Local health officials joined KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Friday morning to update the situation and what may be ahead short-term.
Lyon County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Jennifer Millbern anticipates a spike in cases soon across Kansas.
There are still no confirmed positive tests in Lyon County, although there are two positive cases in Morris County. Newman Regional Health Infection Preventionist Ester Knobloch says requests for tests are increasing.
Before they seek treatment, residents are urged to call their health care provider if they have symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath and travel history. The Flint Hills Community Health Center also has developed an online screening tool that’s now available at www.flinthillshealth.org.
Separately, as information continues to develop at a rapid pace so do concerns and questions from area residents regarding the risks of exposure. Some residents have started to become wary of local water supplies fearing the virus may infiltrate those supplies which could, in turn, increase the risk of contracting the virus.
City of Emporia Public Works Director Dean Grant recently spoke with KVOE News to assure residents there is no danger in the consumption of local water thanks to the treatment processes in place at local plants.
According to Grant, the World Health Organization has stated the risk of infection through local water supplies is extremely low. If individuals still have concerns regarding water supplies they are asked to contact their local supplier for more information. Additional information is also available at www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinkingwater.
