Tag: COVID-19

The Unified Government Health Department today opened its three COVID-19 vaccination clinics to those Wyandotte County residents 65 and older who walk in.

Janell Friesen, Health Department spokesman, said that Zip Code restrictions no longer apply to the 65 and older group, and that those Wyandotte County residents 65 and older can walk in to one of the three clinics without an appointment.

The walk-in vaccinations will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, she said. Those getting a vaccination need to bring proof of age and address, such as a driver’s license and mail.

She encouraged people to go to the clinic that is closer to where they live. The Health Department’s three vaccination clinics include the former Kmart building a 7836 State Ave., the former Best Buy store at 10500 Parallel Parkway, and the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th St.

Friesen said the Health Department is still doing some appointments for vaccinations. Those in critical work groups, such as meatpacking workers, should schedule appointments.

Those who are 65 and older who already had set up appointments can still come in, on the appointment date, if they want, she said.

Those who received a first dose and have an appointment for the second dose should come back on that date or as close to it as possible, she added.

“We have a good amount of vaccine supply this week, a bit more this week than in recent weeks, and we want to make sure we distribute those vaccines and get people in the age groups vaccinated,” she said.

“As we all know, people 65-plus have a higher risk of illness with COVID, we just want to remove one step in the process, one possible barrier to access,” she said.

They recently received a little under 4,000 doses, she said. Previously, they were receiving around 2,300 a week. The Health Department vaccinates people who live in Wyandotte County, as well as people who work in Wyandotte County and don’t live here, she said.

The Health Department reported Wednesday on its vaccine website that so far, it had vaccinated 20,796 people. Those vaccinated have received at least one dose.

Over the past few months the Health Department has increased its staff, contractors and volunteers to be able to run the three vaccination clinics, Friesen said.

Currently, the Health Department is primarily offering Pfizer vaccine at its sites, she said. They received a small amount of Johnson and Johnson vaccine doses, and they are looking at the possibility of using that vaccine for people who are hard to reach or homebound. There may also be some Moderna that are designated for second doses, she added.

Overcoming some residents’ fear of giving their information to the local government could be a hurdle here.

“I do think an ongoing concern that has come up through the pandemic, in testing and now vaccinations, is a matter of distrust and fear,” Friesen said. “People understandably aren’t always as trusting with health care organizations, government organizations, and they wonder about safety and privacy, and what happens with their information.

“We want to assure people that any information collected, is to make sure you are getting the vaccination you need,” she said. “We have to have the information.”

The information helps them make sure residents get their second dose, and also helps them determine how many people in the community are getting vaccinated, so they can see how the vaccinations are going. Information on vaccinations help them determine how soon they can open more things up, she added.

The information they collect is only for public health purposes and is not shared, she said.

Earlier Wednesday, Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health, said that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is encouraging counties to do more vaccinations, and not to hold onto the vaccine doses. He said the Kansas National Guard would be deployed Thursday to help with staffing for Wichita area vaccinations.

Friesen said the UG Health Department isn’t currently receiving any staffing help from National Guard personnel.

The Health Department works with different agencies for staffing, and there are volunteers helping, she said. Some volunteers do clinical work, while others help in administration or other work to keep the clinics running. An application form for volunteers who want to help with the clinic is at https://us.openforms.com/Form/721a30a3-c8b4-4652-bae4-04fd17fbbcd8.

While it’s great to see COVID-19 case rates declining, and the positivity rate declining, especially when compared to the end of 2020, they do worry there might be a little bit too low of a focus on testing, she said.

“COVID is still here and is still a threat in our community,” Friesen said. “If you have any of those symptoms, please get tested. If you’re exposed to COVID and are not vaccinated, please get tested.”

There are also other times they encourage testing, including activities and recreation.

Saliva test kits are available at the Health Department’s sites, she said. Residents can pick up a kit, register when they get there, take the kit home, and do the saliva test at their leisure. Then they return the test to the Health Department site or drop it in a FedEx drop box. The tests are free.

“Testing is still very much important,” she said. The Health Equity Task Force in Wyandotte County is focused on testing, with test sites throughout the community. During March, the Health Equity Task Force test sites are providing free groceries to people who come in for a test, she said.

For more information, visit wycokck.org/COVID-19.

KDHE loosens health restrictions a little

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday issued new guidance for residents who are vaccinated.

The rules are similar to guidance issued this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the KDHE, two weeks after Kansans receive their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or two weeks after they receive the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, Kansans may gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people in small groups without masks or social distancing.

Vaccinated people may gather in private homes with unvaccinated people as long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease, according to KDHE.

“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Norman 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, according to the KDHE. People need to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer, according to KDHE.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

COVID-19 patients decreased again on Wednesday at the University of Kansas Health System. The health system reported eight active COVID-19 patients, a decrease of three from Tuesday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Two of the patients were in the intensive care unit, no change from Tuesday. There were another 20 COVID-19 patients in the hospital who were out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of three from Tuesday. In all, there were 28 COVID-19 patients at KU Health System, a decrease of six since Tuesday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 18 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 10, since Tuesday, March 9, for a cumulative 17,792 cases. There was a cumulative total of 273 deaths reported, no change since Tuesday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 160,996 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 82. Cumulative deaths in the nine-county area were 2,268.

The state of Kansas reported 297,229 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 10, an increase of 778 cases since Monday. There were a total cumulative 4,851 deaths, an increase of 35 since Monday.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Wednesday night reported 29,148,354 cases in the United States, with 529,054 total deaths nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Thursday

Free COVID-19 tests are available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Vibrant Health Argentine location, 1428 S. 32nd, Kansas City, Kansas.

Appointments are not needed for the test at Vibrant Health, and anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. For more information, or to see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Pierson Community Center COVID-19 testing site at 831 S. 55th is open at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 11. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 11. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times. Another site on www.gogettested.com/Kansas is the Vibrant Health clinic at the former Bethany medical building at 21 S. 12th St.

Unified Government COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Thursday, March 11. The Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 11. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests there on Thursday. There are also UG Health Department locations for COVID-19 testing at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway, and at the National Guard Armory, 100 S. 20th, (near 18th and Ridge), Kansas City, Kansas. 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.

Walk-in vaccines available for those 65 and older

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are 65 and older.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 65 or older can walk in and do not need an appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at 7836 State Ave., 10500 Parallel Parkway and 100 S. 20th.

Those who are critical workers still need appointments for vaccines.

All those 65 and older should bring an ID or other proof of age, such as a driver’s license, government ID or birth certificate, as well as something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as an ID or a piece of mail.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are younger than 65 may fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

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 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=.

Cards and letters of encouragement for caregivers at KU Health System may be sent to Share Joy, care of Patient Relations, 4000 Cambridge St., Mailstop 1021, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160. Emails can be sent to [email protected].

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.

Declining COVID-19 case numbers, loosening of some restrictions and a new vaccination clinic here were in the news on Tuesday.

Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health, discussed how Kansas will handle new CDC loosening of some restrictions for those who have been vaccinated, while Wyandotte County launched a new vaccination clinic at the Kansas National Guard Armory at 100 S. 20th, (near 18th and Ridge), in Kansas City, Kansas.

The opening of the new vaccination clinic at the Armory in Kansas City, Kansas, attracted a number of officials, including the governor.

Also on Tuesday, the Unified Government Health Department announced walk-in vaccinations now would be open to residents who are 80 years old and older from all Wyandotte County Zip Codes. That is a change from the previous 85 years old.

Other vaccinations, for people 65 and up, will be available for residents in Zip Codes 66101, 66102, 66105 by appointment only at the three Health Department sites in Wyandotte County. Those interested in getting a vaccine should fill out a form at WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1, then press 1 for the COVID-19 hotline.

Dr. Norman, speaking at the University of Kansas Health System news conference Tuesday, commented on new CDC guidelines issued on Monday that loosened restrictions a little for small gatherings of people who have been vaccinated. Some doctors are concerned that COVID-19 case numbers could rise if gatherings take place.

If there is a plateauing and worsening, it is awfully hard to make people step back and become more restrictive, Dr. Norman said. The KDHE is taking a measured approach, he said. Dr. Norman said they didn’t want to over-liberalize the mask and distancing restrictions, and there is still a state executive order on masking that 80 counties are following. He said they want to make sure they are not too restrictive and not too liberal.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at KU Health System was not in favor of ending the mask mandate.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at KU Health, said a lot will be based on the data, and what is changing in one or two weeks. Local health departments can make changes as numbers in their communities change, he added.

“It is so much better than it was six months ago,” Dr. Stites said about mask-wearing. “My fear as things get warmed up, people start taking their masks off, if they haven’t been vaccinated, and then we’re going to see a rise.”

While the rise in cases may not be as high as previously, it will still be bad for those individuals who haven’t been vaccinated yet, he said.

“It’s not time yet to take off all the masks and try to say we’re normal,” Dr. Stites said. “We’re not normal.”

Dr. David Wild, vice president of performance at KU Health, said doctors from Children’s Mercy said it is likely to be 2022 or even 2023 before they can vaccinate children. There’s going to be a lot of families who are unvaccinated as a family for a long time, he said.

Dr. Norman said Kansas remains in Phase 2, with about a million people in this phase. Some Kansas counties have completed Phase 2 and are on “pause,” he said, while other counties complete Phase 2.

Kansas is different from Missouri in that Kansas is mostly done with first doses for teachers and school staff, he said, and Kansas has vaccinated many meatpacking plant workers.

He said Kansas may get to Phase 3 four weeks from now, or a little less.

There have been issues with a county that wanted to move to the next phase, but they talked with the county and the county now has changed its vaccine prioritization schedule, he said.

Dr. Norman said if he was an individual looking for a vaccine, he would cast a wide net to get a vaccine, as some sites are more efficient in quickly getting vaccines to people. He recommended the kansasvaccine.gov website to find places that are offering vaccines in the area.

Retail pharmacies are getting more vaccines currently, he said, and they receive the vaccines from the federal government directly. Initially they were just vaccinating people over the age of 65, but now pharmacies also are doing child care workers, grocery, retail, high-risk, food service, long-term care and assisted living, he said.

About prioritization of those who get vaccines, Dr. Norman asked, if you move one group up, who do you move out? On one hand, they want to protect a population against spread, and high-risk for spread would include retail workers and meatpacking workers.

Eighty-five percent of deaths in Kansas have been in people 65 and older, he said. It’s an issue of how to stop spread in a population versus protecting one individual, he said.

“There’s no easy way to solve that; we just need more vaccine,” Dr. Norman said. “It’s also a question from a policy perspective, of who do you want to make unhappy?” he said.

Dr. Wild said the CDC found that existing disease had some effect on risk of disease and death, but nowhere near the effect that age has. That was why age was used to determine the priority for the vaccines.

Dr. Norman said masking, social distancing and hand washing, along with vaccinations have resulted in lower COVID-19 numbers in Kansas. There were four deaths in Kansas during the past weekend, and 100 to 150 new cases a day. That compared to many more deaths and about 2,000 new cases a day a few months ago. The state’s positivity rate is now around 2.9 percent, a decline from 16 to 18 percent.

Dr. Norman said Kansas will likely continue improving as more vaccine becomes available.

Dr. Wild said that while the United States has four percent of the world’s population, it has 20 percent of the world’s COVID-19 deaths, with about 525,000. It is a staggering number, especially for a single disease, he said.

Nationally, there have been 29.1 million COVID-19 cases of the 330 million people in the United States, he said. The United States has received 30 percent of the world’s vaccine doses.

Kansas has had 296,451 cases, 9,411 hospitalizations and 4,816 deaths in the past year, he said.

The KU Health System has had 2,252 patients admitted for COVID-19 in the past year, with 331 deaths, and the average age of patients was 58, he said. Also, the KU Health System has administered 35,000 doses of the vaccine, he said.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

COVID-19 patients decreased again on Tuesday at KU Health System. The health system reported 11 active COVID-19 patients, a decrease of three from Monday, according to Dr. Hawkinson. Two of the patients were in the intensive care unit, a decrease of one since Monday, and the two ICU patients were on ventilators Tuesday, the same number as Monday. There were another 23 COVID-19 patients in the hospital who were out of the acute infection phase, the same number as Monday. In all, there were 34 COVID-19 patients at KU Health System, a decrease of three since Monday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 3 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, March 9, since Monday, March 8, for a cumulative 17,773 cases. There was a cumulative total of 273 deaths reported, no change since Monday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 161,480 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 79. Cumulative deaths in the nine-county area were 2,268.

The state of Kansas reported 296,451 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 8, an increase of 590 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,816 deaths, an increase of four since Friday

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Tuesday night reported 29,093,946 cases in the United States, with 527,643 total deaths nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Wednesday

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

Appointments are not needed for the test at Faith Deliverance, and anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. For more information, or to see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Pierson Community Center COVID-19 testing site at 831 S. 55th is open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 10. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 10. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times. Another site on www.gogettested.com/Kansas is the Vibrant Health clinic at the former Bethany medical building at 21 S. 12th St.

Unified Government COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, March 10. The Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 10. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests there on Wednesday. There are also UG Health Department locations for COVID-19 testing at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway, and at the National Guard Armory, 100 S. 20th, (near 18th and Ridge), Kansas City, Kansas. 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.

Walk-in vaccines available for those 80 and older

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are over 65.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 80 or older can walk in and do not need an appointment Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at 7836 State Ave., 10500 Parallel Parkway and 100 S. 20th. The sites are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Those who are 65 and older, as well as critical workers, still need appointments for vaccines.

All those 65 and older should bring an ID or other proof of age, such as a driver’s license, government ID or birth certificate, as well as something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as an ID or a piece of mail.

For more vaccine information, and to fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine, visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

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 KU doctors’ news conference is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/1086596078483509.

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=.

Cards and letters of encouragement for caregivers at KU Health System may be sent to Share Joy, care of Patient Relations, 4000 Cambridge St., Mailstop 1021, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160. Emails can be sent to [email protected].

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.

Monday was the anniversary of the first COVID-19 patient being admitted at the University of Kansas Health System, and doctors reflected on changes since then.

“It’s been quite a ride,” said Dr. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement at KU Health System. He made his remarks during a Monday morning media update.

He said he was humbled and impressed by all the efforts of the workers at the health system and across the community. It was something no one expected and no one had experienced before, he added.

The COVID-19 inpatients now are below 40 at the KU Health System Monday, and that’s about the number it was last August, before a big surge in November, according to Dr. Wild. At the time, it seemed like 40 was a number almost impossible to manage, he added.

The last year’s challenges for them have been similar to those of the community, he said. There was quite a bit of fear in the community and among health care workers, and some fears are the same as now, he added.

There were a lot of unknowns and a lot of learning, he said. They had to pay attention to incomplete data, make decisions and then gradually modify their practices as more data become available. They had to deal with strong emotions from the community as well as in themselves.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, said there has been a lot more work, and more meetings. They’ve learned about new protocols and procedures to keep patients and employees safe, he said. People who weren’t paying attention to inequalities in society learned more about them with the pandemic.

“We’ve learned about other aspects of society,” he said. There also will be good things to come out of it, such as better infrastructures for public health.

Health leaders in the Kansas City area have worked together in ways that they didn’t before the pandemic, Dr. Wild said. More friendships developed among people who worked together.

Also discussed Monday morning were efforts to vaccinate teachers in Missouri and Kansas. Wyandotte County teachers have largely been vaccinated already.

Dr. Jennifer Watts, pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Mercy, said mass vaccination clinics for teachers will start March 15 in Johnson County, Kansas, and in Jackson County, Missouri.

Dr. Kenny Southwick, executive director, Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City, also discussed teacher vaccinations, and he said the goal is to bring all students safely back to school. He was concerned about travel during spring break. He cautioned parents and students who travel during spring break to be careful so there’s not another outbreak, like the outbreaks after spring break last year.

Dr. Hawkinson also said people should be vigilant, as spring break will be coming up and virus variants could spread. People should wear masks and get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered, he said. Masking, distancing and vaccines will get kids back to school faster.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

KU Health System reported 14 active COVID-19 patients, a decrease of one from Friday, according to Dr. Hawkinson. Three of the patients were in the intensive care unit, no change since Friday, and two of the ICU patients were on ventilators Monday, an increase of one since Friday. There were another 23 COVID-19 patients in the hospital who were out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of eight since Friday. In all, there were 37 COVID-19 patients at KU Health System, a decrease of nine since Friday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 34 COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 8, since Friday, March 5, for a cumulative 17,770 cases. There was a cumulative total of 273 deaths reported, no change since Friday

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 161,395 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 75. Cumulative deaths in the nine-county area were 2,255.

The state of Kansas reported 296,451 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, March 8, an increase of 590 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,816 deaths, an increase of four since Friday

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Monday night reported 29,043,762 cases in the United States, with 525,752 total deaths nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled Tuesday

Free COVID-19 tests are available from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 9, at All Saints parish, 811 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.

Appointments are not needed for the test at All Saints, and anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. For more information, or to see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Pierson Community Center COVID-19 testing site at 831 S. 55th is open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 9. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Another COVID-19 testing site will be at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 9. Tests are through WellHealth. Appointments are required, check with the website, www.gogettested.com/Kansas, for available appointment times.

Unified Government COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Tuesday, March 9. The Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 test site at the former Kmart building at 78th and State will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Appointments are not needed for COVID-19 tests there on Tuesday. There is also another UG Health Department location for COVID-19 testing at the former Best Buy store, 10500 Parallel Parkway. Wyandotte County is adding a third clinic location on Tuesday. 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.

Walk-in vaccines available for those 85 and older

The UG Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday for Wyandotte County residents who are over 65.

Those Wyandotte County residents who are 85 or older can walk in and do not need an appointment Monday through Friday at the vaccination sites at 7836 State Ave. and 10500 Parallel Parkway. A third location is being added Tuesday. The sites are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Those who are 65 and older, as well as critical workers, still need appointments for vaccines.

All those 65 and older should bring an ID or other proof of age, such as a driver’s license, government ID or birth certificate, as well as something showing their Wyandotte County address, such as an ID or a piece of mail.

For more vaccine information, and to fill out a form expressing interest in getting a vaccine, visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1.

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 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=.

Cards and letters of encouragement for caregivers at KU Health System may be sent to Share Joy, care of Patient Relations, 4000 Cambridge St., Mailstop 1021, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160. Emails can be sent to [email protected].

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.