Archived: Sedgwick County COVID-19 Update – November 4, 2020

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases as of noon November 4, 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’s data reflects people who test positive with nasopharyngeal (NP) swab molecular testing (confirmed COVID-19 cases). The KDHE dashboard differs because it also includes people who are IgM antibody test or antigen test positive if they are linked to a confirmed case or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Sedgwick County Health Department Update

• Regular hours at the drive-through sampling site for NP swab and saliva specimens are as follows:
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday – 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 7 p.m.

• The SCHD offers no-cost testing for residents, regardless of symptoms.
  • Same day afternoon appointments are available if residents dial 2-1-1 United Way of the Plains and are reached by Health Department staff before noon.
  • Priority for testing will be given to people with symptoms and those who are in the following priority asymptomatic groups: public works employees, people working in in-person classrooms of preK to 12th grade students, healthcare workers (including hospital, clinic, long-term care, hospice, and home health), first responders, law enforcement, detention facility workers, Direct Support Professionals, or people who work in residential living facilities.
  • People in the priority asymptomatic group can be tested weekly. Other asymptomatic persons can be tested once.
  • Residents may receive their results in four to six days.

• The SCHD Mobile Outreach Team will provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for residents with or without symptoms on the dates listed below. 
• Thursday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at University United Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita
• Tuesday, November 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 1350 N. Ash, Wichita

Sedgwick County Updates

• The current local health order is in effect until Wednesday, December 9.
  • This order allows schools the discretion to be exempted from wearing face masks for students in kindergarten classes.
  • Bars, night clubs, and other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can stay open until 1 a.m. These establishments are able to operate at 50 percent of the fire code capacity.
  • There will be a special Board of County Commissioners meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. Commissioners are expected to have an update from Dr. Minns, discuss CARES funding, and review information for the County’s legislative platform.
  • Time is running out for public health and social services organizations to apply for CARES funding. The portal for non-profits to apply for funding is available for other, health or social services organizations.
  • The safe operating grant portal will be reopened until funds are exhausted or until November 30, 2020.
• Sedgwick County’s unofficial 2020 General Election results are posted online and will be updated today, Thursday, and Friday.

Prevention Measures

• Remember the three W’s to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often
  • Wear a mask or face covering
  • Watch your distance – keep six feet of space between you and others who are not in your household

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 Communications at (316) 660-9370 or communications@sedgwick.gov.