and athletic use• When open for mentioned activities, 6-foot distance should be maintainedSenior Centers• Closed except for essential meal services and transportationLong Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoringmof visitors• Should continue to follow CMS, KDADS and KDHE guidelines and requirementsCorrectional Facilities• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoring of visitorsSports• Groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained• Spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used• Players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups• Practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls• Concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among othersMeeting Rooms• Each room should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• Enhanced cleaning schedule before and after meetings• Screen attendees before entering, require mask usage and register participants ahead of the meeting to avoid walk-in scenariosGyms, Fitness Centers• Group classes greater than 15 should not occur• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use• Space equipment apart by 6 feet or more• Screen staff and patrons before entering the facility• Locker rooms/showers can remain open if capacity is reduced to 50% and distancing and disinfecting practices are maintainedChildcare Facilities, Daycares• Continue to follow guidelines from state licensures, KDHE and MCHD• Screen employees and attendees before entering• Identify then cohort/group classrooms together for out-of-classroom activities to reduce exposures across the facilityReligious Facilities, Churches• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• General recommendation and support for moving services and activities to a remote modelRestaurants, Bars• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• Recommendation to move services to carry-out and drive-thru if possible• Screen employees and attendees before entering

McPherson County: Back to modified Phase 2 due to rise in cases of COVID-19

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-virus-outbreak-public-health-san-francisco-319dee82242fe00091cdf98b8f5df29a">According to the Associated Press</a>, Joe Biden on Monday named the members of a team of public health and science experts to develop a blueprint for fighting the coronavirus.

One of the members is a Hutchinson High School grad. Dr. Rick Bright graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1984 and studied at the University of Kansas. He began his medical career in Olathe. Bright is an immunologist and virologist who left the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in October after criticizing the federal government’s response to the coronavirus under President Donald Trump. Bright filed a whistleblower complaint alleging he was reassigned to a lesser job because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug Trump pushed as a COVID-19 treatment.

Dr. David Kessler, co-chair. Professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair. U.S. surgeon general from 2014-17, who commanded public health force that dealt with Ebola, Zika and Flint water crisis.

Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, co-chair. Associate professor of internal medicine, public health and management at Yale University and associate dean for health equity research at Yale’s medical school specializing in health care for marginalized populations.

Dr. Luciana Borio. Vice president of technical staff at the In-Q-Tel strategic investment firm who until last year was a biodefense specialist on the National Security Council.

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. Oncologist and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania who since 1997 has served as chair of the Department of Bioethics at The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Atul Gawande. Professor of surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at Harvard Medical School who served as a senior adviser in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.

Dr. Celine Gounder. Clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine who served as assistant commissioner and director of the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Dr. Julie Morita. Executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation who helped lead Chicago’s Department of Public Health for nearly 20 years.

Dr. Michael Osterholm. Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, former science envoy for health security for the State Department.

Ms. Loyce Pace. Executive director and president of the Global Health Council, who previously served in leadership positions at the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Robert Rodriguez. Professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

Dr. Eric Goosby. Infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine who during the Clinton administration was the founding director of the largest federally funded HIV/AIDS program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589465492376.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-virus-outbreak-public-health-san-francisco-319dee82242fe00091cdf98b8f5df29a">According to the Associated Press</a>, Joe Biden on Monday named the members of a team of public health and science experts to develop a blueprint for fighting the coronavirus. One of the members is a Hutchinson High School grad. Dr. Rick Bright graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1984 and studied at the University of Kansas. He began his medical career in Olathe. Bright is an immunologist and virologist who left the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in October after criticizing the federal government’s response to the coronavirus under President Donald Trump. Bright filed a whistleblower complaint alleging he was reassigned to a lesser job because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug Trump pushed as a COVID-19 treatment.The other members are:Dr. David Kessler, co-chair. Professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997.Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair. U.S. surgeon general from 2014-17, who commanded public health force that dealt with Ebola, Zika and Flint water crisis.Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, co-chair. Associate professor of internal medicine, public health and management at Yale University and associate dean for health equity research at Yale’s medical school specializing in health care for marginalized populations.Dr. Luciana Borio. Vice president of technical staff at the In-Q-Tel strategic investment firm who until last year was a biodefense specialist on the National Security Council.Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. Oncologist and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania who since 1997 has served as chair of the Department of Bioethics at The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health.Dr. Atul Gawande. Professor of surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at Harvard Medical School who served as a senior adviser in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.Dr. Celine Gounder. Clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine who served as assistant commissioner and director of the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.Dr. Julie Morita. Executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation who helped lead Chicago’s Department of Public Health for nearly 20 years.Dr. Michael Osterholm. Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, former science envoy for health security for the State Department.Ms. Loyce Pace. Executive director and president of the Global Health Council, who previously served in leadership positions at the American Cancer Society.Dr. Robert Rodriguez. Professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.Dr. Eric Goosby. Infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine who during the Clinton administration was the founding director of the largest federally funded HIV/AIDS program.

Dr. Rick Bright named to Biden COVID-19 team


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you drove by Hutchinson Regional Medical Center over the weekend, you may have seen a tent up outside the emergency department.

"This is a triage tent or a mass casualty tent that we keep, and many hospitals have them, for extra square footage in case they need more capability," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "If there's any sort of a natural disaster, or in this case, we just need extra square footage to hold, maybe, extra visitors. If we go to extended restrictions at the hospital, to where we're not allowing visitors in the hospital any more, family members may bring in somebody to the ED and this may be a warm spot for them to sit and wait outside the hospital, rather than having to sit in their car."

The hospital is actively considering further restrictions on visitors due to the COVID caseload.

"We're talking about that every day," Welch said. "As the caseload, as the COVID caseload continues to go up and we have to pull nursing resources and respiratory care and staffing resources from other areas to take care of our COVID patients, that becomes more and more of a consideration."

The numbers are just getting to be too much for the staff they have.

"At one point over the weekend, we had 41 positive COVID cases in the hospital," Welch said. "To say that we are stretched at this point would be an understatement. We are scrambling to try to find staff. Today, we are at 33 positive COVID patients."

The number of intubated and ventilated patients fluctuate anywhere from six to ten and change multiple times a day as people come on and off of that treatment.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you drove by Hutchinson Regional Medical Center over the weekend, you may have seen a tent up outside the emergency department."This is a triage tent or a mass casualty tent that we keep, and many hospitals have them, for extra square footage in case they need more capability," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "If there's any sort of a natural disaster, or in this case, we just need extra square footage to hold, maybe, extra visitors. If we go to extended restrictions at the hospital, to where we're not allowing visitors in the hospital any more, family members may bring in somebody to the ED and this may be a warm spot for them to sit and wait outside the hospital, rather than having to sit in their car."The hospital is actively considering further restrictions on visitors due to the COVID caseload."We're talking about that every day," Welch said. "As the caseload, as the COVID caseload continues to go up and we have to pull nursing resources and respiratory care and staffing resources from other areas to take care of our COVID patients, that becomes more and more of a consideration."The numbers are just getting to be too much for the staff they have."At one point over the weekend, we had 41 positive COVID cases in the hospital," Welch said. "To say that we are stretched at this point would be an understatement. We are scrambling to try to find staff. Today, we are at 33 positive COVID patients."The number of intubated and ventilated patients fluctuate anywhere from six to ten and change multiple times a day as people come on and off of that treatment.

Coronavirus Update