Younger COVID-19 patients now are taking up more space in the hospital compared to last October through December, according to doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.
There were more patients 50 to 65 years old and fewer in the 75 to 80 group admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 in March and April, according to doctors.
Dr. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement, said at Monday morning’s news conference that all COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit were less than 50 currently and some were in their 20s. In general, fewer are in their 70s while more were in the 40 to 65 range, he said.
As people are now testing less for COVID-19, wastewater treatment tests are picking up more information about COVID-19 infections, he said.
Dr. Wild said wastewater testing tells them there is very likely more disease, more COVID-19 in communities, than testing numbers and the positivity rates are showing.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, said testing rates have gone down in some communities, so they are seeing a lot better picture from other measurements such as hospitalization numbers and wastewater testing.
Dr. Hawkinson said they’ve always been concerned with hospital capacity, but have been fortunate here in not running out of hospital space and supplies. Also they’re concerned that young people who are a majority of the work force can stay healthy and continue to work.
He said they need to continue urging vaccination, as data shows vaccination prevents asymptomatic disease, symptomatic disease, hospitalization and death.
“We need to continue to give the message that the vaccines we have are safe and effective,” he said. They can keep people healthy and allow them to continue to work, he added. They also can help get out of the pandemic and get back to normal.
In other COVID-19 news Monday, Gov. Laura Kelly said more than one-third of Kansas residents have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Since the vaccine first arrived in Kansas, my administration has prioritized getting shots in arms as quickly and efficiently as possible – and those efforts are paying off,” Gov. Kelly said. “Getting a third of Kansans their first dose is a significant milestone for our state, and further evidence that we are well on our way back to that sense of normal we’ve been seeking for over a year.”
To date, the CDC reports that 37.7% of Kansans have been vaccinated with one dose, and 22.9% of Kansans have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.
“Today’s announcement is a team effort and the result of a tremendous amount of work from local public health departments, health care providers, community leaders, and countless others,” Marci Nielsen, chief adviser to the governor for COVID-19 Coordination, said. “I want to thank everyone for their efforts. Governor Kelly’s administration will continue putting in the work to ensure every Kansan can get a vaccine as quickly as possible.”
Gov. Kelly announced in late March that the state would make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans 16 and older, entering the final phase of the vaccine prioritization plan several weeks ahead of schedule.
All Kansans are encouraged to use the Vaccine Finder tool, https://vaccinefinder.org/, to find the nearest location with an available vaccine, according to the governor’s office.
“Though more Kansans are getting vaccinated and case numbers are declining, we can’t take our foot off the gas,” Gov. Kelly said. “The pandemic isn’t over. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated, and also continue wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding large groups, and getting tested.”
Gov. Kelly announced recently that no-cost COVID-19 testing will continue to be available through the end of 2021 to everyone at community testing sites across the state.
The state recently launched a “Know Before You Go” campaign to remind Kansans that testing continues to be available. Kansans are encouraged to get tested before going or coming back from anywhere, even if they show no symptoms. This includes visiting family, friends, going on vacation, going shopping, or even going somewhere local. Tests are one of the easiest ways Kansans can protect themselves, their families, coworkers, and members of the community.
To schedule a test, visit kdheks.gov/coronavirus to find a testing site closest to you.
“Until every Kansan is vaccinated, testing will remain an essential tool in our COVID-19 response,” Gov. Kelly said. “I urge Kansans to take advantage of this service.”
In Kansas City, Kansas, Sporting Kansas City announced Monday that its players and staff were receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in partnership with Price Chopper’s pharmacy.
“We are proud to help meet the needs of our partners at Sporting Kansas City,” said Casie Broker, of Price Chopper Enterprises, in a news release. “We appreciate their commitment to our community and look forward to a great season.”
All residents of Kansas and Missouri that are 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are required through these pharmacies. For information on receiving the vaccine at Price Chopper in the Kansas City area, visit https://www.mypricechopper.com/about-us/covid-vaccine,
More vaccinations available
COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 100 S. 20th, (18th and Ridge), Kansas City, Kansas; the former Kmart building, 7836 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas; and at the former Best Buy location, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas.
Vaccinations are open to anyone older than 16 who is a resident of Wyandotte County.
Residents may walk in to the Health Department clinics or may make an appointment. Clinics are open Tuesday to Friday, and the Armory location also will be open on Saturday, April 17.
Go to WycoVaccines.org to schedule an appointment online, or call 3-1-1. Walk-ins also are available. The vaccination schedule for the rest of the month also is available at WycoVaccines.org.
Other sites available for vaccinations
The University of Kansas Health System also may have vaccinations for Wyandotte and Johnson county residents. Any resident of Kansas can call to get an appointment whether they are a patient or not at the health system.
KU Health System offers vaccinations seven days a week at different locations. Appointments are required. Current patients may use MyChart to make an appointment. Others may call 913-588-1227 or visit kansashealthsystem.com/vaccine to see if vaccines are available.
There are also pharmacies giving COVID-19 vaccinations in Wyandotte County by appointment, when available. These include Price Chopper and Hen House pharmacy at 76th and State Avenue, and 81st and State Avenue (see https://www.ballsfoodspharmacy.com/), and Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 65th and Parallel by appointment when available (see https://www.facebook.com/The-Medicine-Shoppe-Kansas-City-281548241870522). CVS pharmacy also has announced that it will offer COVID-19 vaccines at one of its stores in Kansas City, Kansas. Registration is at CVS.com.
COVID-19 case numbers reported
The University of Kansas Health System reported 12 active COVID-19 patients on Monday morning, an increase of three from Friday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the 12 patients, five were in the intensive care unit, an increase of one from Friday. Two patients were on a ventilator, a decrease of one since Friday. There were another 12 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of six from Friday. There is a total 24 patients, a decrease of three from Friday. Dr. Hawkinson said three of the active COVID-19 patients had been vaccinated. Two did not realize they had the virus and were in the hospital for another reason. The virus was discovered during routine admission tests. Another patient had COVID-19 symptoms. All three were over 55.
Wyandotte County reported an increase of 42 COVID-19 cases on Monday, April 12, for a cumulative 18,225 cases, according to the Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage. There was a cumulative total of 288 deaths reported, the same as Friday.
The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 165,176 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 60. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,347.
The state of Kansas reported 304,719 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, April 12, an increase of 483 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,930 deaths reported statewide.
The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Monday night reported 31,267,359 cases in the United States, with 562,521 total deaths reported nationwide.
COVID-19 tests scheduled
Free COVID-19 testing is available from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 12, at All Saints parish, 811 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas. No appointment is needed. People may be tested regardless of symptoms or exposure. Testing is through Vibrant Health and the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force.
COVID-19 testing is available beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., by appointment. The tests are listed on the Go Get Tested site
at www.gogettested.com/Kansas. The WellHealth tests need appointments, which can be made at the website.
Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Tuesday, April 13. For more information, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19. To see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.
The Health Department is offering saliva COVID-19 tests to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the former Kmart at 7836 State Ave. and at the former Best Buy at 10500 Parallel Parkway. Tests from the Health Department are free for those who live or work in Wyandotte County.
The tests are open to asymptomatic people as well as those who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Check with the UG Health Department’s Facebook page to see if there have been any changes in the schedule. Bring something that shows that you live or work in Wyandotte County, such as a utility bill.
The Health Department’s general contact page is at https://www.wycokck.org/Health/Contact.aspx. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.
Testing sites are at https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.
Saliva testing is now offered at the UG Health Department. For more information, visit https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/02042021-ugphd-saliva-testing-available.pdf.
The University of Kansas doctors’ news conference is online at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/1206413143150155.
The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/292961702392386.
A weekly vaccine report for the state of Kansas is at
https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/123/Vaccine-Historical-Document-22521?bidId=.
Wyandotte County has a local mask and social distancing ordinance approved by the UG Commission. The UG COVID-19 webpage is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.
The KDHE’s COVID-19 webpage is at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.
The KC Region COVID-19 Hub dashboard is at https://marc2.org/covidhub/.
The Wyandotte County page on the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 website is at https://bao.arcgis.com/covid-19/jhu/county/20209.html.
The Johns Hopkins Data in Motion, a presentation on critical COVID-19 data in the past 24 hours, is at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/covid-19-daily-video.