HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is excited to see high-contact critical workers get vaccinated and the Chamber has been working with the Reno County Health Department to make that happen.

"Employers could opt in to come to a pod that was already set up, which we know has been very efficient, at the Sports Arena," Teufel said. "If there was a number of workers that made sense for them to go out on site, they offered to do that, as well. Tyson is one, I believe Kuhn Krause is offering that for their employees. Dillons offered to manage their workforce themselves, because, of course, Dillons as a pharmacy operation, is getting a supply, too."

Teufel believes all the large employers who qualify have chosen one or the other method of getting employees vaccinated.

"We need people to have confidence that they are safe when they are going to work, when they are going out to a store in the community," Teufel said. "We need to heighten that level of safety. Now that we've gotten through the elder population for the most part, especially those that are most at risk, I just think the next point is, it's been quite a disruption for businesses that have had COVID present in their workplace, then it spreads and then you have an attendance issue and then, all of a sudden, it disrupts your chain of business. It means so much to, especially the manufacturers out there that need to keep producing goods. They can't have a critical point in their production line disrupted."

The next vaccination clinic for those workers is Monday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. You can <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">apply for a time at the Reno County website.</a>

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is excited to see high-contact critical workers get vaccinated and the Chamber has been working with the Reno County Health Department to make that happen."Employers could opt in to come to a pod that was already set up, which we know has been very efficient, at the Sports Arena," Teufel said. "If there was a number of workers that made sense for them to go out on site, they offered to do that, as well. Tyson is one, I believe Kuhn Krause is offering that for their employees. Dillons offered to manage their workforce themselves, because, of course, Dillons as a pharmacy operation, is getting a supply, too."Teufel believes all the large employers who qualify have chosen one or the other method of getting employees vaccinated."We need people to have confidence that they are safe when they are going to work, when they are going out to a store in the community," Teufel said. "We need to heighten that level of safety. Now that we've gotten through the elder population for the most part, especially those that are most at risk, I just think the next point is, it's been quite a disruption for businesses that have had COVID present in their workplace, then it spreads and then you have an attendance issue and then, all of a sudden, it disrupts your chain of business. It means so much to, especially the manufacturers out there that need to keep producing goods. They can't have a critical point in their production line disrupted."The next vaccination clinic for those workers is Monday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. You can <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">apply for a time at the Reno County website.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teufel: High-contact industries are opting in to vaccination


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 87 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,725 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,500 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. 

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.

The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week. New gating criteria information has been released either late Thursday or early Friday in previous weeks.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.

The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 87 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,725 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,500 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week. New gating criteria information has been released either late Thursday or early Friday in previous weeks.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Case count at 87, still no hospitalizations as of Wednesday

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615399528241.png" alt="Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.

The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.

“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”

While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.

“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”" />
 <figcaption>“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In conjunction with new <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> guidance, KDHE is issuing similar guidance. Two weeks after completing the vaccination, KSans may gather in private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, w/out masks or distancing. Complete details: <a href="https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe">https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe</a> <a href="https://t.co/d68H3HCxaV">pic.twitter.com/d68H3HCxaV</a>&mdash; KDHE (@KDHE) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDHE/status/1369702030831390722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.<ul>
 <li>Wear a mask</li><li>Stay at least 6 feet away from others</li><li>Avoid crowds</li><li>Avoid poorly ventilated spaces</li><li>Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol</li>
 </ul>“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

KDHE guidance for Kansans who are vaccinated


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be looking later this month at whether or not a mask mandate is still needed in the county. 

"I think some of the policies probably were a little overreactive," said County Commissioner Daniel Friesen. "At what point do we acknowledge that and start to kind of move to reopening, to a point where we look at the evidence and say this is working and this is not."

The Reno County Medical Collaborative advised the commission that they should keep the mandate a little longer to allow for further vaccinations.

"It would be our recommendation to not opt out of the Governor's mask mandate at this time," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We feel that this is premature. Our numbers are coming down. We have gotten the high priority people as far as those 65 and older vaccinated. Also, we have the first portion of teachers vaccinated, but they don't even have their second vaccines in. We just sent all kids back to school, which we would like to keep them in school."

Friesen, at the least, wants to see more evidence. He believes that masks should be worn, but that the county commission shouldn't necessarily mandate them.

"That's where I'm seeing the difference here, between forcing somebody and having the burden of proof that it seems like we're having trouble developing and one notch less, which is, hey, this is highly recommended. Let's keep doing it until we're out of this."

He wanted to give the medical community a chance to provide their proof before voting to take anything away, so the item has been scheduled to be revisited on March 30.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615313530881.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be looking later this month at whether or not a mask mandate is still needed in the county. "I think some of the policies probably were a little overreactive," said County Commissioner Daniel Friesen. "At what point do we acknowledge that and start to kind of move to reopening, to a point where we look at the evidence and say this is working and this is not."The Reno County Medical Collaborative advised the commission that they should keep the mandate a little longer to allow for further vaccinations."It would be our recommendation to not opt out of the Governor's mask mandate at this time," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We feel that this is premature. Our numbers are coming down. We have gotten the high priority people as far as those 65 and older vaccinated. Also, we have the first portion of teachers vaccinated, but they don't even have their second vaccines in. We just sent all kids back to school, which we would like to keep them in school."Friesen, at the least, wants to see more evidence. He believes that masks should be worn, but that the county commission shouldn't necessarily mandate them."That's where I'm seeing the difference here, between forcing somebody and having the burden of proof that it seems like we're having trouble developing and one notch less, which is, hey, this is highly recommended. Let's keep doing it until we're out of this."He wanted to give the medical community a chance to provide their proof before voting to take anything away, so the item has been scheduled to be revisited on March 30.
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Mask mandate to be revisited March 30

Reno County, Kansas – March 9, 2021 –&nbsp;The Reno County Health Department is ready to start vaccinating those in phase 2c, as well as anyone remaining from previous phases. Phase 2c includes high-contact critical workers.

Kansas defines high-contact critical workers as grocery store and food service employees, K-12 staff and childcare workers, food processing and meat processing plants, aviation manufacturing plants, transportation workers, firefighters, police officers, first responders and corrections officers. Many K-12 staff, first responders and meat processing plant employees have already been vaccinated, as well as those living in congregate settings from Phase 2b. Workers in retail, warehouse, sales, agriculture, postal service, or department of motor vehicles may also be considered high-contact critical workers if they regularly need to be in high-risk settings to perform their duties.

The Health Department is currently scheduling for the March 15 vaccination clinic that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. If you identify yourself as a high-contact critical worker, go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/" target="_blank">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>. Choose the&nbsp;I am a high-contact critical worker&nbsp;category, and in the employer drop down box, choose&nbsp;Unlisted/Other, high-contact critical worker, and complete the information as requested to schedule your appointment. You will receive an email appointment confirmation after submitting successfully. If computer access is not available, please call the health department at&nbsp;620-694-2900 and select option 6&nbsp;for assistance with scheduling an appointment.

As a reminder, if you have received the treatment of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for Covid-19 in the last 90 days (this does not include antibiotics or steroids), have received any other vaccine in the previous 14 days, have previously had severe allergic response to an ingredient in the vaccine, or reaction to a vaccine in the past (anaphylaxis), please do not schedule a vaccine at this time.

For more information about the vaccines, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County, Kansas – March 9, 2021 –&nbsp;The Reno County Health Department is ready to start vaccinating those in phase 2c, as well as anyone remaining from previous phases. Phase 2c includes high-contact critical workers.Kansas defines high-contact critical workers as grocery store and food service employees, K-12 staff and childcare workers, food processing and meat processing plants, aviation manufacturing plants, transportation workers, firefighters, police officers, first responders and corrections officers. Many K-12 staff, first responders and meat processing plant employees have already been vaccinated, as well as those living in congregate settings from Phase 2b. Workers in retail, warehouse, sales, agriculture, postal service, or department of motor vehicles may also be considered high-contact critical workers if they regularly need to be in high-risk settings to perform their duties.The Health Department is currently scheduling for the March 15 vaccination clinic that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. If you identify yourself as a high-contact critical worker, go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/" target="_blank">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>. Choose the&nbsp;I am a high-contact critical worker&nbsp;category, and in the employer drop down box, choose&nbsp;Unlisted/Other, high-contact critical worker, and complete the information as requested to schedule your appointment. You will receive an email appointment confirmation after submitting successfully. If computer access is not available, please call the health department at&nbsp;620-694-2900 and select option 6&nbsp;for assistance with scheduling an appointment.As a reminder, if you have received the treatment of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for Covid-19 in the last 90 days (this does not include antibiotics or steroids), have received any other vaccine in the previous 14 days, have previously had severe allergic response to an ingredient in the vaccine, or reaction to a vaccine in the past (anaphylaxis), please do not schedule a vaccine at this time.For more information about the vaccines, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

County now taking appointments for high-contact critical workers


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 86 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were at or below this case level was mid-September.

Out of 7,720 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,496 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. 

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Monday, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters. The last day with a documented hospital admission was February 23.

The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 86 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were at or below this case level was mid-September.Out of 7,720 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,496 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Monday, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters. The last day with a documented hospital admission was February 23.The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Dashboard does not show any long-term care facility cases as of Monday, only 86 overall


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department notes that it is the intent of the department to move on to vaccinating essential workers before the end of March.

"We're focusing on some of those strategic plants that we know can't social distance," Hammersmith said. "We will be doing Tyson later in the week next week. We'll go out there and vaccinate anyone that needs to be vaccinated out there. Then, I know Hutchinson Clinic and Prairie Star are also working on some of their occupational medicine groups that they work with on a regular basis."

This is in addition to the vaccine they have already distributed to K-12 educational employees.

"It's easy to identify, you know, people that have 50 and higher employees. Those are a little bit easier to identify, but that doesn't mean that we're catching everybody. If somebody has a group of 15, but yet they are interacting with the public all the time, you know, or can't social distance because they are in a small building. We don't want to leave those out, either."

The goal is to finish up the 65 plus people they have missed for sure by the 15th.

"We have pods that we are filling," Hammersmith said. "We have filled the one for Monday the 8th, but the 15th is open and I know other places have openings, as well, but we want to finish up that group and then we are moving on to high-contact critical workers."

Be watching the Health Department's website for those high-contact critical workers who do not work at a large employer to have an opportunity to sign up later this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department notes that it is the intent of the department to move on to vaccinating essential workers before the end of March."We're focusing on some of those strategic plants that we know can't social distance," Hammersmith said. "We will be doing Tyson later in the week next week. We'll go out there and vaccinate anyone that needs to be vaccinated out there. Then, I know Hutchinson Clinic and Prairie Star are also working on some of their occupational medicine groups that they work with on a regular basis."This is in addition to the vaccine they have already distributed to K-12 educational employees."It's easy to identify, you know, people that have 50 and higher employees. Those are a little bit easier to identify, but that doesn't mean that we're catching everybody. If somebody has a group of 15, but yet they are interacting with the public all the time, you know, or can't social distance because they are in a small building. We don't want to leave those out, either."The goal is to finish up the 65 plus people they have missed for sure by the 15th."We have pods that we are filling," Hammersmith said. "We have filled the one for Monday the 8th, but the 15th is open and I know other places have openings, as well, but we want to finish up that group and then we are moving on to high-contact critical workers."Be watching the Health Department's website for those high-contact critical workers who do not work at a large employer to have an opportunity to sign up later this month.
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Hammersmith: Goal to start vaccinating high-contact workers later this month


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 90 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were at or below 90 active cases overall was mid-September.

Out of 7,716 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,488 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just three active cases.

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Friday. The last day with a documented admission was February 23.

The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for another week.

The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 90 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were at or below 90 active cases overall was mid-September.Out of 7,716 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,488 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just three active cases.No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Friday. The last day with a documented admission was February 23.The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for another week.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count continues down, 90 as of Friday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 99 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below a hundred active cases overall was September 16. 

Out of 7,715 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,478 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just three active cases.

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon. The last time Reno County went this long without a COVID-19 hospitalization was last summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 99 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below a hundred active cases overall was September 16. Out of 7,715 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,478 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just three active cases.No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon. The last time Reno County went this long without a COVID-19 hospitalization was last summer.The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for another week.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Case count below 100 for first time in months, still zero in hospital


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 112 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,714 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,464 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just eight active cases.

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-four total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 112 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,714 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,464 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just eight active cases.No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-four total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.
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COVID-19 Reno County case count at 112, hospital count at zero as of Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 113 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,458 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just eight active cases.

Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 113 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,458 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just eight active cases.Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Case count now 113, Long-term care down to 8 cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.

<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here </a>for testing locations in Kansas.

Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.

“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.

After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.

The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.

“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”

U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.

“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”

But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.

L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.

President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.

With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.

“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”

Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.

“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”

Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.

“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.

But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.

Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.

“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”

Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.

Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.

Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.

“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591208066312.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here </a>for testing locations in Kansas.Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”___

Plunging demand for COVID-19 tests may leave US exposed


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,449 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.

Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,449 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count at 122 at end of February


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A formal authorization on Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine happened Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. says if that's the vaccine available, it's worth taking.

"Absolutely," Marshall said. "Even though the other ones are incredibly effective, like 90 percent effective after two shots, which is unheard of. The flu vaccines we get every year are probably 60 or 70 percent effective and this one, the Johnson &amp; Johnson, is probably more in line with the flu vaccine. Yes, I think, if it's available, people can get it. I won't be surprised if there's a booster shot available this fall, as well. I think we've got to take what we can get."

The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine had an overall efficacy rate of 72 percent in the United States and 64 percent in South Africa. Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine is approved as a single dose, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are two doses.

"We pretty well have two shots in all of the senior citizens across the country now," Marshall said. "Hospitalization is down in Kansas 70%. We've got this virus on the run. Don't let down, anybody. We need to keep our masks on, we need to keep washing our hands, social distancing, all those things. I really think that we're ramping up now. We have the infrastructure in place that we're going to win this battle. Spring is going to come after all."

A potential second dose for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is still in clinical trials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608571846124.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A formal authorization on Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine happened Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. says if that's the vaccine available, it's worth taking."Absolutely," Marshall said. "Even though the other ones are incredibly effective, like 90 percent effective after two shots, which is unheard of. The flu vaccines we get every year are probably 60 or 70 percent effective and this one, the Johnson &amp; Johnson, is probably more in line with the flu vaccine. Yes, I think, if it's available, people can get it. I won't be surprised if there's a booster shot available this fall, as well. I think we've got to take what we can get."The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine had an overall efficacy rate of 72 percent in the United States and 64 percent in South Africa. Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine is approved as a single dose, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are two doses."We pretty well have two shots in all of the senior citizens across the country now," Marshall said. "Hospitalization is down in Kansas 70%. We've got this virus on the run. Don't let down, anybody. We need to keep our masks on, we need to keep washing our hands, social distancing, all those things. I really think that we're ramping up now. We have the infrastructure in place that we're going to win this battle. Spring is going to come after all."A potential second dose for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is still in clinical trials.

Marshall: Take whichever COVID vaccine you can get


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 123 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

The school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.

Out of 7,707 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,446 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612955384439.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 123 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.Out of 7,707 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,446 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count at 123, just three in hospital as of Friday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

The 14-day positive test rate has slipped back up slightly even as the case count continues to go down. The positive test rate updated Thursday as of February 21 is 9.1%. It was as low as 7.2% on the 14th. At those levels, the school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.

Out of 7,700 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,440 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The 14-day positive test rate has slipped back up slightly even as the case count continues to go down. The positive test rate updated Thursday as of February 21 is 9.1%. It was as low as 7.2% on the 14th. At those levels, the school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.Out of 7,700 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,440 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count at 122, 14-day PTR still in yellow for schools as of Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 124 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.

Out of 7,696 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,434 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 124 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.Out of 7,696 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,434 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Wednesday case count down to 124, long-term care down to 13


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those over 65 who are on the list already with the Reno County Health Department for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and haven't gotten it yet, you'll know more soon.

"I do want people to know that if they've pre-registered, over the next couple of weeks, we will be calling everybody on that pre-registration list so they know when their appointment is. Our upcoming primary dose pods only are March 2, March 8 and March 15."

Everyone who has signed up that is in the over 65 cohort should have a dose by the middle of the month.

"That's getting through 2700 phone calls, it's going to take some time and patience from everybody," Nichols said. "We will call them. Please do not call us. If they call us, that's going to delay us a little bit."

If there are any doses left over after the waiting list, they will let others in that age group know of the availability. They are still seeing a large age spread based upon the appointments already set for March 2nd.

"Twelve point five percent are 80 plus," Nichols said. "15.3% are 75 to 79 and 40.6 are between 72 and 74. We're really kind of targeting those 72 plus in that next pod."

The county is continuing to work its way through phase 2 of the statewide vaccination plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those over 65 who are on the list already with the Reno County Health Department for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and haven't gotten it yet, you'll know more soon."I do want people to know that if they've pre-registered, over the next couple of weeks, we will be calling everybody on that pre-registration list so they know when their appointment is. Our upcoming primary dose pods only are March 2, March 8 and March 15."Everyone who has signed up that is in the over 65 cohort should have a dose by the middle of the month."That's getting through 2700 phone calls, it's going to take some time and patience from everybody," Nichols said. "We will call them. Please do not call us. If they call us, that's going to delay us a little bit."If there are any doses left over after the waiting list, they will let others in that age group know of the availability. They are still seeing a large age spread based upon the appointments already set for March 2nd."Twelve point five percent are 80 plus," Nichols said. "15.3% are 75 to 79 and 40.6 are between 72 and 74. We're really kind of targeting those 72 plus in that next pod."The county is continuing to work its way through phase 2 of the statewide vaccination plan.

Health Department should finish waiting list for vaccine by mid-March


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 132 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 137. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.

Out of 7,689 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,420 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 18 active cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 132 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 137. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.Out of 7,689 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,420 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 18 active cases.Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.
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Tuesday dashboard: Case count down to 132, lowest number since September


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Educators in Reno County will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"The Medicine Shoppe was informed that they were able to get over 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "In a collaboration with all the school districts and private schools in Reno County, they're going to host a pod and we will assist with organizing that."

The pod will be Sunday at the Salthawk Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"That would be open to all employees in those districts," Hammersmith said. "Hopefully that will get all K-12 people vaccinated in Reno County that choose to be."

The Pfizer vaccine has not been the main type of vaccination in the county, due to its additional storage needs.

"The hospital, they're the only ones in town previously that got the Pfizer," Hammersmith said. "I think some of the nursing homes were vaccinated with Pfizer as well, but that wasn't transferred vaccinations, those companies came out and vaccinated for them."

The main difference in the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccine other than the need for super cold refrigeration with the Pfizer is that the second dose comes after 21 days with Pfizer and 28 days with Moderna.

The Medicine Shoppe staff, nurses from all districts, school volunteers, and the Health Department will staff the clinic. 

A pre-registration link is being sent to districts and schools to distribute to staff. All K-12 school employees are eligible. The pre-registration form will identify a specific appointment time so that proper social distancing can be maintained. 

Attendees are asked to bring in their completed registration form and a copy of their insurance card. No walk-ins will be accepted.

For information on the vaccine or to contact the Reno County Health Department, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608739574842.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Educators in Reno County will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine."The Medicine Shoppe was informed that they were able to get over 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "In a collaboration with all the school districts and private schools in Reno County, they're going to host a pod and we will assist with organizing that."The pod will be Sunday at the Salthawk Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m."That would be open to all employees in those districts," Hammersmith said. "Hopefully that will get all K-12 people vaccinated in Reno County that choose to be."The Pfizer vaccine has not been the main type of vaccination in the county, due to its additional storage needs."The hospital, they're the only ones in town previously that got the Pfizer," Hammersmith said. "I think some of the nursing homes were vaccinated with Pfizer as well, but that wasn't transferred vaccinations, those companies came out and vaccinated for them."The main difference in the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccine other than the need for super cold refrigeration with the Pfizer is that the second dose comes after 21 days with Pfizer and 28 days with Moderna.The Medicine Shoppe staff, nurses from all districts, school volunteers, and the Health Department will staff the clinic. A pre-registration link is being sent to districts and schools to distribute to staff. All K-12 school employees are eligible. The pre-registration form will identify a specific appointment time so that proper social distancing can be maintained. Attendees are asked to bring in their completed registration form and a copy of their insurance card. No walk-ins will be accepted.For information on the vaccine or to contact the Reno County Health Department, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

K-12 employees to have special vaccination clinic


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 136 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 135. The last time we were at this case count exactly was September 29 and the last time we were below this was at 134 on September 30 and October 1.

Out of 7,687 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,416 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 21 active cases.

Five Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 136 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 135. The last time we were at this case count exactly was September 29 and the last time we were below this was at 134 on September 30 and October 1.Out of 7,687 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,416 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 21 active cases.Five Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count down to 136, with just 21 long-term care cases


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 163 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 134. 

Out of 7,677 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,380 recoveries. There are 22 clusters still being monitored. The only cluster type with multiple cases remaining is long-term care facilities and they have just 38 active cases and eight active clusters still being monitored. This is down from 78 active cases in that cluster type just three weeks ago.

Seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-four total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com.</a>

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 163 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 134. Out of 7,677 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,380 recoveries. There are 22 clusters still being monitored. The only cluster type with multiple cases remaining is long-term care facilities and they have just 38 active cases and eight active clusters still being monitored. This is down from 78 active cases in that cluster type just three weeks ago.Seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-four total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com.</a>

Sunday dashboard: Case count at 163, long-term care at 38, deaths at 134


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 167 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 134. 

Out of 7,671 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,370 recoveries. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 167 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 134. Out of 7,671 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,370 recoveries. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.Seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-four total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Friday County Dashboard: Cases at 167, deaths at 134


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department said the extreme weather this week delayed delivery of some COVID-19 vaccine to the county.

"We will have used every last shot by the end of the day today," Hammersmith said Friday. "We're waiting for that shipment. It will be here next week. We're going to get the last shipment and this shipment. We were able to borrow from Sedgwick County yesterday and get some vaccine. We'll have to pay that back."

The county is taking seriously the goal to get those 65 and older vaccinated as fast as possible.

"We are giving absolutely everything that we have as soon as we get it," Hammersmith said. "We are doing what the CDC and KDHE have told us to do and we're using it."

Right now, they still plan to hold clinics next week.

"They sent an email out yesterday," Hammersmith said. "It will be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. Normally, we get shipments on Tuesday. If we got it on Monday, I would be happily surprised. I believe we're not forecast for any more hard weather. We're hoping we'll get that all in on Tuesday. Otherwise, we will be scrambling again and rescheduling, but all things are on for next week other than that we've rescheduled some stuff for Monday."

The county is still attempting to vaccinate its 65 and over population as part of phase two of the state's overall plan.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department said the extreme weather this week delayed delivery of some COVID-19 vaccine to the county."We will have used every last shot by the end of the day today," Hammersmith said Friday. "We're waiting for that shipment. It will be here next week. We're going to get the last shipment and this shipment. We were able to borrow from Sedgwick County yesterday and get some vaccine. We'll have to pay that back."The county is taking seriously the goal to get those 65 and older vaccinated as fast as possible."We are giving absolutely everything that we have as soon as we get it," Hammersmith said. "We are doing what the CDC and KDHE have told us to do and we're using it."Right now, they still plan to hold clinics next week."They sent an email out yesterday," Hammersmith said. "It will be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. Normally, we get shipments on Tuesday. If we got it on Monday, I would be happily surprised. I believe we're not forecast for any more hard weather. We're hoping we'll get that all in on Tuesday. Otherwise, we will be scrambling again and rescheduling, but all things are on for next week other than that we've rescheduled some stuff for Monday."The county is still attempting to vaccinate its 65 and over population as part of phase two of the state's overall plan.
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Coronavirus Update