HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Active COVID-19 cases increased again this week and are currently at 125 in Reno County as of Thursday. Five Reno County individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19.
Nationally, COVID-19 cases are doubling every three weeks. Using these projections, we could have over 250 active cases by September 1. COVID-19 is a preventable disease, so the Health Department is encouraging anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine.
Reno County has 27% of residents over the age of 65 NOT fully vaccinated. This is an extremely high-risk group. Over 60% of the total Reno County population has not been fully vaccinated.
“Getting the vaccine is the best thing we can do to keep our community safe,” stated Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst. “Get the vaccine, get tested if you’re not feeling well, and support our health care workers.”
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and most Kansas hospitals, are seeing increased admissions from other health conditions such as stroke, hypertension, and diabetes due to residents not seeking medical attention during the pandemic last year. There is also a nurse shortage, which in turn limits the hospital capacity. Case totals along with data from Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are updated Monday through Friday on the Dashboard at www.renogov.org.
If you are feeling ill, get tested through your medical provider or at the free community testing site. Visit gogettested.com for locations and scheduling information. In the event you test positive, the Reno County Medical Collaborative is working together on a process to administer monoclonal antibodies to lessen the severity and duration of COVID-19 and prevent hospitalization.
Prevention is the key to good health. Maintain appropriate weight, work with your primary care provider to treat or prevent diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases, and get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations are available for anyone over the age of 12, and free to any resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance. Visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ for a list of local options and availability. For a free ride to one of the vaccine sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913.
The Health Department is accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations during their normal operating hours. They will also be holding a Saturday vaccination clinic on August 14 from 8 am to noon. For more information, call 620-694-2900.