
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Some encouraging numbers for Reno County. The school gating criteria as of Thursday is in the yellow category, with a 14-day positive test rate of 7.2% and a 14-day new case total of 116.

The last time the rolling 14-Day average of positive tests by collection date was in the yellow was back in September.

The overall case count is at 163 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. 

Out of 7,659 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,363 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 38 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. 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.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Some encouraging numbers for Reno County. The school gating criteria as of Thursday is in the yellow category, with a 14-day positive test rate of 7.2% and a 14-day new case total of 116.The last time the rolling 14-Day average of positive tests by collection date was in the yellow was back in September.The overall case count is at 163 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. Out of 7,659 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,363 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 38 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. 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.

Rolling 14-day average of positive tests at lowest level since September


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Even after the third vaccination clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Thursday, there are still lots of people 65 and over still to be vaccinated in Reno County.

"We look at finishing the 65 and older group by mid-March," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "Then, we have congregate settings, which will be a smaller group."

Lisa Gleason with the United Way asked about when younger people might be able to be vaccinated.

"I see by the end of March and first part of April, we'll be getting into that group of high-risk essential contact workers," Hammersmith said. "That is if everything stays the same and we continue to get more vaccines in."

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has said that additional vaccine shipments above current levels will be set aside for teachers in an effort to get kids back to school in person.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Even after the third vaccination clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Thursday, there are still lots of people 65 and over still to be vaccinated in Reno County."We look at finishing the 65 and older group by mid-March," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "Then, we have congregate settings, which will be a smaller group."Lisa Gleason with the United Way asked about when younger people might be able to be vaccinated."I see by the end of March and first part of April, we'll be getting into that group of high-risk essential contact workers," Hammersmith said. "That is if everything stays the same and we continue to get more vaccines in."Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has said that additional vaccine shipments above current levels will be set aside for teachers in an effort to get kids back to school in person.
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Hammersmith: At current pace, 65 plus may be vaccinated by mid-March


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.

The overall case count is at 159 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 3.

Out of 7,653 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,361 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 38 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.

Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-three 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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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.The overall case count is at 159 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 3.Out of 7,653 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,361 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 38 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-three 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 overall below 160, Long-term care now below 40 as of Wednesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.

The overall case count is at 180 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 4.

The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.

The 14-day new case total is at 181 as of Thursday. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.

Out of 7,650 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,337 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 44 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.

Six 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.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.The overall case count is at 180 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 4.The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.The 14-day new case total is at 181 as of Thursday. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.Out of 7,650 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,337 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 44 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.Six 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.
<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
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COVID-19 cases down to 180, deaths at 133 as of Tuesday

The overall case count is at 183 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 4.

Out of 7,642 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,326 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 44 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.

Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-two 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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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.The overall case count is at 183 as of Monday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 133. The last time cases were here or below was October 4.The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.The 14-day new case total is at 181 as of Thursday. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.Out of 7,642 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,326 recoveries. There are only two cluster types with active cases. 44 in long-term care facilities and 3 from religious gatherings. There are 22 clusters still being monitored.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-two 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.

Monday Dashboard Report: Cases at 183, deaths at 133, two cluster types with cases

The overall case count is at 196 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. The last time we were below 200 cases was October 6.

Out of 7,631 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,303 recoveries.

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

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count of COVID-19 continues to go down in Reno County.The overall case count is at 196 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. The last time we were below 200 cases was October 6.The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.The 14-day new case total is at 181 as of Thursday. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.Out of 7,631 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,303 recoveries.Eight Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-two total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Case count below 200 for first time since October, deaths at 132


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The only cluster type listed on the Reno County dashboard with continued cases appears to be long-term care facilities as of Friday afternoon.

The overall case count is at 225. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. 

Out of 7,621 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,264 recoveries.

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

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The only cluster type listed on the Reno County dashboard with continued cases appears to be long-term care facilities as of Friday afternoon.The overall case count is at 225. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.The 14-day new case total is at 181 as of Thursday. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.Out of 7,621 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,264 recoveries.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-one total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Friday County Dashboard: Most Reno County cluster types have calmed


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Correctional Facility cluster type does not have any documented cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard.

The overall case count is down to 223. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. 

The 14-day new case total is at 181. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.

Out of 7,614 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,259 recoveries.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Correctional Facility cluster type does not have any documented cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard.The overall case count is down to 223. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. The latest update to the 14-day rolling average for the community as a whole is an 11.6% positive test rate as of February 7, with the latest week of data added Thursday.The 14-day new case total is at 181. This has moved the overall community positive test rate for the total pandemic down slightly to 27.40%.Out of 7,614 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,259 recoveries.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-one total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

No Correctional Facility cases on dashboard as of Thursday, overall at 223

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.

The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.

When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.

“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.

The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.

The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.

The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.

Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.

CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.

Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.

When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.

Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.

Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.

Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.

“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.“It works,” Brooks said.The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

CDC updates coronavirus face mask guidance

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trend as far as case count continues downward in Reno County.

The Reno County overall case count is at 236 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. 

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 3 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 56 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,598 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 235 cases in the community at large. 7,230 people have recovered thus far.

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

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.09%. 37.67% of the population has been tested.

There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trend as far as case count continues downward in Reno County.The Reno County overall case count is at 236 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 132. The Correctional Facility cluster type has 3 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 56 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,598 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 235 cases in the community at large. 7,230 people have recovered thus far.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.09%. 37.67% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cases now down to 236 overall, deaths at 132 as of Wednesday

The Reno County overall case count is at 266 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 130. The case count has not been this low since it jumped from 245 to 285 between October 8 and October 9.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 3 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 67 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,592 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 265 cases in the community at large. 7,196 people have recovered thus far.

Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty nine total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.10%. 37.62% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612955384439.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trend as far as case count continues downward in Reno County.The Reno County overall case count is at 266 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 130. The case count has not been this low since it jumped from 245 to 285 between October 8 and October 9.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 3 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 67 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,592 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 265 cases in the community at large. 7,196 people have recovered thus far.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty nine total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.10%. 37.62% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Case count at lowest point since October, death count remains at 130

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.

Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.

“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”

Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.

“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.

He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.

He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.

But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.

“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”

Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.

But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.

With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612878873265.png" alt="Virus variant map image GSAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant map image GSAID</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

No evidence of wide spread of virus variant so far in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time since October, the majority of Hutchinson USD 308 students will return to regular class schedules on Feb. 15.

During his update to the Board of Education Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, Superintendent Mike Folks told members he planned to bring students back for in-person instruction on Feb. 15. This does not affect students who are signed up to be remote learners for the remainder of the year. The Board had given Folks the latitude to bring all students back during its Jan. 25 meeting.

The last time the district was on a non-remote/non-hybrid schedule for all students was Oct. 2.

The community’s lower positive test rate as well as safety initiatives taken by the district prompted the return to the classroom. The Centers for Disease Control and Kansas State Board of Education as well have called on districts to return to in-person classes.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:

Received an update on district iReady scores.

Approved minutes from the Jan. 25, 2021, Board meeting.

Approved the submitted grant application.

Approved the Accounts Payable Report for January 2021.

Held executive sessions for non-elected personnel and negotiations.

The Board approved the following personnel changes in the district.

Stephanie Whittit, Substitute Teacher, District, effective January 25, 2021

Andrea Thorpe, Night Custodian, Hutchinson High School, effective February 15, 2021

Barbara Weber, Classified Substitute, District, effective January 27, 2021

Madyson Regier, Assistant Coach Softball, Hutchinson High School, effective February 1, 2021

Janice Burns, Food Service Secretary, Morgan Elementary, effective February 5, 2021

Raymond Barry, BSS Para, McCandless, effective January 8, 2021

Jazmyne Lamunyon, Custodian, Ave A/Lincoln/Early Ed, effective February 26, 2021

Adam Krol, Head Varsity Assistant Coach Softball, Hutchinson High School, effective January 26, 2021

Laurie Anderson, HR Specialist, Administration Center, effective July 1, 2021

Rita Voth, Social Worker, Morgan Elementary, effective June 1, 2021

Shawn Davis, Teacher Aide, Avenue A School, effective January 25, 2021

Jenny Siepert, from Educational Aide, to COVID Educational Aide, effective January 21, 2021

The Board formally accepted and thanked the donors of the following gifts.

$1,050 from John R. and Bethene S. Rimmer Fund for Early Childhood Education &amp; Enrichment to Avenue A for Student personal basic needs

$1,451 from Hutchinson Community Foundation, Helen Adams Hamilton Endowment to Head Start for Student needs

$500 from Suzanne Koonce to Wiley Elementary for Student needs

$1,300 from Rimmer Donation to Wiley Elementary for Student needs

$108.48 from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for Students

Staff goody bags from Eastwood Church of Christ to Faris for Staff Encouragement

Breakfast from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Staff Encouragement

Coats, hats &amp; gloves from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for Students

School Supplies from Walmart to Faris for Students

$40 and supplies from Bill Durbin to Faris for Students

Staff luncheon from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for Staff Encouragement

Shirts for students &amp; Staff from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Students &amp; Staff

$1,425 from John &amp; Beth Rimmer Fund to Faris for Students

Shoes from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Students

$250 from Grace Episcopal Church to Faris for Students

$460 from Hutchinson STEM Magnet School PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for Outdoor classroom

$1,150 from Hutchinson Community Foundation Rimmer Fund to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for K-2 basic items for academic success

Here's How That Happened! Folk Tales for Children from Natalee Ganyon (Author) to All elementary schools for Library books

The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time since October, the majority of Hutchinson USD 308 students will return to regular class schedules on Feb. 15.During his update to the Board of Education Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, Superintendent Mike Folks told members he planned to bring students back for in-person instruction on Feb. 15. This does not affect students who are signed up to be remote learners for the remainder of the year. The Board had given Folks the latitude to bring all students back during its Jan. 25 meeting.The last time the district was on a non-remote/non-hybrid schedule for all students was Oct. 2.The community’s lower positive test rate as well as safety initiatives taken by the district prompted the return to the classroom. The Centers for Disease Control and Kansas State Board of Education as well have called on districts to return to in-person classes.Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:Received an update on district iReady scores.Approved minutes from the Jan. 25, 2021, Board meeting.Approved the submitted grant application.Approved the Accounts Payable Report for January 2021.Held executive sessions for non-elected personnel and negotiations.Personnel ReportThe Board approved the following personnel changes in the district.HiredStephanie Whittit, Substitute Teacher, District, effective January 25, 2021Andrea Thorpe, Night Custodian, Hutchinson High School, effective February 15, 2021Barbara Weber, Classified Substitute, District, effective January 27, 2021Madyson Regier, Assistant Coach Softball, Hutchinson High School, effective February 1, 2021ResignationsJanice Burns, Food Service Secretary, Morgan Elementary, effective February 5, 2021Raymond Barry, BSS Para, McCandless, effective January 8, 2021Jazmyne Lamunyon, Custodian, Ave A/Lincoln/Early Ed, effective February 26, 2021Adam Krol, Head Varsity Assistant Coach Softball, Hutchinson High School, effective January 26, 2021RetirementsLaurie Anderson, HR Specialist, Administration Center, effective July 1, 2021Rita Voth, Social Worker, Morgan Elementary, effective June 1, 2021TerminationShawn Davis, Teacher Aide, Avenue A School, effective January 25, 2021Position ChangeJenny Siepert, from Educational Aide, to COVID Educational Aide, effective January 21, 2021Gifts to SchoolsThe Board formally accepted and thanked the donors of the following gifts.$1,050 from John R. and Bethene S. Rimmer Fund for Early Childhood Education &amp; Enrichment to Avenue A for Student personal basic needs$41.86 from Kroger to Avenue A$1,451 from Hutchinson Community Foundation, Helen Adams Hamilton Endowment to Head Start for Student needs$500 from Suzanne Koonce to Wiley Elementary for Student needs$1,300 from Rimmer Donation to Wiley Elementary for Student needs$108.48 from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for StudentsStaff goody bags from Eastwood Church of Christ to Faris for Staff EncouragementBreakfast from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Staff EncouragementCoats, hats &amp; gloves from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for StudentsSchool Supplies from Walmart to Faris for Students$40 and supplies from Bill Durbin to Faris for StudentsStaff luncheon from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to Faris for Staff EncouragementShirts for students &amp; Staff from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Students &amp; Staff$1,425 from John &amp; Beth Rimmer Fund to Faris for Students$200 from RCB Bank to Faris for StudentsShoes from Crosspoint Church to Faris for Students$250 from Grace Episcopal Church to Faris for Students$460 from Hutchinson STEM Magnet School PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for Outdoor classroom$1,150 from Hutchinson Community Foundation Rimmer Fund to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for K-2 basic items for academic successHere's How That Happened! Folk Tales for Children from Natalee Ganyon (Author) to All elementary schools for Library booksNext meetingThe next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 22.

USD 308 students coming back in person February 15

The Reno County overall case count is at 272 as of Monday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 130.

Out of 7,580 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 271 cases in the community at large. 7,178 people have recovered thus far.

Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty eight total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.15%. 37.51% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trend as far as case count continues downward in Reno County.The Reno County overall case count is at 272 as of Monday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 130.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 3 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 67 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,580 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 271 cases in the community at large. 7,178 people have recovered thus far.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty eight total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.15%. 37.51% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Case counts continue down, just 3 Correctional Facility cluster cases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 291 as of Sunday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 128.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 4 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 66 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,576 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 289 cases in the community at large. 7,157 people have recovered thus far.

Eleven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty seven total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.15%. 37.49% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 291 as of Sunday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 128.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 4 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 66 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,576 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 289 cases in the community at large. 7,157 people have recovered thus far.Eleven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty seven total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.15%. 37.49% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Case count below 300 total as of Sunday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Educators are getting a little help from the IRS.

"People that are teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or even aides that spend at least 900 hours a year in classrooms K-12, if they're spending money for protective equipment that they need to protect themselves from COVID, face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, just about anything, there's a long list at IRS.gov, they can deduct up to $250 for unreimbursed expenses for those items," said spokesperson Michael Devine. You don't have to itemize to do that."

Just be sure you have a receipt for whatever you claim.

"Have a receipt just in case the IRS would ask," Devine said. "That's probably not going to happen, but, in case it does, having receipts for anything on your tax return is a really good idea."

If more than one person in your family is an educator, you can both claim those expenses.

"If two educators are married, you can have up to $500 on that return," Devine said. "Not more than $250 each."

For more information about this, the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and other tax changes, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
download the HutchPost mobile app.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612613817430.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Educators are getting a little help from the IRS."People that are teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or even aides that spend at least 900 hours a year in classrooms K-12, if they're spending money for protective equipment that they need to protect themselves from COVID, face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, just about anything, there's a long list at IRS.gov, they can deduct up to $250 for unreimbursed expenses for those items," said spokesperson Michael Devine. You don't have to itemize to do that."Just be sure you have a receipt for whatever you claim."Have a receipt just in case the IRS would ask," Devine said. "That's probably not going to happen, but, in case it does, having receipts for anything on your tax return is a really good idea."If more than one person in your family is an educator, you can both claim those expenses."If two educators are married, you can have up to $500 on that return," Devine said. "Not more than $250 each."For more information about this, the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and other tax changes, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
download the HutchPost mobile app.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

IRS: K-12 Educators can deduct PPE, hand sanitizer, etc.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 329 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 128.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 7 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,567 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 324 cases in the community at large. 7,110 people have recovered thus far.

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

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.21%. 37.37% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 329 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 128.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 7 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Forty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,567 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 324 cases in the community at large. 7,110 people have recovered thus far.Seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty three total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.21%. 37.37% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
download the HutchPost mobile app.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Case count trending down in county as of Friday, death toll at 128

TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.

The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;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/2021/2/1612552423695.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;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/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE reports death of 6-year-old due to COVID-19

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<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/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 348 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 126.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 8 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 77 active cases. Forty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,559 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 343 cases in the community at large. 7,085 people have recovered thus far.

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

The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.23%. 37.31% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 348 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 126.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 8 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 77 active cases. Forty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 20 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,559 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 343 cases in the community at large. 7,085 people have recovered thus far.Six Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty two total have been hospitalized. One hundred two have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 27.52%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.23%. 37.31% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Coronavirus Update