Tag: COVID-19

The Unified Government Health Department will have 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccines Friday at the Kansas National Guard Armory for walk-in vaccinations of those age 65 and older and high-contact critical workers in phases 1 and 2.

Wyandotte County residents who are in phases 1 and 2 are eligible to receive the free vaccines between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the armory at 100 S. 20th, Kansas City, Kansas.

No appointments are needed for the walk-in vaccines in phase 2, according to a Health Department spokesman. Vaccines will be given while the supplies last.

Those eligible to walk in at this event include:

Wyandotte County seniors ages 65 and over
High-contact critical workers* who live in Wyandotte County, which includes:

• Retail workers
• Warehouse workers
• Agricultural workers
• Transportation workers
• Grocery store, food services and food processing workers (including meat packing workers)
• Childcare providers, K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers and other staff, plus higher education educators and workers
• Workers at businesses that create materials for the COVID-19 response (for example, businesses that manufacture personal protective equipment)
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Department of Motor Vehicles workers
• Large scale aviation manufacturing plants
• Firefighters, police officers, first responders, corrections officers
• Workers living Wyandotte County who were eligible in Phase 1 and have not yet been vaccinated, including:
• Healthcare-associated workers
• Workers critical to pandemic response continuity

*Critical workers are those necessary to maintain systems, assets and activities that are vital to the state (or national) security, the economy or public health as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Eligible people who walk-in for a vaccination do not have to fill out the online Vaccine Interest Form. Instead, they should bring the following items with them:
• Seniors should bring:
o Proof of age, such as an ID or birth certificate, or similar
o Proof that they live in Wyandotte County, such as a piece of mail addressed to them
• Critical workers should bring:
o Proof of eligible employment, such as a work badge, pay stub, W-2, or similar
o Proof that they live in Wyandotte County, such as a piece of mail addressed to them

The other two Wyandotte County vaccination sites also will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. The other two sites are at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave. and the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway.

If you are not eligible to walk in, but you want to be vaccinated, fill out the vaccine interest form online or by telephone. Visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1 for assistance in filling out the form.

Telehealth seen as silver lining

At the University of Kansas Health System news conference on Thursday, doctors discussed the more widespread use of telehealth during the pandemic.

Telehealth has been a silver lining during the pandemic, said Jason Grundstrom, executive director of continuum of care at the health system. Because of the emergency, some of the previous barriers to the use of telehealth were eliminated. The KU Health System went from 100 patients a month on telehealth before the pandemic to about 33,000 patients in April 2020. Telehealth use now has leveled off, and many doctors now view it as an important part of their practice. Federal grants of $3 million allowed a huge increase in telehealth service, according to Grundstrom. He said they would like to keep the ability to use telehealth services.

Telehealth has been especially beneficial for small towns, according to Dr. Phillip Newlin, chief medical officer, Ascension Medical Group Via Christi. It helps small town doctors collaborate with experts, and also has helped in treating children who are sick, while preventing illness from spreading to the office.

According to Dr. Keith Sale, vice president of ambulatory medicine at the KU Health System, telehealth is very popular but won’t replace seeing a doctor in person. Most older patients have been able to figure it out, and telehealth even can be used for urgent care visits, according to Dr. Sale. He was in favor of keeping telehealth and helping it grow.

According to the doctors, 86 percent of Kansans support expanding or maintaining telehealth after the end of the pandemic.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported nine active COVID-19 patients on Thursday morning, a decrease of two since Wednesday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the nine patients, three were in the intensive care unit, a decrease of two since Wednesday. One patient was on a ventilator, a decrease of one since Wednesday. There were another 17 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of one since Wednesday. There is a total 26 patients, a decrease of three from Wednesday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 18 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, March 18, since Wednesday, for a cumulative 17,941 cases. There was a cumulative total of 281 deaths reported, an increase of three reported since Wednesday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 162,668 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Thursday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 68. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,301.

The state of Kansas reported 298,904 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 17, an increase of 686 cases since Monday. There were a total cumulative 4,837 deaths reported, an increase of two deaths. Kansas reported 894,507 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in the state as of 9 a.m. March 17, including first and second doses.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Thursday night reported 29,665,203 cases in the United States, with 539,662 total deaths reported nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Friday

Free COVID-19 tests will be available from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, March 19, at Beatrice Lee Community Center, 1310 N. 10th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

The tests are through the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force. Groceries will be given away to those who get tested, while supplies last. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, see https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Friday, March 19. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Pierson Community Center, 1800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas, will offer COVID-19 testing at 9 a.m. Friday, March 19. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Friday, March 19. The test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 19. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations for those over 65 on Friday. There is also a UG Health Department location for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. A third Health Department site, for vaccinations, is at the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.

More information is at 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. 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.

More residents now can walk in for vaccinations

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are 65 and older, and also for high-contact critical workers in Phase 2.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 65 or older, and critical workers in Phase 1 and 2, can walk in and do not need an appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.

Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. Critical workers should bring a work badge or a document showing they work in Wyandotte County.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are younger than 65, or are not eligible yet, may fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/ug-health-department-expands-walk-in-vaccine-eligibility/.

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 Thursday that it will offer COVID-19 vaccines at one of its stores in Kansas City, Kansas, beginning as early as March 21. Registration is at CVS.com.

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 new school health order is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/localhealthofficerschoolorder3.11.21.pdf.

The University of Kansas Health System doctors’ morning media update is online at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265295811803322.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265130208445513.

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 is under a mandatory mask and social distancing order.

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.

Wyandotte County residents 65 and older are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday or Friday at the Unified Government Health Department’s three vaccination sites, according to a spokeswoman.

Right now, any Wyandotte County resident 65 or older or critical workers in Phase 1 or 2 who live in Wyandotte County may walk in and receive a vaccination without an appointment, according to Janell Friesen, Health Department spokeswoman.

On Monday, March 22, there is a possibility of a little bit of a wait at vaccination sites because Phases 3 and 4 of the state’s vaccination plan will open, she said.

While residents age 65 and older can still walk in and get their vaccines next week, Friesen encouraged them to go this week to avoid possible lines. That also applies to certain critical workers listed in Phase 2, such as grocery, meatpacking workers, retail workers and others.

Next week, people with certain underlying health conditions from ages 16 to 64 will be eligible to get a vaccine, she said. Those persons may sign up at the website at wycovaccines.org or call 3-1-1 for an appointment. After filling out the form, they will be contacted by the Health Department with a time for an appointment. Some could be contacted a few weeks out, she added.

The medical conditions that qualify next week are on the state’s website under Phase 3 and 4 at https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/121/Vaccine-Prioritization-Slides-PDF.

Currently, the Health Department has primarily Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to give, she said. It has received some Johnson and Johnson vaccines that have been used more for people in congregate settings or who may be homebound.

The Health Department has done a small number of mobile vaccinations, but is not able to do many, she said. Mostly, they are providing vaccines at the vaccination sites. The critical workers are going to the vaccination sites, she added.

The type of vaccine people will get will largely depend on what supplies are available and allocated from the state, she said. Whichever vaccine is available to you is a good option when you’re able to be vaccinated, she added.

According to the UG’s vaccine webpage, 19,615 Wyandotte County residents, or 11.9 percent, have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 11,247, or 6.8 percent, have completed their vaccinations.

Wyandotte County isn’t anywhere near herd immunity, and it’s expected to take a little while to get enough people vaccinated, according to Friesen. As the vaccine rollout is accelerating through the state and country, they probably will get closer to the goal sooner than anticipated, she said.

Friesen said it’s fine if a family member who is 65 or older has a relative or caregiver come in with them. Also, there is some limited transportation help for people who need help getting to the sites. All the sites are near bus routes.

The three vaccination sites are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The sites are at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.

Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. Critical workers also should bring a work badge or a document showing they work in Wyandotte County.

Sen. Moran advocates for vaccines for veterans’ spouses

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Tuesday morning at the University of Kansas Health System news conference that he is advocating for veterans’ spouses to receive vaccines.

He said he found out that veterans were being offered vaccines, but not their spouses. A number of veterans were declining to be vaccinated because their spouses couldn’t be vaccinated at the same time, he said.

He introduced legislation that would allow the VA to vaccinate spouses and caregivers, as well as veterans. More than 32,000 veterans have been vaccinated through the VA in Kansas, he said.

Sen. Moran also visited vaccination centers, most recently one in Shawnee, Kansas. When he asked people being vaccinated how they felt, they saw it as good, and he didn’t see much fear or concern among those getting the vaccines, he said. Most saw it as a way to get back to normal, to go out to a restaurant or to hold their grandkids, he said.

Sen. Moran’s bill passed the U.S. Senate later on Wednesday. The bill allows the VA to give free COVID-19 vaccinations to veterans’ spouses and caregivers. The bill also asks the Department of Health and Human Services to provide more vaccines to the VA based on the increase needed for spouses. It allows veterans who are not enrolled in the VA’s health care programs, as well as those who are, to receive vaccines. The bill passed the House last week, was changed in the Senate, and the Senate version goes back to the House for approval.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at KU Health System, said on the morning media update’s 250th broadcast that they have learned a lot, and it has been one of the most challenging years in his memory. The goal has been to help people stay safe, he said, and they hope to see people through the end of the crisis.

Also, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at KU Health System, remarked that during the past year, it’s been apparent that funding for science and basic scientific research is necessary to stay ahead of any potential pandemics. Labs need to be funded to do experiments and research, he said.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported 11 active COVID-19 patients on Wednesday morning, the same number as Tuesday, according to Dr. Hawkinson. Of the 11 patients, five were in the intensive care unit, an increase of one since Tuesday. Two patients were on ventilators, an increase of one since Tuesday. There were another 18 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, an increase of three since Tuesday. There is a total 29 patients, an increase of three from Tuesday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 15 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 17, since Tuesday, for a cumulative 17,923 cases. There was a cumulative total of 278 deaths reported, no change since Tuesday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 162,600 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 71. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,298.

The state of Kansas reported 298,904 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 17, an increase of 686 cases since Monday. There were a total cumulative 4,837 deaths reported, an increase of two deaths. Kansas reported 894,507 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in the state as of 9 a.m. March 17, including first and second doses.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Wednesday night reported 29,605,933 cases in the United States, with 538,052 total deaths reported nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Thursday

Free COVID-19 tests will be available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at Vibrant Health – Argentine location, 1428 S. 32nd St., Kansas City, Kansas.

The tests are through the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force. Groceries will be given away to those who get tested, while supplies last. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, see https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 18. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Thursday, March 18. The test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 18. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations for those over 65 on Thursday. There is also a UG Health Department location for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. A third Health Department site, for vaccinations, is at the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.

More information is at 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. 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.

More residents now can walk in for vaccinations

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are 65 and older, and also for high-contact critical workers in Phase 2.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 65 or older, and critical workers in Phase 2, can walk in and do not need an appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.

Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. Critical workers should bring a work badge or a document showing they work in Wyandotte County.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are younger than 65, or are not eligible yet, may fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

For more information, visit http://wyandotteonline.com/ug-health-department-expands-walk-in-vaccine-eligibility/.

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 new school health order is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/localhealthofficerschoolorder3.11.21.pdf.

The University of Kansas Health System doctors’ morning media update is online at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/844322939631998.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265130208445513.

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 is under a mandatory mask and social distancing order.

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.

Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health, said on Tuesday that the state will come out with more guidance by Monday on Phases 3 and 4 of the state vaccine plan.

Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Norman announced Monday that Phases 3 and 4 of the vaccine plan would start Monday, March 22.

One of the questions raised about the new phases is how will vaccination sites know if a person has a chronic disease and is in one of the phases. The topic was discussed at the Tuesday morning media update at the University of Kansas Health System.

Dr. Norman said the state will come out with some guidance on that topic soon. He said that people will be on the honor system, but they might want to bring a pill bottle with their name and the medication name on it, or a copy of their prescription with them when they get a vaccine.

Dr. Norman said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment decided to combine phases 3 and 4, which deal with people with severe illnesses and people with other medical risks.

He said even the professionals found it hard to differentiate between Phase 3, those with severe illnesses, and Phase 4, those in the other medical risk category. The CDC has provided guidance on the lists, but when they look at it as doctors, no bright line separates the conditions, Dr. Norman said.

Dr. Norman said this would be a great time for people to touch base with their medical providers to talk about the vaccine, if they haven’t received one yet.

In general, Dr. Norman said that the state doesn’t want to make vaccine providers shuffle through medical records, or burden primary care doctors with a lot of paperwork.

The state has a vaccine priority plan that lists the various categories of those eligible for vaccines, at https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/121/Vaccine-Prioritization-Slides-PDF.

Dr. Norman said Kansas expects a large influx of Johnson and Johnson vaccine at the end of March to help with the vaccination efforts in Kansas.

Besides health departments and some hospitals, vaccines are being distributed at safety net clinics, and some pharmacies.

Dr. Norman said it’s critical to get vaccines to medical practices, where primary care providers can talk with people about the vaccines. He said Johnson and Johnson vaccine would be ideal for medical offices, as it’s easier to handle.

On another topic, the doctors were concerned about parties and spring break celebrations that could spread COVID-19.

Dr. Norman said St. Patrick’s Day parties could turn out to be super spreader events.

“We can’t let our guard down,” Dr. Norman said. “COVID is not gone and it’s not forgotten.”

On the topic of some state legislators who were proposing to change the hundred-year-old public health laws, Dr. Norman said, “To turn public health authority over to a legislative committee or an attorney general is ill-advised.”

He said the health departments need to be able to act in the event of any health outbreaks. Last week, the state had an outbreak of syphilis, and a team from the state health department responded the next day. Anything that slows their ability to respond to outbreaks with investigations and treatment is ill-advised, he said. They have also had food outbreaks, as well as mandatory isolation and quarantine for mumps, according to Dr. Norman.

“It isn’t just about COVID-19,” Dr. Norman said.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported 11 active COVID-19 patients on Tuesday morning, the same number as Monday. Of the 11 patients, four were in the intensive care unit, an increase of one since Monday. One patient was on a ventilator, no change since Monday. There were another 15 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of five since Monday. There is a total 26 patients, a decrease of five from Monday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of eight COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, March 16, since Monday, for a cumulative 17,908 cases. There was a cumulative total of 278 deaths reported, no change since Monday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 162,252 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 72. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,291.

The state of Kansas reported 298,218 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 15, an increase of 470 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,835 deaths reported, an increase of 11 deaths.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Tuesday night reported 29,547,756 cases in the United States, with 536,887 total deaths reported nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Wednesday

Free COVID-19 tests will be available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center, 3043 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.

The tests are through the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force. Groceries will be given away to those who get tested, while supplies last. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, see https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 17. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, March 17. The test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations for those over 65 on Wednesday. There is also a UG Health Department location for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas. A third Health Department site, for vaccinations, is at the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.
More information is at 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. 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.

More residents now can walk in for vaccinations

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are 65 and older, and also for high-contact critical workers in Phase 2.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 65 or older, and critical workers in Phase 2, can walk in and do not need an appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th.
Those who walk in to get vaccines should bring an ID and something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as mail. Critical workers should bring a work badge or a document showing they work in Wyandotte County.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are younger than 65, or are not eligible yet, may fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

For more information, visit http://wyandotteonline.com/ug-health-department-expands-walk-in-vaccine-eligibility/.

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 new school health order is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/localhealthofficerschoolorder3.11.21.pdf.

The University of Kansas Health System doctors’ morning media update is online at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/162676125697518.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/265130208445513.

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 is under a mandatory mask and social distancing order.

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.