Kansas coronavirus updates: KDHE reports 247 new cases, with 13 of those in Sedgwick Co.
Here is the Wichita-area news to know on the coronavirus pandemic for Wednesday, April 29. For updates from Tuesday, click here.
New Kansas coronavirus numbers
The number of coronavirus cases in Kansas has jumped by 247, with 13 of those new cases in Sedgwick County.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s COVID-19 pandemic report for Wednesday listed 3,738 cases in the state and 364 in Sedgwick County. There have been 125 deaths and 515 hospitalizations statewide.
There have been 25,720 negative tests. There have been 3,734 tests administered in Sedgwick County for a local testing rate of 7.24 people per 1,000 population.
On Tuesday, the KDHE reported 3,491 cases in the state, 351 cases in Sedgwick County and 124 deaths statewide.
Sedgwick County officials reported overnight deaths jumped by three to nine.
The Sedgwick County Health Department reports 366 cases with 184 recoveries. Epidemiologists have determined 201 of the patients had close contact with another confirmed case, 93 are likely community spread, 38 are travel-related and 34 are under investigation.
There are eight COVID-19 clusters in the county.
Second inmate tests positive in Wichita facility
A second inmate at the Wichita Work Release Facility has been infected with the new coronavirus, the Kansas Department of Corrections said. The inmate was moved to the Lansing Correctional Facility.
Staffer tests positive at juvenile prison
The Kansas Department of Corrections announced that one staff member at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex has tested positive for COVID-19. The state’s only juvenile prison currently houses 154 inmates. It is the fourth KDOC facility with a confirmed case.
Walmart announces drive-thru testing sites
Starting Thursday, drive-thru testing sites will be available at no cost in Reno, Butler, Scott, Rooks and Saline counties on a rotating basis for people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, Walmart announced. Health care providers and first responders can be tested whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms. Appointments can be made at DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. Locations, days and times can be found at the website. On-site scheduling is also available. The mobile sites are sponsored by Walmart, eTrueNorth and state officials.
Costco will require shoppers to wear masks
Costco Wholesale will require members and guests to wear face masks starting Monday, the company announced Wednesday. Excluded from wearing masks are children under the age of 2 and people who can’t wear a mask because of a medical condition. The company also announced that healthcare workers and first responders who show ID will also be able to move to the front of the line. Also, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday has been earmarked for members 60 or older and people with disabilities.
This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 12:18 PM.