Coronavirus updates: Kansas reaches 1,000 positive tests with 38 deaths
Here are the latest updates from Wednesday on the coronavirus pandemic. For updates from Tuesday, click here.
New Kansas COVID-19 numbers
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 1,046 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state, 154 of which are in Sedgwick County. The statewide death count has risen to 38.
Two of the deaths have been in Sedgwick County, the county health department reported.
Infected people range in age from less than a year old to 99 with an average of 54. State hospitalization data, which is incomplete, shows about a third of COVID-19 patients have required hospitalization. In Sedgwick County, 29 patients have recovered from the disease.
The testing rate in Sedgwick County continue to lag behind surrounding counties and those in the Kansas City area.
Sedgwick County has had 154 positive tests out of 1,081 tests administered, with a testing rate of 2.09 per 1,000 people. Of the Wichita area counties, only Sumner County with two confirmed cases and a testing rate of 1.80 has a lower testing rate.
Reno County has 10 cases and a testing rate of 2.92, Butler County eight and 2.26, Harvey County four and 2.12, Cowley County one and 2.15, and Kingman County zero and 2.52.
In the Kansas City area, Wyandotte County has 245 cases and a testing rate of 6.23, Johnson County 244 and 3.55, Leavenworth County 59 and 6.87, and Douglas County 38 and 7.44
Sedgwick County officials announced a plan on Wednesday to more than double the number of test samples taken each day by the county health department.
There have been 9,137 negative tests in the state.
Eased restrictions on food assistance
The Kansas Department for Children and Families has eased regulations for getting food assistance. The changes went into effect April 1 and last until the end of the national public health emergency. The changes include extending eligibility for able-bodied adults with dependents and extending certification periods so people don’t have to update their information as often. For more information or to apply for food assistance visit dcf.ks.gov.
Sedgwick County contracts with private lab for testing
Sedgwick County has contracted with a private lab to test for COVID-19, the Sedgwick County Commission heard Wednesday. The private lab will allow daily testing to increase from roughly 15-20 people to about 50.
Via Christi responds to new recommendations, asks for cloth mask donations
Ascension Via Christi is responding to the updated Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend people wear cloth masks in public. Via Christi is asking for donations of those masks for “patients, visitors and non-patient-facing staff.” Masks can be dropped off at the main entrance at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis between 9 a.m and 3 p.m. weekdays. For more information call 316-281-5157.
Ask about insurance discounts
The Kansas Insurance Department suggests that Kansans ask their insurance company about “potential discounts, rebates or reductions in premiums during the COVID-19 crisis.” Some companies announced discount rates during the mass stay-home orders, the organization said.
“Many companies recognize the statewide stay-at-home order has reduced the number of Kansans driving, lowering the risk for everybody,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said in a news release.
National virus outbreak news
The Associated Press has compiled a listing of national news related to the novel coronavirus. To read the AP’s listing of top pandemic stories, click here.
Kansas flu numbers
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports more than 100 people have died of influenza so far this flu season.
The KDHE’s weekly update, with information last updated on Monday, shows the flu has been the direct cause of death for 104 people. The flu was a contributing cause of death for an additional 22 people. The number of people who have died from the flu is up three from the previous week. Four of this flu season’s deaths have been pediatric cases.
The influenza death count of 126 for the 2019-20 flu season has already surpassed the 97 people who died in the last flu season, which runs from Sept. 1 to May 31.
Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, and the KDHE reports 298 deaths directly caused by pneumonia and 712 deaths where pneumonia was a contributing cause during this flu season.
The percentage of total patients at Kansas health care facilities with influenza-like illness appears to have peaked in February.
The World Health Organization director general said last month that coronavirus causes a more severe disease than seasonal influenza and the death rate of infected patients is much higher. Additionally, there are vaccines and treatments for the flu, but not for COVID-19.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 11:39 AM.