Archived: Sedgwick County COVID-19 Daily Update – July 8, 2020

Please note the Sedgwick County numbers have been updated since today’s media briefing.

The link to today’s daily briefing can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBqHDYls5uo

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon July 8, 2020
U.S. cases – Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Kansas and counties cases – Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Sedgwick County cases – Sedgwick County Health Department

Sedgwick County COVID-19 Case Count

*A person is considered recovered from COVID-19 72 hours after symptoms stop or 10 days after symptoms start, whichever is longer.
+Sedgwick County’s data reflects results from nasopharyngeal (NP) confirmed COVID-19 cases; the KDHE dashboard shows results from NP tests, antibody tests, and persons under investigation.

Sedgwick County Health Department Update

• The Sedgwick County Health Department is only testing symptomatic residents and certain high-priority professions at no cost.
  • More than 34,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 in Sedgwick County and 193 residents are scheduled to be tested at the SCHD drive-through site.
  • Please call United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1 if you think you should be tested for the disease or if you have general questions about it.

Sedgwick County Updates

• During the Board of County Commissioners meeting, there was a discussion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

• The County expects to receive an additional $9.3 million from the State, which will be used to support businesses with the impacts of COVID-19.

• CARES funding has tentatively been set aside for the following:
  • $35 million to support County operations
  • $25 million for widespread COVID-19 testing
  • $10.1 million for PPE expenses in cities
  • $7 million for social services providers
  • $6 million for vulnerable populations
• An additional 115 new positions were authorized for the County’s COVID-19 response.
• An additional $100,000 was allocated for a public awareness campaign.

• Commissioners approved a $101,789 grant award from Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for the Health Department’s response to COVID-19.
  • This will fund two temporary, full-time positions.
  • If you are interested in applying, please visit sedgwickcounty.org/ and search keyword COVID.
  • There is a need for medical professionals to fill several roles.

Prevention Measures

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Maintain social distancing – keep six feet of space between you and others
• Wear a face mask if social distancing is not an option
• Cover all coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you are ill

Mental Health Support

• COMCARE of Sedgwick County is offering a Support Line for individuals who may be experiencing an elevation in mental health symptoms.
• Individuals may call (316) 660-1111 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• They’ll receive resources, coping skill ideas, and encouragement to keep doing what they need to do to stay healthy, emotionally and physically.
• Residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis should call (316) 660-7500.

All questions from media should be directed to Public Information Officer Kate Flavin at (316) 660-9370 or kate.flavin@sedgwick.gov.