NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed five new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:
· A female in her 20s. She was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.
· A female under 10 years old. This case is under investigation.
· A male in his 60s. This case is under investigation.
· A male in his 40s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.
· A male in his 20s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.
All individuals are in home isolation. Testing in all cases was completed by private labs. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all close contacts.
Harvey County has had 47 COVID-19 cases to date, including 43 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 17 known active cases in Harvey County. None of the individuals are currently hospitalized.
There have been 1,757 tests conducted in Harvey County.
The Harvey County Commission voted Thursday not to require face masks be worn in public spaces. However, the commissioners, as well as the Health Department, strongly encourage individuals do wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“As we enter the holiday weekend, and people may be eager to visit friends and family, please continue to take those precautions to keep you and those around you safer from COVID-19 infection,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “Frequent hand washing, social distance, and wearing a face cover when social distance isn’t possible can all help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.”
As of today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 15,919 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 191,561 completed tests in Kansas.