Coronavirus updates: Free testing available to all Sedgwick County residents

The Eagle has compiled a list of updates on the coronavirus pandemic for Thursday, June 4. For updates from Wednesday, click here.

New Sedgwick County COVID-19 numbers

Coronavirus statistics from the Sedgwick County Health Department show the number of active COVID-19 cases in the county is the highest it has been since the phased-in reopening started.

As of Thursday, there were 164 active cases of coronavirus in Sedgwick County. That is the highest it has been since May 3, when there were 173 cases. The statewide reopening started May 4.

During the month of May, the number of active cases trended downward as the reopening happened in phases. The phased reopening approach ended after the governor announced on May 26 that she was vetoing a bill designed to limit her authority to manage the coronavirus pandemic.

That day, there were 124 active cases in Sedgwick County. In a little more than a week, that number has risen by 40.

The county health department’s report for Thursday listed 625 total cases with nine new patients. There have been 440 recoveries, which is an increase of eight. The death count remained steady at 21.

There have been 16,572 people tested in the county, which is an increase of 519 from Wednesday’s report.

Free testing available to Sedgwick County residents

The Sedgwick County Health Department announced Thursday that it is waiving the requirements for coronavirus testing and that all residents are able to be tested free of charge. Residents can call 211 to set up an appointment. Prior to Thursday, the Health Department required people to have symptoms in order to be tested. Results from the nose swab will take a few days and will not show if the person has had the virus in the past, only if they are currently infected.

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 9:41 AM.