
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Coincidentally, as of information provided to Hutch Post on Wednesday morning, there have been deaths of 12 Reno County residents from COVID-19. There have also been 12 deaths of patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center due to COVID-19. Only six of the deaths at HRMC are from Reno County residents. The other six are residents from other counties. Neither the county or the hospital is releasing demographic information on deaths.

"We are receiving patients from other parts of the state," Welch said. "Other hospitals are transferring in, or other patients are choosing to be here. Or, it's very possible, I don't know this for sure, but its very possible they could have been on their way to Wichita or somewhere else and ended up here."

Though Welch didn't have numbers on how many people were intubated before they died, he said he knew not all of them were.

"People don't necessarily need to be on a ventilator before they expire," Welch said. "This disease can happen very fast. I know, anecdotally, we had one on the floor that was not intubated that expired."

The point is that even though the number happens to match right now, it likely won't for long. The Reno County Health Department's dashboard is the best source for the death count of Reno County residents.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Coincidentally, as of information provided to Hutch Post on Wednesday morning, there have been deaths of 12 Reno County residents from COVID-19. There have also been 12 deaths of patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center due to COVID-19. Only six of the deaths at HRMC are from Reno County residents. The other six are residents from other counties. Neither the county or the hospital is releasing demographic information on deaths."We are receiving patients from other parts of the state," Welch said. "Other hospitals are transferring in, or other patients are choosing to be here. Or, it's very possible, I don't know this for sure, but its very possible they could have been on their way to Wichita or somewhere else and ended up here."Though Welch didn't have numbers on how many people were intubated before they died, he said he knew not all of them were."People don't necessarily need to be on a ventilator before they expire," Welch said. "This disease can happen very fast. I know, anecdotally, we had one on the floor that was not intubated that expired."The point is that even though the number happens to match right now, it likely won't for long. The Reno County Health Department's dashboard is the best source for the death count of Reno County residents.

Hospital and county death numbers happen to match as of Wednesday, but are different data sets


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County community COVID-19 testing continues. There were 32 appointments scheduled at Fairfield on Tuesday and they collected 64 samples.

Future testing dates in outlying communities are Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Pretty Prairie Elementary School 320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570 from 10 a.m. to noon.

There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:

Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County community COVID-19 testing continues. There were 32 appointments scheduled at Fairfield on Tuesday and they collected 64 samples.Future testing dates in outlying communities are Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Pretty Prairie Elementary School 320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570 from 10 a.m. to noon.There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

Community testing dates set for the rest of 2020 in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Both the county's overall case count and the community case count continue to rise. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Reno County is at 575 active cases and 256 community cases. 

The number hospitalized is down to 15. It was as high as 18. Eighty people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 10 have been intubated. Twelve people have died.

The community positive test rate is still at 10.21%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.20%.

The county's school superintendents will get their first preliminary look at the latest gating criteria numbers Wednesday, but they will not be verified until Friday. 

This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Both the county's overall case count and the community case count continue to rise. As of Tuesday afternoon, Reno County is at 575 active cases and 256 community cases. The number hospitalized is down to 15. It was as high as 18. Eighty people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 10 have been intubated. Twelve people have died.The community positive test rate is still at 10.21%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.20%.The county's school superintendents will get their first preliminary look at the latest gating criteria numbers Wednesday, but they will not be verified until Friday. This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

Case counts up, hospitalizations down as of Tuesday afternoon


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted that the clusters in the county do not account for how fast COVID is growing.

"We have wide community spread," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "The clusters you kind of understand where people have gotten that from and where they've been and the exposure, so that's kind of a known entity. It's more of a problem when they don't know it."

Of the 565 cases in the county as of Tuesday afternoon, 394 are cluster connected, according to the dashboard. That would leave 171 cases that could be attributed to community spread, if they did not occur within the same family.

"Community spread then, is just all over," Hammersmith said. "You could get it at the grocery store, at Dillons, Walmart, at church, at school, at work, because those would be people carrying things that we don't necessarily know."

That's why the community testing continues to be important, because it can catch those cases that are community spread where the person doesn't know they have it and therefore doesn't know where they got it. 

"If they do have symptoms, we'd like them to go to their provider and get checked out," Hammersmith said. "If not, we're doing community testing so we can see if there is any cases out there that are going undetected."

Community testing continues Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie. To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted that the clusters in the county do not account for how fast COVID is growing."We have wide community spread," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "The clusters you kind of understand where people have gotten that from and where they've been and the exposure, so that's kind of a known entity. It's more of a problem when they don't know it."Of the 565 cases in the county as of Tuesday afternoon, 394 are cluster connected, according to the dashboard. That would leave 171 cases that could be attributed to community spread, if they did not occur within the same family."Community spread then, is just all over," Hammersmith said. "You could get it at the grocery store, at Dillons, Walmart, at church, at school, at work, because those would be people carrying things that we don't necessarily know."That's why the community testing continues to be important, because it can catch those cases that are community spread where the person doesn't know they have it and therefore doesn't know where they got it. "If they do have symptoms, we'd like them to go to their provider and get checked out," Hammersmith said. "If not, we're doing community testing so we can see if there is any cases out there that are going undetected."Community testing continues Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie. To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

Hammersmith: Community spread is happening, community testing will help


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms a twelfth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.

Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.

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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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms a twelfth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.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.

Twelfth death from COVID-19 confirmed in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks noted that there was an issue in the district with COVID-19 spread when the decision was made to go full remote, in addition to the issue in the community.

"When we made that decision on Friday, we had 22 positive cases," Folks said Tuesday. "I think right now, we're maybe at 24. We do have one particular building that has 12 staff members that have been excluded or are under quarantine. It would have made that building very difficult to have in person school this week."

Folks notes that it isn't just about the school district, though.

"That's less than 1% of our total population, actually its below a half a percent," Folks said. "But, when you look at what's going on in the county, this is a countywide issue. This is not just a school issue or a 308 issue, when we talk about the transmission and the spread of this virus."

The district is considering a super-hybrid model to try to get class sizes down to maintainable cohort groups to get kids back in school as soon as possible.

"We got to the red category much quicker than we anticipated," Folks said. "Our executive team here in the central office, we've been meeting for the last week or two, three or four hours a day. All of the principals are coming in tomorrow. We're going to meet with them and then we're going to make a presentation to the board next Monday on October 26th."

That presentation would need board approval to change the criteria from current policy.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks noted that there was an issue in the district with COVID-19 spread when the decision was made to go full remote, in addition to the issue in the community."When we made that decision on Friday, we had 22 positive cases," Folks said Tuesday. "I think right now, we're maybe at 24. We do have one particular building that has 12 staff members that have been excluded or are under quarantine. It would have made that building very difficult to have in person school this week."Folks notes that it isn't just about the school district, though."That's less than 1% of our total population, actually its below a half a percent," Folks said. "But, when you look at what's going on in the county, this is a countywide issue. This is not just a school issue or a 308 issue, when we talk about the transmission and the spread of this virus."The district is considering a super-hybrid model to try to get class sizes down to maintainable cohort groups to get kids back in school as soon as possible."We got to the red category much quicker than we anticipated," Folks said. "Our executive team here in the central office, we've been meeting for the last week or two, three or four hours a day. All of the principals are coming in tomorrow. We're going to meet with them and then we're going to make a presentation to the board next Monday on October 26th."That presentation would need board approval to change the criteria from current policy.

Folks: Remote decision not just about the district


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count in Reno County is up to 566, the highest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. 

However, just 248 of those are in the community, with 334 connected to the cluster at Hutchinson Correctional Facility or to cases in the Reno County Correctional Facility. (New information and clarification as of 10-20: Cases in both correctional facilities are under the same line on the COVID-19 dashboard. Sheriff Darrian Campbell announced six cases in the Reno County facility in recent days, and one employee. Reporting going forward will refer to these case types, rather than assuming they are from one single entity.)

Seventeen people are in the hospital, with 78 total hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. 31 have been admitted to ICU total, with 9 intubated. Eleven have died.

The community positive test rate continues to hold steady at 10.21%, with the overall test rate at 16.11%. Over 18% of the community has now been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count in Reno County is up to 566, the highest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. However, just 248 of those are in the community, with 334 connected to the cluster at Hutchinson Correctional Facility or to cases in the Reno County Correctional Facility. (New information and clarification as of 10-20: Cases in both correctional facilities are under the same line on the COVID-19 dashboard. Sheriff Darrian Campbell announced six cases in the Reno County facility in recent days, and one employee. Reporting going forward will refer to these case types, rather than assuming they are from one single entity.)Seventeen people are in the hospital, with 78 total hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. 31 have been admitted to ICU total, with 9 intubated. Eleven have died.The community positive test rate continues to hold steady at 10.21%, with the overall test rate at 16.11%. Over 18% of the community has now been tested.

Update: Case count at 566, with correctional facility type still largest

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community COVID-19 testing continued over the weekend in Reno County.

Saturday testing in Haven resulted in 36 samples collected with 34 scheduled appointments. 

Sunday testing in South Hutchinson resulted in 99 samples collected with 67 scheduled appointments.

The remaining testing dates currently scheduled are Tuesday at Fairfield in Langdon, Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie.

To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community COVID-19 testing continued over the weekend in Reno County.Saturday testing in Haven resulted in 36 samples collected with 34 scheduled appointments. Sunday testing in South Hutchinson resulted in 99 samples collected with 67 scheduled appointments.The remaining testing dates currently scheduled are Tuesday at Fairfield in Langdon, Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie.To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

Community testing continued in Reno County, more dates this week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Boo at the Zoo is going to be different this year.

"We are going to have people drive through our parking lot off of Blanchard coming from Severance," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We want to make sure that we can keep everybody as safe as possible this year."

It's important to come from the Severance direction, because if you come from Plum, they will send you around anyway.

"The cars will turn in right by where the zoo entrance sign is and follow the edge of our parking lot all the way around to the homebuilders site," said Ryan VanZant with the zoo. "Between there, there's going to be multiple stations to get candy. The kids will get a bag. They can stick their arm out the window and then our volunteers will hand them the candy as they drive by."

The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, which will change the zoo's schedule.

"The zoo that day will actually close at noon," Van Zant said. "We need to clear the parking lot and some of our staff will be available to help with the event, as well."

The zoo normally has over 2000 participants in Boo at the Zoo each year.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Boo at the Zoo is going to be different this year."We are going to have people drive through our parking lot off of Blanchard coming from Severance," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We want to make sure that we can keep everybody as safe as possible this year."It's important to come from the Severance direction, because if you come from Plum, they will send you around anyway."The cars will turn in right by where the zoo entrance sign is and follow the edge of our parking lot all the way around to the homebuilders site," said Ryan VanZant with the zoo. "Between there, there's going to be multiple stations to get candy. The kids will get a bag. They can stick their arm out the window and then our volunteers will hand them the candy as they drive by."The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, which will change the zoo's schedule."The zoo that day will actually close at noon," Van Zant said. "We need to clear the parking lot and some of our staff will be available to help with the event, as well."The zoo normally has over 2000 participants in Boo at the Zoo each year.

Boo at the Zoo drive through this year


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count has risen to over 500 as of Sunday evening.

There are 511 cases of COVID-19. About half of those are related to activity in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, with 265 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. 

There are 82 other cluster related cases in the county. There are 258 cases in the community at large. It's important to note that cases of employees from the correctional facility would be in both the correctional facility and the community numbers.

Fifteen people are in the hospital. Seventy-one total have been hospitalized. Thirty-one have been admitted to the ICU and nine have been intubated. Ten people have died.

The community's positive test rate remains at 10.21%, with the overall positive test rate at 15.35%. 17.84% of the population has been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count has risen to over 500 as of Sunday evening.There are 511 cases of COVID-19. About half of those are related to activity in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, with 265 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. There are 82 other cluster related cases in the county. There are 258 cases in the community at large. It's important to note that cases of employees from the correctional facility would be in both the correctional facility and the community numbers.Fifteen people are in the hospital. Seventy-one total have been hospitalized. Thirty-one have been admitted to the ICU and nine have been intubated. Ten people have died.The community's positive test rate remains at 10.21%, with the overall positive test rate at 15.35%. 17.84% of the population has been tested.

County case count over 500, about half related to HCF


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Another update on the county's response to the pandemic is scheduled for Tuesday's Reno County Commission meeting.

In addition to the update from Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, there will be a proposal from IdeaTek to run fiber optics to maintenance, public works and solid waste and an update on CARES funding for non-profit organizations and private schools by consultants Gary Meagher and John Deardoff.

County Administrator Randy Partington will also provide a report.

The meeting of the Board of Reno County Commissioners will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Reno County Courthouse.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Another update on the county's response to the pandemic is scheduled for Tuesday's Reno County Commission meeting.In addition to the update from Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, there will be a proposal from IdeaTek to run fiber optics to maintenance, public works and solid waste and an update on CARES funding for non-profit organizations and private schools by consultants Gary Meagher and John Deardoff.County Administrator Randy Partington will also provide a report.The meeting of the Board of Reno County Commissioners will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Reno County Courthouse.

Reno County Commission to meet Tuesday

Release from Reno County Health Department

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department confirms a tenth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.

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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 </figure>Release from Reno County Health DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department confirms a tenth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.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.

Tenth death from COVID-19 confirmed in Reno County Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 released its approach to the gating criteria for next week being in the red. 

According to a Facebook post from the district, in discussion with Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson, he fully supports schools being remote when in red gating criteria unless class sizes are around 10.

Nickerson High School and Reno Valley Middle School will continue to provide remote learning as they are now.  

Nickerson Elementary School will reduce class sizes to comply with red gating criteria.  Recess will be restricted to individual classes.  Breakfast and lunch continue in classrooms. Other restrictions will be used as necessary to reduce cohort groups co-mingling for more than 10 minutes.

South Hutchinson Elementary will reduce class sizes.  In order to get class sizes down and comply with the red gating criteria, some specials classes will be paused in order to provide core instruction.  Additionally, in order to provide teachers time for planning and lunch, South Hutchinson Elementary students will end their day at 1:40 p.m. while in the Red.  This goal will allow the district to offer quality in-school instruction on core curriculum without students having to log on to school while at home.  Additional mitigations will be implemented to restrict the co-mingling of small cohort groups.

Patrons must commit to being socially distant, wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when ill.  Health Order 20-03 has been put into place due to our extremely high case count, high PTR and HRMC Covid-19 positive cases are increasing.  This limits mass gatherings to 100 people, this does not include public and private business or school functions.  However, social distancing of more than six feet is highly recommended at work, and mandated at sporting events and social functions. Varsity athletics only will continue as fall season sports finish.  Spectators will be limited to 10%.  It will be important for fans to commit to wearing a mask and increasing your social distance of 6 feet or more in the stands in order to continue to provide student-athletes a safe environment for education and extra-curricular activities. 

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 released its approach to the gating criteria for next week being in the red. According to a Facebook post from the district, in discussion with Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson, he fully supports schools being remote when in red gating criteria unless class sizes are around 10.Nickerson High School and Reno Valley Middle School will continue to provide remote learning as they are now. Nickerson Elementary School will reduce class sizes to comply with red gating criteria. Recess will be restricted to individual classes. Breakfast and lunch continue in classrooms. Other restrictions will be used as necessary to reduce cohort groups co-mingling for more than 10 minutes.South Hutchinson Elementary will reduce class sizes. In order to get class sizes down and comply with the red gating criteria, some specials classes will be paused in order to provide core instruction. Additionally, in order to provide teachers time for planning and lunch, South Hutchinson Elementary students will end their day at 1:40 p.m. while in the Red. This goal will allow the district to offer quality in-school instruction on core curriculum without students having to log on to school while at home. Additional mitigations will be implemented to restrict the co-mingling of small cohort groups.Patrons must commit to being socially distant, wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when ill. Health Order 20-03 has been put into place due to our extremely high case count, high PTR and HRMC Covid-19 positive cases are increasing. This limits mass gatherings to 100 people, this does not include public and private business or school functions. However, social distancing of more than six feet is highly recommended at work, and mandated at sporting events and social functions. Varsity athletics only will continue as fall season sports finish. Spectators will be limited to 10%. It will be important for fans to commit to wearing a mask and increasing your social distance of 6 feet or more in the stands in order to continue to provide student-athletes a safe environment for education and extra-curricular activities.

USD 309 releases approach to red zone

HAVEN — Haven USD 312 is doing its first week of the building specific gating criteria starting Monday.

Haven Grade School will be in orange and continue with the in-person learning model. The district says it will be considering micro-cohort classrooms in the future.

Haven Middle and High School, which are being treated as a single building for gating criteria purposes because of shared staff, students and families, will be in the orange, which for them means hybrid learning. Students will attend in-person by the school provided schedule but only about half will attend each day so that numbers are smaller and spacing can be increased.

Yoder Charter School will be in the red and use micro-cohort classrooms. This means that grades 5-8 will now begin meeting at Journey Mennonite Church.  Grades K-4 will continue to meet at the YCS building but will be divided into two rooms for better spacing. 

More details will go to parents from individual building administration.

HAVEN — Haven USD 312 is doing its first week of the building specific gating criteria starting Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602874093207.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602874125318.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Haven Grade School will be in orange and continue with the in-person learning model. The district says it will be considering micro-cohort classrooms in the future.Haven Middle and High School, which are being treated as a single building for gating criteria purposes because of shared staff, students and families, will be in the orange, which for them means hybrid learning. Students will attend in-person by the school provided schedule but only about half will attend each day so that numbers are smaller and spacing can be increased.Yoder Charter School will be in the red and use micro-cohort classrooms. This means that grades 5-8 will now begin meeting at Journey Mennonite Church. Grades K-4 will continue to meet at the YCS building but will be divided into two rooms for better spacing. More details will go to parents from individual building administration.

USD 312 Haven using building specific information for gating criteria


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks clarified for parents via video the district's response to being in the red on the gating criteria as of Friday morning.

"We will be full remote in USD 308 starting Monday, October 19," Folks said. "We are following our professional and medical team's recommendations regarding full remote."

Though Folks does not know yet how long the district may be full remote, the policy will be examined at the next school board meeting.

"I am in constant communication with our board of education," Folks said. "They did direct me and our executive team last Monday night to work towards coming up with a plan to possibly bring students back in small groups. We are working on that."

The plan is due to be before the school board at its next meeting Monday, October 26.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks clarified for parents via video the district's response to being in the red on the gating criteria as of Friday morning."We will be full remote in USD 308 starting Monday, October 19," Folks said. "We are following our professional and medical team's recommendations regarding full remote."Though Folks does not know yet how long the district may be full remote, the policy will be examined at the next school board meeting."I am in constant communication with our board of education," Folks said. "They did direct me and our executive team last Monday night to work towards coming up with a plan to possibly bring students back in small groups. We are working on that."The plan is due to be before the school board at its next meeting Monday, October 26.

Folks: USD 308 will be full remote, small groups to be looked at later this month


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community testing at the Hutchinson Sports Arena was successful on Thursday, with 177 tests administered.&nbsp; 

124 people had scheduled appointments. 53 were seen without a previous appointment.

Here are the dates scheduled thus far to continue community testing.

Saturday, October 17, 2020 Haven High School 400 E 5th&nbsp;Ave Haven, KS 67543 10 a.m. to noon.

Sunday, October 18, 2020 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church&nbsp;612 S Maple St South Hutchinson, KS 67505&nbsp;1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Fairfield High School&nbsp;16115 S Langdon Rd Langdon, KS 67583&nbsp;4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church&nbsp;415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522&nbsp;4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 24, 2020 Pretty Prairie Elementary School&nbsp;320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570&nbsp;10 a.m. to noon.

Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment, call 844-834-3657.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community testing at the Hutchinson Sports Arena was successful on Thursday, with 177 tests administered.&nbsp; 124 people had scheduled appointments. 53 were seen without a previous appointment.Here are the dates scheduled thus far to continue community testing.Saturday, October 17, 2020 Haven High School 400 E 5th&nbsp;Ave Haven, KS 67543 10 a.m. to noon.Sunday, October 18, 2020 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church&nbsp;612 S Maple St South Hutchinson, KS 67505&nbsp;1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Fairfield High School&nbsp;16115 S Langdon Rd Langdon, KS 67583&nbsp;4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Thursday, October 22, 2020 Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church&nbsp;415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522&nbsp;4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturday, October 24, 2020 Pretty Prairie Elementary School&nbsp;320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570&nbsp;10 a.m. to noon.Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment, call 844-834-3657.

Community testing continues in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The active case count in Reno County is up to 353 as of Thursday afternoon. That is up 219 active cases since October 1. 

229 of the current cases are in the community. 1543 people have tested positive overall, with 1181 recovered. Nine have died. 

There were only four deaths total announced from the beginning of the pandemic to October 7 in Reno County. Five have been announced from October 8 to October 15.

There are eleven active clusters. 11,022 people have been tested, with 9,479 negatives for an overall positive test rate of 14% and a community positive test rate of 10.21%. 17.54% of the population has been tested.

There are 13 people currently in the hospital. 65 have been hospitalized throughout the pandemic in Reno County. 31 of those needed ICU care. Eight were intubated.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The active case count in Reno County is up to 353 as of Thursday afternoon. That is up 219 active cases since October 1. 229 of the current cases are in the community. 1543 people have tested positive overall, with 1181 recovered. Nine have died. There were only four deaths total announced from the beginning of the pandemic to October 7 in Reno County. Five have been announced from October 8 to October 15.There are eleven active clusters. 11,022 people have been tested, with 9,479 negatives for an overall positive test rate of 14% and a community positive test rate of 10.21%. 17.54% of the population has been tested.There are 13 people currently in the hospital. 65 have been hospitalized throughout the pandemic in Reno County. 31 of those needed ICU care. Eight were intubated.

Case count above 350 in Reno County

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/14/hospital-staffing-and-capacity-a-concern-for-kansas-communities-as-covid-19-multiplies/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Concerns are 
growing about adequate staffing levels and bed capacity at Kansas 
hospitals and nursing homes strained by rising COVID-19 cases.

Hospitals in southeast Kansas already are struggling with capacity issues. <a href="https://www.morningsun.net/news/20201013/county-health-officials-consider-policy-changes-as-area-hospitals-reach-capacity">Ascension Via Christi Hospital announced this week</a>
 it would implement its surge plan and cease all elective surgeries 
because of a spike in cases in Crawford and Bourbon counties.

Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said Tuesday most hospitals 
he has spoken with are staying ahead of the virus. He said as case 
numbers rise in a community, however, so will the strain on hospital 
staff.

“Staffing challenges will 
be the first thing that we notice as numbers get worse,” Norman said. 
“It’s not because the people are out with an illness or in quarantine. 
It’s just because there are only so many critical care practitioners — 
whether they are doctors, nurses or therapists — to go around.”

As flu season begins, 
Norman emphasized the need to keep community COVID-19 case numbers low 
and, in effect, keep all areas of the hospital operating at full 
capacity.

Norman said he has 
discussed surge capacity plans and the possibility of strain on staffing
 levels during conversations this week with hospitals and nursing homes 
across the state.

Physical inventory, such 
as dialysis machines and ventilators, is strong statewide, Norman said, 
and he expects hospitals to remain well-stocked. But he is advising a 
cautious approach to potential staffing shortfalls.

“We have to do whatever we
 can to push it down,” Norman said. “I think we might get pinched, which
 is an excellent reason, I think, to bolster up and strengthen the 
anti-contagion practices in every county, city and town.”

KDHE on Wednesday reported
 an increase in of 1,293 cases of COVID-19 since Monday, and a two-day 
increase of 67 deaths. That brings state totals to 69,155 cases and 838 
deaths since the pandemic began in early March.

Kansas remains in the red zone for total cases per 100,000 people compared to the United States as a whole.

Norman said there is 
mounting evidence people could face re-infection with different strains 
of the virus. A woman in the Netherlands died this week after 
reinfection with COVID-19, although she was also fighting a rare form of
 cancer at the same time.

Nonfatal reinfections also has been reported in Hong Kong, Belgium and Nevada.

Norman said these reports 
contrast with the belief many hold that those who are infected are no 
longer at risk of contracting it again.

“We don’t know for sure if
 an immunity to the first time you had it, if it is a slightly different
 virus, will provide immunity the next time you are exposed,” Norman 
said. “Which means as a person that had it before, can they act like 
they won’t get it again? We don’t know the answer to that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602783801990.png" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said capacity issues in southeast Kansas should serve as a wake-up call as concerns grow over rising COVID-19 case numbers and their strain on hospital staffing levels. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said capacity issues in southeast Kansas should serve as a wake-up call as concerns grow over rising COVID-19 case numbers and their strain on hospital staffing levels. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/14/hospital-staffing-and-capacity-a-concern-for-kansas-communities-as-covid-19-multiplies/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Concerns are 
growing about adequate staffing levels and bed capacity at Kansas 
hospitals and nursing homes strained by rising COVID-19 cases.Hospitals in southeast Kansas already are struggling with capacity issues. <a href="https://www.morningsun.net/news/20201013/county-health-officials-consider-policy-changes-as-area-hospitals-reach-capacity">Ascension Via Christi Hospital announced this week</a>
 it would implement its surge plan and cease all elective surgeries 
because of a spike in cases in Crawford and Bourbon counties.Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said Tuesday most hospitals 
he has spoken with are staying ahead of the virus. He said as case 
numbers rise in a community, however, so will the strain on hospital 
staff.“Staffing challenges will 
be the first thing that we notice as numbers get worse,” Norman said. 
“It’s not because the people are out with an illness or in quarantine. 
It’s just because there are only so many critical care practitioners — 
whether they are doctors, nurses or therapists — to go around.”As flu season begins, 
Norman emphasized the need to keep community COVID-19 case numbers low 
and, in effect, keep all areas of the hospital operating at full 
capacity.Norman said he has 
discussed surge capacity plans and the possibility of strain on staffing
 levels during conversations this week with hospitals and nursing homes 
across the state.Physical inventory, such 
as dialysis machines and ventilators, is strong statewide, Norman said, 
and he expects hospitals to remain well-stocked. But he is advising a 
cautious approach to potential staffing shortfalls.“We have to do whatever we
 can to push it down,” Norman said. “I think we might get pinched, which
 is an excellent reason, I think, to bolster up and strengthen the 
anti-contagion practices in every county, city and town.”KDHE on Wednesday reported
 an increase in of 1,293 cases of COVID-19 since Monday, and a two-day 
increase of 67 deaths. That brings state totals to 69,155 cases and 838 
deaths since the pandemic began in early March.Kansas remains in the red zone for total cases per 100,000 people compared to the United States as a whole.Norman said there is 
mounting evidence people could face re-infection with different strains 
of the virus. A woman in the Netherlands died this week after 
reinfection with COVID-19, although she was also fighting a rare form of
 cancer at the same time.Nonfatal reinfections also has been reported in Hong Kong, Belgium and Nevada.Norman said these reports 
contrast with the belief many hold that those who are infected are no 
longer at risk of contracting it again.“We don’t know for sure if
 an immunity to the first time you had it, if it is a slightly different
 virus, will provide immunity the next time you are exposed,” Norman 
said. “Which means as a person that had it before, can they act like 
they won’t get it again? We don’t know the answer to that.”

Hospital staffing, capacity a concern for Kan. communities as COVID-19 multiplies


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department was notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that a ninth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 has passed away.

Please 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. 

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department was notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that a ninth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 has passed away.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.Please 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.

Ninth COVID-19 death reported Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Rex Degner with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System notes that the personnel situation for healthcare workers isn't the same as it was when the hospital made its initial plan about how it would deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"We developed a large surge plan back in the spring that we could handle a very significant number of COVID patients at any one time, up to 40 or 50 if we really had to," Degner said. "That was back in a time when our census was very low because people were not coming in for their other health care. Now they are. We still have a plan to handle a significant number of COVID patients, our problem is, we do not have as many staff that we could draw on."

The idea was that if necessary, medical staff from the clinics in town could have been pressed into service. Now, they are busy with their own clientele.

"We don't want to have to take the step of saying, if you have an elective surgery, maybe we should be putting that off til a later date, so that we can take care of the most acute things that are going on right now," Degner said. "We are not at that point yet, but we are brushing up against it, to a degree."

It's always a concern that a healthcare worker might catch the virus out in the community, but infection control measures appear to be working inside the hospital itself.

"To our knowledge, we've not had a known spread within the hospital as far as someone catching it from a patient or from a healthcare worker to another healthcare worker within our walls," Degner said. 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/18573d14-aa2f-4ad1-9ce9-e4991a186386">Hospital CEO Ken Johnson had COVID-19 earlier this year. He got it from a family member.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574787528114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Rex Degner with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System notes that the personnel situation for healthcare workers isn't the same as it was when the hospital made its initial plan about how it would deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases."We developed a large surge plan back in the spring that we could handle a very significant number of COVID patients at any one time, up to 40 or 50 if we really had to," Degner said. "That was back in a time when our census was very low because people were not coming in for their other health care. Now they are. We still have a plan to handle a significant number of COVID patients, our problem is, we do not have as many staff that we could draw on."The idea was that if necessary, medical staff from the clinics in town could have been pressed into service. Now, they are busy with their own clientele."We don't want to have to take the step of saying, if you have an elective surgery, maybe we should be putting that off til a later date, so that we can take care of the most acute things that are going on right now," Degner said. "We are not at that point yet, but we are brushing up against it, to a degree."It's always a concern that a healthcare worker might catch the virus out in the community, but infection control measures appear to be working inside the hospital itself."To our knowledge, we've not had a known spread within the hospital as far as someone catching it from a patient or from a healthcare worker to another healthcare worker within our walls," Degner said. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/18573d14-aa2f-4ad1-9ce9-e4991a186386">Hospital CEO Ken Johnson had COVID-19 earlier this year. He got it from a family member.</a>

Degner: Minimize spread to keep all healthcare available


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Correctional Facility has identified six active presumptive COVID-19 positives, according to a release from Sheriff Darrian Campbell. 

The first case was identified and tested when minor symptoms were reported to medical staff. It is not known how the initial inmate contracted the virus. Additional testing will be administered as symptoms are reported to medical staff.

One deputy employed at the facility has also been identified as a presumptive positive. There is no reason to believe the deputy was infected at work. One other employee has been isolated due to close contact.

Interaction between inmates and employees is being limited. Masks are required if there is to be contact. Common areas are cleaned and sanitized regularly and screening precautions are being taken to be sure those with symptoms are not being house with those without.

All programs within the facility have been halted temporarily to minimize movement.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Correctional Facility has identified six active presumptive COVID-19 positives, according to a release from Sheriff Darrian Campbell. The first case was identified and tested when minor symptoms were reported to medical staff. It is not known how the initial inmate contracted the virus. Additional testing will be administered as symptoms are reported to medical staff.One deputy employed at the facility has also been identified as a presumptive positive. There is no reason to believe the deputy was infected at work. One other employee has been isolated due to close contact.Interaction between inmates and employees is being limited. Masks are required if there is to be contact. Common areas are cleaned and sanitized regularly and screening precautions are being taken to be sure those with symptoms are not being house with those without.All programs within the facility have been halted temporarily to minimize movement.

Six COVID-19 cases identified in Reno County Correctional Facility


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Concert Association&nbsp;has&nbsp;announced&nbsp;the cancellation of their 2020-2021 Season due to the Covid -19 virus.&nbsp;

In the 84-year history of the Concert Association, the only other season to be cancelled was during World War 2, 1943-1944.&nbsp;

“With the health and safety of our members, community, musicians and volunteers as our top priority, we have canceled the upcoming season,” said Jay Brown, Hutchinson Community Concert Association President, “and we hope conditions will allow us to return with a great 2021-2022 line-up!”

For more information about future plans, follow the Hutchinson Community Concert Association Facebook Page (@hutchcommunityconcerts) or call Shirley Hinkle Pauls, Vice President for Membership at 620-665-7300.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Concert Association&nbsp;has&nbsp;announced&nbsp;the cancellation of their 2020-2021 Season due to the Covid -19 virus.&nbsp;In the 84-year history of the Concert Association, the only other season to be cancelled was during World War 2, 1943-1944.&nbsp;“With the health and safety of our members, community, musicians and volunteers as our top priority, we have canceled the upcoming season,” said Jay Brown, Hutchinson Community Concert Association President, “and we hope conditions will allow us to return with a great 2021-2022 line-up!”For more information about future plans, follow the Hutchinson Community Concert Association Facebook Page (@hutchcommunityconcerts) or call Shirley Hinkle Pauls, Vice President for Membership at 620-665-7300.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2020-2021 Hutchinson Community Concerts canceled

Reno County remains in the orange alert level as an overall county for COVID-19, but the school gating criteria is in the red.

According to the situation report that comes out three times a week and was released on Wednesday, there were 344 active cases in the county. That number was down to 340 as of Wednesday evening. 

The 14-day positive test rate is at 17.3% and the 14-day new case count is 250, both would put the county in the red of the school gating criteria.

Ten people are currently hospitalized. Sixty-two have been hospitalized since the beginning of the outbreak. Of those 62, 31 have been in the ICU and eight have been intubated. Eight people have died.

Reno County is up to 17.45% of the population tested as of Wednesday evening. More testing is taking place. There were 139 completed tests at Salt City Splash Tuesday. A testing date is happening Thursday at the Sports Arena west parking lot from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enter through the 11th Street entrance. You can be tested whether you have symptoms or not, but you need to have an appointment to be tested.

The next testing date is Saturday at Haven High School from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 844-834-3657 to make an appointment.&nbsp;

More community testing improves the positive test rate as well as identifies early COVID-19 cases, which prevents future transmission to others. Robust testing is a key to keeping schools open.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602758042671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County remains in the orange alert level as an overall county for COVID-19, but the school gating criteria is in the red.According to the situation report that comes out three times a week and was released on Wednesday, there were 344 active cases in the county. That number was down to 340 as of Wednesday evening. The 14-day positive test rate is at 17.3% and the 14-day new case count is 250, both would put the county in the red of the school gating criteria.Ten people are currently hospitalized. Sixty-two have been hospitalized since the beginning of the outbreak. Of those 62, 31 have been in the ICU and eight have been intubated. Eight people have died.Reno County is up to 17.45% of the population tested as of Wednesday evening. More testing is taking place. There were 139 completed tests at Salt City Splash Tuesday. A testing date is happening Thursday at the Sports Arena west parking lot from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enter through the 11th Street entrance. You can be tested whether you have symptoms or not, but you need to have an appointment to be tested.The next testing date is Saturday at Haven High School from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 844-834-3657 to make an appointment.&nbsp;More community testing improves the positive test rate as well as identifies early COVID-19 cases, which prevents future transmission to others. Robust testing is a key to keeping schools open.

School gating criteria preliminary numbers in red zone

WASHINGTON (AP) —Independent monitors have paused enrollment in a study testing the COVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir plus an experimental antibody therapy being developed by Eli Lilly that’s similar to a treatment President Donald Trump recently received.

Lilly confirmed Tuesday that the study had been paused “out of an abundance of caution” and said safety is its top concern. The company would not say more about what led to this step.

The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which sponsors the study, would not immediately comment.

Antibodies are proteins the body makes when an infection occurs; they attach to a virus and help it be eliminated. The experimental drugs are concentrated versions of one or two specific antibodies that worked best against the coronavirus in lab and animal tests.

<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501978?term=ACTIV-3&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">This study</a>&nbsp;was testing a single antibody that Lilly is developing with the Canadian company AbCellera. Trump received an experimental two-antibody combo drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Lilly and Regeneron have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant emergency use authorization for their drugs for COVID-19 while late-stage studies continue.

The paused study, called ACTIV-3, started in August and aims to enroll 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United States, Denmark and Singapore. All are given remdesivir, which has been authorized in the U.S. as an emergency treatment for COVID-19, plus either the Lilly antibody or a placebo.

The main goals are reducing the need for extra oxygen and time to recovery. Deaths, relief of symptoms and other measures also are being tracked. All of the drugs are given through an IV.

Such pauses are not uncommon in long clinical studies. Unlike a study hold imposed by government regulators, a pause is initiated by the sponsor of the drug trial and often can be quickly resolved.

The pause in the Lilly study comes a day after a temporary halt to enrollment in a coronavirus vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson executives said Tuesday that it will be a few days before they know more about an unexplained illness in one participant that caused a pause in its late-stage vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson isn’t disclosing the nature of the illness.

“It may have nothing to do with the vaccine,” said Mathai Mammen, head of research and development for Janssen, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s medicine development business.

Mammen said the company doesn’t know yet whether the ill participant received the experimental vaccine or a dummy shot. He says Johnson &amp; Johnson gave information on the case to the independent monitoring board overseeing the safety of patients in the study, as the research protocol requires. It will recommend next steps.

The study of the one-dose vaccine will include up to 60,000 people from multiple countries. The company expects to complete enrollment in the study in two or three months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602636110217.png" alt="photo courtesy Eli Lilly" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Eli Lilly</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Independent monitors have paused enrollment in a study testing the COVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir plus an experimental antibody therapy being developed by Eli Lilly that’s similar to a treatment President Donald Trump recently received.Lilly confirmed Tuesday that the study had been paused “out of an abundance of caution” and said safety is its top concern. The company would not say more about what led to this step.The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which sponsors the study, would not immediately comment.Antibodies are proteins the body makes when an infection occurs; they attach to a virus and help it be eliminated. The experimental drugs are concentrated versions of one or two specific antibodies that worked best against the coronavirus in lab and animal tests.<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501978?term=ACTIV-3&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">This study</a>&nbsp;was testing a single antibody that Lilly is developing with the Canadian company AbCellera. Trump received an experimental two-antibody combo drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.Lilly and Regeneron have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant emergency use authorization for their drugs for COVID-19 while late-stage studies continue.The paused study, called ACTIV-3, started in August and aims to enroll 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United States, Denmark and Singapore. All are given remdesivir, which has been authorized in the U.S. as an emergency treatment for COVID-19, plus either the Lilly antibody or a placebo.The main goals are reducing the need for extra oxygen and time to recovery. Deaths, relief of symptoms and other measures also are being tracked. All of the drugs are given through an IV.Such pauses are not uncommon in long clinical studies. Unlike a study hold imposed by government regulators, a pause is initiated by the sponsor of the drug trial and often can be quickly resolved.The pause in the Lilly study comes a day after a temporary halt to enrollment in a coronavirus vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson executives said Tuesday that it will be a few days before they know more about an unexplained illness in one participant that caused a pause in its late-stage vaccine study. Johnson &amp; Johnson isn’t disclosing the nature of the illness.“It may have nothing to do with the vaccine,” said Mathai Mammen, head of research and development for Janssen, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s medicine development business.ADVERTISEMENTMammen said the company doesn’t know yet whether the ill participant received the experimental vaccine or a dummy shot. He says Johnson &amp; Johnson gave information on the case to the independent monitoring board overseeing the safety of patients in the study, as the research protocol requires. It will recommend next steps.The study of the one-dose vaccine will include up to 60,000 people from multiple countries. The company expects to complete enrollment in the study in two or three months.

Possible safety issue spurs pause of COVID-19 antibody study

The Reno County Health Department was notified by Kansas Department of Health and Environment that a eighth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 has passed away.

Please 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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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Reno County Health DepartmentThe Reno County Health Department was notified by Kansas Department of Health and Environment that a eighth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 has passed away.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.Please 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.

Coronavirus Update