As COVID-19 traffic is increasing nationwide, anecdotal evidence indicates a corresponding increase locally as well.
Lyon County Public Health nurse Melissa Smith says it’s extremely difficult to confirm any increase because COVID is no longer a reportable disease, but there are certain indications.
There have also been as many as 100 at-home tests handed out over the past week, and Smith says those are available at no cost.
The latest data through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goes through Aug. 19, indicating three hospitalizations for both Osage and Wabaunsee counties. All area counties are considered as low for transmissions when based on either new hospital admission rates per 100,000 people or percentage of emergency department visits with diagnosed COVID.
There are now three main variants of COVID circulating across the country, and Smith says the illness progression appears to be the same from prior versions. Smith also says residents suspecting they have COVID need to take the same general precautions that emerged as the pandemic unfolded.
New booster vaccines may be available in September or October. Smith says they should cover both the general omicron variety and the new variants.
As COVID traffic ticks up, Public Health is getting ready for its annual allocation of flu vaccines by early September and several local pharmacies already have a supply. Smith is encouraging residents to get their flu shots, especially by October, and she says Public Health is determining when to schedule its annual drive-thru vaccination clinic.
