Could we see COVID-19 infection numbers decline? According to Lyon County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Jennifer Millbern, yes.
Millbern says recent trends for incident rates and test positivity are encouraging.
Having said that, though, Lyon County had a two-week spike of over 350 cases the past two weeks as the incident rates and test positivity rates have declined. Millbern says reporting delays with cases assigned to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment may be a factor in the downward trend in supporting data overlapping with the increased number of new infections. She also says Lyon County has seen increased testing, which drives down the test positivity rate.
So far, there have been 140 new infections this month. Monthly infections have climbed since June, when there were 23 total new cases. July had 106, while August had 383 and September had 455.
Separately, Public Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against both coronavirus and influenza. Millbern says the vaccinations should be part of what she calls a “whole-body approach.”
Flint Hills Community Health Center will have its annual drive-thru flu shot clinic Friday. Hours are from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Flu shots are $30 without insurance and are available for residents six months of age and older. Appointments are not needed.
