By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. —
The Reno County Health Department confirmed a third positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday. Right now, that isn't changing the Health Department approach to the crisis.
"I think we're still on track in terms of just formulating language for what a potential health order looks like and vetting that appropriately," said director Nick Baldetti.
With that said, there are cases in the state for certain and likely within the county, that are infected but not seriously enough to be tested for the virus.
"There should be a very strong expectation by both the general populace and everyone involved in this event that the State of Kansas confirmed positive numbers as it pertains to laboratory confirmed numbers and what the reality of what confirmed positives are likely walking around our communities is most likely grossly under reported."
An important note is that any cases that are positive but haven't been tested and confirmed do not have the same contact history information connected to them that the confirmed cases do.
"There is no formalized tracking modality right now for COVID-19 like symptoms that are simply being told to quarantine at home," Baldetti said.
According to the health department, the patient is female, over the age of 60 and recently traveled to a known community transmission state. They cannot currently release any further information as case contact investigation is underway.
The department said, "We continue to highly encourage Reno County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19."
Please practice good hygiene with frequent hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into your elbow bend, limit handshakes and physical contact. Stay home if you are feeling ill and call your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms.