Sedgwick County positive COVID test rate continues to drop. Here’s how to get tested.
The percentage of coronavirus tests that come back positive for COVID-19 continues to drop in Sedgwick County.
The positive test rate hit 7.44% on Wednesday, which was the lowest percentage since July 2, when it was 7.17%. The 14-day rolling average peaked at 14.06% on July 23, Sedgwick County Health Department data shows.
The agency reported on Thursday that 422 more people have been tested, bringing the total to 85,577. There were no new deaths, keeping the number at 56.
There were 33 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 7,442. The infant to 19-year-old age group added five cases, the 20-39 group added seven, the 40-59 group added eight, the 60-79 group added nine and the 80 and older group added four.
County officials on Wednesday reported a third outbreak at a correctional facility. On Thursday, they identified it as a second cluster at the Wichita Work-Release Facility.
Kansas prisons have fifth inmate COVID-19 death
Junior Lee Chrismon, 68, is the fifth Kansas inmate to die from COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Chrismon tested positive for the virus on Aug. 15 and was taken from the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility to the hospital the same day, according to the KDOC.
Chrismon, who had underlying medical concerns, died Monday. The KDOC has also had four inmates and two staff die from COVID-19 at Lansing Correctional Facility as well as a staff member at the Topeka Correctional Facility. The KDOC has had more than 1,800 cases between staff and inmates, with the bulk being at Lansing where 852 inmates and 99 staff have tested positive.
Sedgwick County expands COVID-19 drive-through testing hours
The Sedgwick County Health Department announced expanded hours for COVID-19 testing starting next week. Residents with symptoms or close contact with someone infected can be tested for free by calling 211 to set up an appointment. The testing will be done from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:45 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, the time will be extended until 6:45 p.m. Also, the health department will use Wednesday to pilot saliva testing instead of nasopharyngeal swabs.
Mobile COVID-19 testing next week
Walk-in testing, with no appointment, will be available for free next week to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or in close contact to someone infected. From 9 a.m. to noon Monday, the testing will be available at the Islamic Society of Wichita, 6655 E. 34th in Wichita. From 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, testing will be done at Christ Lutheran Church, 5356 N. Hillside in Wichita