Barton County has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before March 7, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Boost and First Doses: 9 am-12 pm NEW LOCATION: Brit Spaugh Park (Williams Street Entrance)

If you received your first COVID-19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will be administered during this timeframe. If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose and is recommended for only individuals 18 years old and older.

It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID-19 tab. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610374737400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before March 7, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Boost and First Doses: 9 am-12 pm NEW LOCATION: Brit Spaugh Park (Williams Street Entrance)If you received your first COVID-19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will be administered during this timeframe. If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose and is recommended for only individuals 18 years old and older.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID-19 tab.

Barton County vaccination clinic March 31

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Last Thanksgiving, there were over 300 reported active cases of COVID-19
in Barton County. As of March 19, there were seven active cases.


While the Barton County Health Department is not ready to let their guard down, their staff realizes the creation of the vaccination has provided the “light
at the end of the tunnel.” 

With so much focus on coronavirus over the last
year, it almost feels like we glossed over the typical influenza season.&nbsp; 
"I know a lot of people feel like COVID suffocated the flu," joked Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman. "We had all these measures in place with masks and extra handwashing.&nbsp; 
Winkelman says there has been a low percentage of flu cases in Barton County and
throughout the entire state. "When we started sending tests of COVID to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) initially, they were not doing influenza tests on those specimens," said Winkelman. "About the middle of November, they started doing influenza A and B on those same swabs, and we have yet to get a positive one back." 
The Health Director still strongly encourages the use of thoroughly washing
your hands often throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"COVID has brought to the forefront the importance of staying home when you are sick," said Winkelman. "We all feel like we have to be at work. I think COVID has brought that to light...take care of yourself. Stay home if you are sick."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606150592247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast Thanksgiving, there were over 300 reported active cases of COVID-19
in Barton County. As of March 19, there were seven active cases.
While the Barton County Health Department is not ready to let their guard down, their staff realizes the creation of the vaccination has provided the “light
at the end of the tunnel.” With so much focus on coronavirus over the last
year, it almost feels like we glossed over the typical influenza season.&nbsp; 
"I know a lot of people feel like COVID suffocated the flu," joked Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman. "We had all these measures in place with masks and extra handwashing.&nbsp; 
Winkelman says there has been a low percentage of flu cases in Barton County and
throughout the entire state. "When we started sending tests of COVID to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) initially, they were not doing influenza tests on those specimens," said Winkelman. "About the middle of November, they started doing influenza A and B on those same swabs, and we have yet to get a positive one back." 
The Health Director still strongly encourages the use of thoroughly washing
your hands often throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"COVID has brought to the forefront the importance of staying home when you are sick," said Winkelman. "We all feel like we have to be at work. I think COVID has brought that to light...take care of yourself. Stay home if you are sick."

With COVID taking center stage, did the flu season vanish?

The Barton County Health Department is starting to branch out with ways
to get COVID-19 vaccinations to as many people as possible. 

This past Saturday,
the Health Department distributed 119 vaccinations at Eagle Radio’s Home and
Garden Show. Health Director Karen Winkelman mentioned last week she is in
talks to administer the shots at the Great Bend Farm, Ranch and Hemp Expo April
7–9. 

Barton County Administrator Phil Hathcock says
the Health Department was able to get a booth space at the Home and Garden Show
inside the Great Bend Events Center after Barton County Commissioner Shawn
Hutchinson, owner of Satellite Pros and Central Plains Security, donated his
company’s spot. "I would like to thank Commissioner Hutchinson for allowing the Health Department to use his booth at the Home and Garden Show," said Hathcock. "I understand he had a commitment come up that he couldn't make it. We were able to give quite a few vaccines out there." 
Well over 6,000 vaccinations have been given through the Barton County Health
Department, with over 4,000 of those being first doses. Barton County
calculates just under 21% of the county’s population has been vaccinated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616432508074.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Barton County Health Department is starting to branch out with ways
to get COVID-19 vaccinations to as many people as possible. This past Saturday,
the Health Department distributed 119 vaccinations at Eagle Radio’s Home and
Garden Show. Health Director Karen Winkelman mentioned last week she is in
talks to administer the shots at the Great Bend Farm, Ranch and Hemp Expo April
7–9. Barton County Administrator Phil Hathcock says
the Health Department was able to get a booth space at the Home and Garden Show
inside the Great Bend Events Center after Barton County Commissioner Shawn
Hutchinson, owner of Satellite Pros and Central Plains Security, donated his
company’s spot. "I would like to thank Commissioner Hutchinson for allowing the Health Department to use his booth at the Home and Garden Show," said Hathcock. "I understand he had a commitment come up that he couldn't make it. We were able to give quite a few vaccines out there." 
Well over 6,000 vaccinations have been given through the Barton County Health
Department, with over 4,000 of those being first doses. Barton County
calculates just under 21% of the county’s population has been vaccinated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nearly 21% of Barton County has been vaccinated for COVID-19

Barton County has received the Moderna COVID 19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 28, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Booster Doses: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. First Doses: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

If you received your first COVID 19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will only be administered during this timeframe. 

If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose.

It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610732509572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County has received the Moderna COVID 19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 28, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Booster Doses: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. First Doses: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingIf you received your first COVID 19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will only be administered during this timeframe. If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

Phases 1-4 open for Barton County's vaccination clinic Wednesday

The State of Kansas is moving on to Phase 3 and Phase 4 under Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly’s COVID-19 vaccination plan March 22. Individuals between ages 16
and 64 with a preexisting medical condition and other non-healthcare workers in
critical infrastructure will be eligible for vaccination. 

The Barton County
Health Department is planning on having another drive-thru vaccination clinic Wednesday, March 24. Barton County Health Director Karen
Winkelman expects an uptick in interest for the vaccine once it opens up to all
populations. 
"Our numbers have still been relatively high," said Winkelman. "I think we are coming to a point where we have really saturated Phase 1 and Phase 2. I am hoping by opening up Phase 3 and Phase 4 on Monday, we will see a larger interest in it." 
Based on data before last Thursday’s drive-thru clinic and Saturday’s
vaccinations given at the Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show, the Barton County
Health Department had distributed more than 6,400 doses of the COVID-19
vaccine.

"Early on, there was some hesitation," said Winkelman. "People wanted to see how others did with the vaccination. They are seeing that they are fine." 
The drive-thru clinics have consistently been held at the Barton County
Fairgrounds in the Expo III building. Due to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch and
Hemp Expo coming up in early April, this Wednesday’s clinic will be the final time
the vaccinations take place at the fairgrounds. 
"We are still in the logistics of planning that," said Winkelman. "We are working closely with the Barton County Sheriff on traffic control. At this time, I am not at the point of releasing the new location, but we are working on it." 
Along with the Health Department, local pharmacies and area hospitals are providing
COVID-19 vaccinations.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616301504006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe State of Kansas is moving on to Phase 3 and Phase 4 under Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly’s COVID-19 vaccination plan March 22. Individuals between ages 16
and 64 with a preexisting medical condition and other non-healthcare workers in
critical infrastructure will be eligible for vaccination. The Barton County
Health Department is planning on having another drive-thru vaccination clinic Wednesday, March 24. Barton County Health Director Karen
Winkelman expects an uptick in interest for the vaccine once it opens up to all
populations. 
"Our numbers have still been relatively high," said Winkelman. "I think we are coming to a point where we have really saturated Phase 1 and Phase 2. I am hoping by opening up Phase 3 and Phase 4 on Monday, we will see a larger interest in it." 
Based on data before last Thursday’s drive-thru clinic and Saturday’s
vaccinations given at the Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show, the Barton County
Health Department had distributed more than 6,400 doses of the COVID-19
vaccine. "Early on, there was some hesitation," said Winkelman. "People wanted to see how others did with the vaccination. They are seeing that they are fine." 
The drive-thru clinics have consistently been held at the Barton County
Fairgrounds in the Expo III building. Due to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch and
Hemp Expo coming up in early April, this Wednesday’s clinic will be the final time
the vaccinations take place at the fairgrounds. 
"We are still in the logistics of planning that," said Winkelman. "We are working closely with the Barton County Sheriff on traffic control. At this time, I am not at the point of releasing the new location, but we are working on it." 
Along with the Health Department, local pharmacies and area hospitals are providing
COVID-19 vaccinations.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New location coming for Barton County vaccination clinics

Barton County coronavirus update: 7 active cases

Barton County has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 18, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. 

The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:

Thursday, March 18, 2021 Booster Doses: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. First Doses: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610732509572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 18, 2021, and individuals who would like to receive their first dose. The Barton County Health Department will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:Thursday, March 18, 2021 Booster Doses: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. First Doses: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingIf you received your first COVID 19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will only be administered during this timeframe. If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

Barton County schedules COVID vaccination clinic Thursday

Barton County coronavirus update: 10 active cases

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615399528241.png" alt="Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.

The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.

“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”

While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.

“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”" />
 <figcaption>“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In conjunction with new <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> guidance, KDHE is issuing similar guidance. Two weeks after completing the vaccination, KSans may gather in private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, w/out masks or distancing. Complete details: <a href="https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe">https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe</a> <a href="https://t.co/d68H3HCxaV">pic.twitter.com/d68H3HCxaV</a>&mdash; KDHE (@KDHE) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDHE/status/1369702030831390722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.<ul>
 <li>Wear a mask</li><li>Stay at least 6 feet away from others</li><li>Avoid crowds</li><li>Avoid poorly ventilated spaces</li><li>Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol</li>
 </ul>“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

KDHE guidance for Kansans who are vaccinated

Barton County anticipates receiving a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (600) on Wednesday, March 10 and will conduct a drive through first come first served vaccination clinic:

Saturday, March 13 2 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

Eligible participants are based on KDHE guidance to vaccinate persons aged 65+, congregate settings and high-contact critical workers as outlined in Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan and only those individuals will be included in this event. 

Due to the limited number of vaccine doses Barton County has received, it is likely the event will end before 5 P.M. Barton County anticipates receiving more vaccine in the near future and will continue to host additional drive through clinics as soon as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610732509572.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County anticipates receiving a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (600) on Wednesday, March 10 and will conduct a drive through first come first served vaccination clinic:Saturday, March 13 2 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingEligible participants are based on KDHE guidance to vaccinate persons aged 65+, congregate settings and high-contact critical workers as outlined in Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan and only those individuals will be included in this event. Due to the limited number of vaccine doses Barton County has received, it is likely the event will end before 5 P.M. Barton County anticipates receiving more vaccine in the near future and will continue to host additional drive through clinics as soon as possible.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

1st dose COVID vaccination clinic scheduled for Saturday

Barton County received their COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 3, 2021. They will conduct the following drive through vaccination clinic:

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 9 am-12 pm Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County received their COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for individuals that received their first dose on or before February 3, 2021. They will conduct the following drive through vaccination clinic:Wednesday, March 3, 2021 9 am-12 pm Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingIf you received your first COVID 19 vaccination during the above dates, you are automatically on the list for the second dose. Please do not call to make an appointment, second doses will only be administered during this timeframe. If you for some reason are not able to accommodate this schedule, your name will be placed on the list for second doses at the next drive through event. The manufacturer of the vaccine, Moderna, allows for the second dose anytime 4 days prior to and 28 days after the first dose.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

2nd dose of COVID vaccinations to be distributed March 3

Barton County coronavirus update: 14 active cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.

<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here </a>for testing locations in Kansas.

Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.

“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.

After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.

The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.

“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”

U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.

“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”

But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.

L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.

President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.

With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.

“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”

Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.

“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”

Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.

“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.

But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.

Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.

“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”

Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.

Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.

Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.

“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591208066312.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S.<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here </a>for testing locations in Kansas.Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity.“It’s shocking how quickly we’ve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25,” said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the county’s testing operation.After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies.The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic.“Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I don’t think we’re at a point where we can drop our guard just yet,” said Hong. “We just don’t have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge.”U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing.“When you combine all those together you see this decrease,” said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. “People just aren’t going to go out to testing sites.”But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak.L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to “continue getting tested regularly,” highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites.President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nation’s testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. That’s more than 25 times the country’s current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month.With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots.“You have to pick your battles here,” said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. “Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, you’re going to use that person for vaccination, not testing.”Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places.“We need to use testing to continue the downward trend,” said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. “We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants.”Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom.“To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal,” said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner.But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened.Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. That’s led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University.“It doesn’t exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback,” Mina said. “So people’s willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down.”Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month.Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t emphasize testing, describing it as an “additional layer” of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing.Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again.“Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort?’” said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. “Our message to the school systems we work with is: ‘Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because you’re going to need it.’”___

Plunging demand for COVID-19 tests may leave US exposed

Barton County anticipates receiving a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (350) on Monday, February 22 and will conduct a drive through first come first served vaccination clinic:

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 2 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

Barton County anticipates receiving a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (350) on Monday, February 22 and will conduct a drive through first come first served vaccination clinic:Wednesday, February 24, 2021 2 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingEligible participants are based on KDHE guidance to vaccinate persons aged 65+, congregate settings and high-contact critical workers as outlined in Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan and only those individuals will be included in this event. Due to the limited number of vaccine doses Barton County has received, it is likely the event will end before 5 P.M. Barton County anticipates receiving more vaccine in the near future and will continue to host additional drive through clinics as soon as possible.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.

First-come, first-serve COVID vaccination clinic scheduled

Barton County coronavirus update: 25 active cases

Barton County coronavirus update: 11 active cases

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.

The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.

When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.

“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.

The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.

The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.

The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.

Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.

CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.

Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.

When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.

Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.

Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.

Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.

“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.“It works,” Brooks said.The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

CDC updates coronavirus face mask guidance

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.

Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.

“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”

Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.

“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.

He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.

He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.

But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.

“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”

Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.

But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.

With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612878873265.png" alt="Virus variant map image GSAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant map image GSAID</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

No evidence of wide spread of virus variant so far in Kansas

Barton County coronavirus update: 38 active cases

TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.

The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612552423695.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE reports death of 6-year-old due to COVID-19

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."

According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612377815413.png" alt="Fauci photo National Institute of Health" />
 <figcaption>Fauci photo National Institute of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.<ul>
 <li>Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.</li><li>Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.</li><li>Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.</li>
 </ul>Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.<ul>
 <li>Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.</li><li>Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.</li>
 </ul>The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

Fauci warns against Super Bowl parties to avoid virus spread

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

Coronavirus Update