HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department says that, just as active cases of COVID-19 are back up to 500 in Reno County, the new Omicron variant is emerging as the next potential risk. No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date.
Many details of the new variant, such as transmissibility, are still unknown, but taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. It’s recommended that everyone receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose, wear a mask, sanitize hands frequently, socially distance, stay home if feeling ill, and get tested if exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms.
The health department says 51% of Reno County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Everyone over the age of five is now eligible for a vaccine.
The Reno County Health Department is administering vaccines during normal operating hours. Walk-ins are accepted for those 12 and over. Appointments are required for children 5-11. Call 620-694-2900 and select option 6 for scheduling. The vaccine is free to any Reno County resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance. Flu shots can also be administered at the same time as a COVID vaccine.
The health department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6pm. To view vaccine availability at other sites, visit www.vaccines.gov. For a ride to one of the vaccine sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913. To view the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard, visit renogov.org.
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