All area counties reported increases in coronavirus activity to start the new year. Two also reported increases in their respective death numbers.
Chase County had eight new cases over the past week, so its overall total is 246, with half the cases in the community, 19 at Chase County Care and Rehab and 84 at Chase County Detention Center. All eight active cases are in the community category. Three people have died.
Greenwood County added 34 cases since Wednesday and has 505 cases total. Eighty-one active cases are being reported, up from 77. There have been two deaths.
Morris County added 35 new cases over the last week, so its total is at 439. There are 35 active cases, up one from last week. Six people have died, up two from a week ago, and there are 11 deaths awaiting final cause from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
At Diversicare of Council Grove, the number of infected residents remains at 52 and the number of infected staff remains at 40. Four deaths are confirmed, up from two a week ago, and there are eight deaths awaiting verification from KDHE.
Osage County reported 51 new cases bringing the overall total to 750 with 17 new active cases bringing the active total to 61. Eight deaths have been reported.
Also, the Health Department said it is still awaiting KDHE approval to receive the COVID-19 vaccine — now three weeks after other healthcare agencies in the area have received vaccines, including Newman Regional Health, Flint Hills Community Health Center, Greenwood County Hospital and Morris County Hospital. Once KDHE gives approval, healthcare workers will receive the vaccine.
Wabaunsee County added 14 cases since Wednesday and now has 456 total since March. There are 64 active cases, up from 50 last week. One death happened between reporting periods, so the death toll is at nine.
