Coronavirus updates: 100-plus case increase in Kansas cases; four additional deaths
Here is the Wichita-area news to know on the coronavirus pandemic for Friday, April 17. For updates from Thursday, click here.
New Kansas coronavirus numbers
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports an increase of 117 cases, to 1,705 people that have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the state, with 226 of those patients in Sedgwick County.
Sedgwick County’s cases increased by nine.
There have been four additional deaths in Kansas attributed to COVID-19, bringing the total to 84. Three deaths have been in Sedgwick County.
Statewide, at least 375 people have been hospitalized, though hospitalization data is not available in about 19% of cases.
Patients range in age from an infant to 99 years old, with an average age of 52 and a median age of 52.
There have been 15,196 negative tests.
Sedgwick County partners with clinics to offer free or reduced-cost healthcare services
The Sedgwick County Health Department, in collaboration with four community health clinics, will offer “specialized Respiratory Clinics and adaptive services” to help with the growing need during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The clinics will offer respiratory services, which can be amplified during an infection but not require hospitalization, as well as “curbside screenings, emergency dental procedures, remote behavioral sessions, pharmaceutical delivery, and telemedicine.”
The price ranges from free to $25. The facilities are open to anyone. Fees and other services are based on income and ability to pay, officials said in a news release. The clinics offering the services are GraceMed Health Clinic (1150 N. Broadway; phone: 316-866-200), Guadalupe Clinic (940 South St. Francis; phone: 316-264-6464), HealthCore Clinic (2707 E. 21st Street North; phone: 316-691-0249) and Hunter Health Clinic (527 N. Grove; phone: 316-262-2415). The Sedgwick County Health Department (2716 W. Central; phone: 211) is also offering curbside testing. Call the facilities for more information.
Wichita business donates 3,000 masks to hospital
The Credit Union of America donated 3,000 KN-95 masks, valued at $9,450, to Ascension Via Christi on Friday, according to a news release from the Credit Union.
DCF announces Hero Relief Program, will offer child care subsidies
The Kansas Department for Children and Families announced child care subsidies for health care workers, first responders and other essential workers will be available starting Monday. The subsidies will help families pay for child care as well as provide direct support to child care providers. For families, the gross income has to be below 250% of the federal poverty level, which for a family of four equals a monthly income of $5,458, according to the DCF news release. For more information or to apply go to KSHeroRelief.com.
Symphony in the Flint Hills cancels Signature Event
The Symphony in the Flint Hills has canceled its Signature Event, which was set for June 13 in Wabaunsee County. The annual event usually draws roughly 7,000 people from across the country to a private pasture in the Flint Hills for an evening highlighted by a sunset concert, the organization said in a news release. Tickets through Eventbrite will be refunded by May 30. Ticketholders can also donate the cost of their ticket as a way “to help alleviate the impact this cancellation has made on the organization’s financial health.” For information about tax-deductible donations, email info@symphonyintheflinthills.org or call 620-273-8955 by May 15.
Kansas organization approves $5.3 million for coronavirus relief
The Kansas Health Foundation announced $5.3 million in grant funding, bringing the Wichita-based organization’s total COVID-19 funding to $16.3 million. The latest will go to 19 federally qualified health centers in Kansas ($2.825 million), three of Kansas’ major food banks ($1 million), summer meals for students ($1 million) and United Way of the Plains ($500,000). A list of grant recipients can be found here.
Wichita hospital to participate in clinic trials for coronavirus panacea
Ascension Via Christi Research will take part in clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. The Mayo Clinic is leading the trials, which involve using plasma donated from people who have recovered from the virus. The plasma will be given to “hospitalized patients who meet the study’s tight criteria to help them fight the disease,” Ascension Via Christi said in a news release.
How to get free food
If your family is struggling and could use help with groceries, several Wichita-area food pantries and soup kitchens have free food. For more information, including a list of where to get food assistance, click here.
Unemployment questions and answers
Do you have questions on filing for unemployment benefits in Kansas during the coronavirus pandemic. To read The Eagle’s answers to some of the most common questions that readers have asked, click here.
This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 11:15 AM.