<a href="https://www.kha-net.org/DataProductsandServices/STAT/Dashboard/d157638.aspx?type=view">The Kansas Hospital Association on Wednesday</a> announced that new COVID case rates in its northwest Kansas region fell 22 percent over the prior week.

New cases were down 22 percent over the previous week, the KHA reported. Overall, cases throughout Kansas also were down 22 percent.

The KHA reported northwest Kansas has a 43 percent vaccination rate, near even with southeast Kansas for the lowest rate in the state and up 1 percent over the prior week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817810691.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kha-net.org/DataProductsandServices/STAT/Dashboard/d157638.aspx?type=view">The Kansas Hospital Association on Wednesday</a> announced that new COVID case rates in its northwest Kansas region fell 22 percent over the prior week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817902177.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>New cases were down 22 percent over the previous week, the KHA reported. Overall, cases throughout Kansas also were down 22 percent.The KHA reported northwest Kansas has a 43 percent vaccination rate, near even with southeast Kansas for the lowest rate in the state and up 1 percent over the prior week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631818042625.png" alt="KHA" />
 <figcaption>KHA</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631291427273.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KHA: New COVID case rates in NW Kan. fall over last week

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

There have been 422 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday morning, there were 15 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;

The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 59 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,226 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631725337794.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.There have been 422 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, there were 15 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 59 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,226 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 31 new COVID cases in Ellis County since Monday

'There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible ...'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a modified COVID-19 mitigation plan at its meeting Monday that will allow some students who are in quarantine to return to school if they wear masks and remain symptom-free.

As of Friday, the district had 22 positive cases with another 60 students in quarantine because of close contacts.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said a large percentage of students in quarantine Monday were eligible to come back to school Tuesday under the amended policy.

He said the policy has been amended from the guidelines released prior to Labor Day.

"This is about reducing quarantining," Wilson said.&nbsp;

Jason Kennedy, Ellis County public health officer, met with the Ellis County school advisory committee on COVID, and he said this compromise will keep more children in school.

The school district is not offering remote learning this school year. Board member Craig Pallister, a former educator, said students who are out of school will likely fall behind.

"I know the people in Hays want to keep our kids in school," he said. "One way we can do that is get vaccinations in the community. The other is do the mitigation like Ron [Wilson] was saying."

The new tiered plan would be re-evaluated every week by the school COVID advisory group. If positive cases decline, a district could move to a less restrictive rung on the mitigation ladder.

"We would love to stay with the least restrictive plan, but it's probably not going to work," Wilson said. "That's based on numbers and visiting with health experts."

The revised policy also sets a benchmark of 35 positive students or staff members as the point masks would be required districtwide. That benchmark was chosen because 35 is about 1 percent of all students and staff occupying the district's buildings.

Students or staff who are vaccinated and are close contacts would not have to wear masks or quarantine as long as the district's positive COVID rate remains less than 35, Wilson said.

At 50 or more cases, the district would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for all close contacts with the option to test out after five days.

The top rung of the ladder would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for close contacts with no test-out option.

If the district's number of positive cases drops below a benchmark for two weeks, the district would return to a lower mitigation rung on the ladder.

Please see the end of this story for the complete policy.

Board President Tammy Wellbrock noted the quarantine and isolation orders from the public health officer trump any decisions by a local school board. By introducing masks as a mitigation measure, Kennedy agreed to relax quarantine guidelines.

Last school year, USD 489 had no transmission attributed to contact within schools. However, within the first two weeks of this school year, there was spread in the schools, Kennedy said.

He said this could be attributed to many factors, including the prevalence of the delta variant in the community.&nbsp;

"I don't want to quarantine healthy kids," Kennedy said. "I don't want these kids at home. I don't want nurses and doctors sitting at home watching their healthy kids not get an education while we need them somewhere else to treat patients.

"There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible, and this plan is a continuation of that — to limit impacts to our community and to limit impacts to our children."

Wellbrock said all data supports children are better off from mental, emotional, physical, safety and educational standpoints if they are being educated in school buildings.

"When we rolled out the first COVID guidelines, that has been our goal is to be in the schools," Wellbrock said. "I think it's important to share that we are doing what's best for all people.

"We represent all parents — both pro- and anti-mask parents — and we represent the children who aren't fed at home. We represent the children who are abused at home. We represent the children who don't have a regular place to stay.&nbsp;

"We are doing our best for all these parties, including the employees and the staff."

Wellbrock also urged employers to be more lenient when parents need to be home with a sick child because parents have been sending children to school sick with COVID.

"That should never happen," she said. "We should never put our school administrators, instructors and staff in that kind of position."

Board member Allen Park said he would prefer the mask policy be applied school by school and not to the district as a whole.

Wilson said there is so much co-mingling of people in the community, the COVID schools advisory group said they did not think a school-by-school policy would be effective for USD 489.

The new mitigation policy was adopted on a vote of 4-1, with Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628047577531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible ...'</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a modified COVID-19 mitigation plan at its meeting Monday that will allow some students who are in quarantine to return to school if they wear masks and remain symptom-free.As of Friday, the district had 22 positive cases with another 60 students in quarantine because of close contacts.Superintendent Ron Wilson said a large percentage of students in quarantine Monday were eligible to come back to school Tuesday under the amended policy.He said the policy has been amended from the guidelines released prior to Labor Day."This is about reducing quarantining," Wilson said.&nbsp;Jason Kennedy, Ellis County public health officer, met with the Ellis County school advisory committee on COVID, and he said this compromise will keep more children in school.The school district is not offering remote learning this school year. Board member Craig Pallister, a former educator, said students who are out of school will likely fall behind."I know the people in Hays want to keep our kids in school," he said. "One way we can do that is get vaccinations in the community. The other is do the mitigation like Ron [Wilson] was saying."The new tiered plan would be re-evaluated every week by the school COVID advisory group. If positive cases decline, a district could move to a less restrictive rung on the mitigation ladder."We would love to stay with the least restrictive plan, but it's probably not going to work," Wilson said. "That's based on numbers and visiting with health experts."The revised policy also sets a benchmark of 35 positive students or staff members as the point masks would be required districtwide. That benchmark was chosen because 35 is about 1 percent of all students and staff occupying the district's buildings.Students or staff who are vaccinated and are close contacts would not have to wear masks or quarantine as long as the district's positive COVID rate remains less than 35, Wilson said.At 50 or more cases, the district would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for all close contacts with the option to test out after five days.The top rung of the ladder would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for close contacts with no test-out option.If the district's number of positive cases drops below a benchmark for two weeks, the district would return to a lower mitigation rung on the ladder.Please see the end of this story for the complete policy.Board President Tammy Wellbrock noted the quarantine and isolation orders from the public health officer trump any decisions by a local school board. By introducing masks as a mitigation measure, Kennedy agreed to relax quarantine guidelines.Last school year, USD 489 had no transmission attributed to contact within schools. However, within the first two weeks of this school year, there was spread in the schools, Kennedy said.He said this could be attributed to many factors, including the prevalence of the delta variant in the community.&nbsp;"I don't want to quarantine healthy kids," Kennedy said. "I don't want these kids at home. I don't want nurses and doctors sitting at home watching their healthy kids not get an education while we need them somewhere else to treat patients."There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible, and this plan is a continuation of that — to limit impacts to our community and to limit impacts to our children."Wellbrock said all data supports children are better off from mental, emotional, physical, safety and educational standpoints if they are being educated in school buildings."When we rolled out the first COVID guidelines, that has been our goal is to be in the schools," Wellbrock said. "I think it's important to share that we are doing what's best for all people."We represent all parents — both pro- and anti-mask parents — and we represent the children who aren't fed at home. We represent the children who are abused at home. We represent the children who don't have a regular place to stay.&nbsp;"We are doing our best for all these parties, including the employees and the staff."Wellbrock also urged employers to be more lenient when parents need to be home with a sick child because parents have been sending children to school sick with COVID."That should never happen," she said. "We should never put our school administrators, instructors and staff in that kind of position."Board member Allen Park said he would prefer the mask policy be applied school by school and not to the district as a whole.Wilson said there is so much co-mingling of people in the community, the COVID schools advisory group said they did not think a school-by-school policy would be effective for USD 489.The new mitigation policy was adopted on a vote of 4-1, with Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631564691447.jpeg" alt="USD 489 COVID -19 Mitigation, updated Sept. 13, 2021" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 COVID -19 Mitigation, updated Sept. 13, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>

Public health eases quarantines; Hays USD 489 sets mask benchmarks

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There have been 391 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Monday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;

The KDHE reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,195 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631553247156.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There have been 391 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;The KDHE reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,195 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 20 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

ELLIS — Ellis USD 388 schools reported Friday, 49 students and staff of the district are currently under quarantine.

In his weekly COVID-19 update, Superintendent Corey Burton said six positive cases were also identified in the district this week.

The biggest impact, he said, was the football team would be unable to play this week.

The majority of the positive cases are in the combined junior and senior high school, with 5 positive cases reported there and 45 students and staff quarantined.

Enrollment at the school is only 183, meaning nearly a quarter of the student body was&nbsp;quarantined this week.

The bulk of the quarantine began Tuesday, meaning with current COVID-19 mitigation plans in the district, those students will be required to complete 10 days of isolation.

With the significant number of students out, Burton said the school board would look at the current policy at its regular meeting.

"The board could adopt a policy that the county is recommending," Burton said, "which could change that on Monday."

"That would allow students that are under quarantine for school-related exposures to come back to school in a mask and to do a check-in in the morning," Burton said.

He said the new strategy would more closely align with Hays and Victoria school districts to keep&nbsp;quarantine numbers down.

"We are working closely with the Ellis County Health Department to keep our students and staff as safe as possible," Burton said. "Our goal is to keep kids in school and keep our students, staff and community healthy.&nbsp;We will continue to monitor this situation and may need to make changes in the future to adjust for outbreaks."

In the meantime, Burton is asking parents to help the situation as much as possible by keeping ill children at home, encouraging staff and students to wear masks and social distance when possible.

"We also want to take this opportunity to remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and among our employees and students," Burton said. "We will treat information regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such information.&nbsp;Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and students."&nbsp;

By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — Ellis USD 388 schools reported Friday, 49 students and staff of the district are currently under quarantine.In his weekly COVID-19 update, Superintendent Corey Burton said six positive cases were also identified in the district this week.The biggest impact, he said, was the football team would be unable to play this week.The majority of the positive cases are in the combined junior and senior high school, with 5 positive cases reported there and 45 students and staff quarantined.Enrollment at the school is only 183, meaning nearly a quarter of the student body was&nbsp;quarantined this week.The bulk of the quarantine began Tuesday, meaning with current COVID-19 mitigation plans in the district, those students will be required to complete 10 days of isolation.With the significant number of students out, Burton said the school board would look at the current policy at its regular meeting."The board could adopt a policy that the county is recommending," Burton said, "which could change that on Monday.""That would allow students that are under quarantine for school-related exposures to come back to school in a mask and to do a check-in in the morning," Burton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631305133592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He said the new strategy would more closely align with Hays and Victoria school districts to keep&nbsp;quarantine numbers down."We are working closely with the Ellis County Health Department to keep our students and staff as safe as possible," Burton said. "Our goal is to keep kids in school and keep our students, staff and community healthy.&nbsp;We will continue to monitor this situation and may need to make changes in the future to adjust for outbreaks."In the meantime, Burton is asking parents to help the situation as much as possible by keeping ill children at home, encouraging staff and students to wear masks and social distance when possible."We also want to take this opportunity to remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and among our employees and students," Burton said. "We will treat information regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such information.&nbsp;Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and students."&nbsp;

Nearly a quarter of Ellis High students quarantined; football game canceled

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

There have been 371 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2444e15-4f2d-4541-a68c-68b51f6432ff">RELATED: New COVID case rates in NW Kansas highest in the state</a>

As of Friday morning, there were 15 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Of the 46 admissions at HaysMed in the month of August, 40 were unvaccinated, the hospital reported.

The KDHE also reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,175 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631293988083.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 update: Sept. 10, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hvqfv-10d840c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.There have been 371 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2444e15-4f2d-4541-a68c-68b51f6432ff">RELATED: New COVID case rates in NW Kansas highest in the state</a>As of Friday morning, there were 15 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Of the 46 admissions at HaysMed in the month of August, 40 were unvaccinated, the hospital reported.The KDHE also reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,175 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙17 new virus cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccine safety

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da409ca7-823c-4f74-add8-059b2182df5c">RELATED:&nbsp;🎙17 new virus cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccine safety</a>

COVID-19 cases in northwest Kansas are up 65 percent compared to mid-April, according to data compiled by the <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/HospitalPreparedness/covid-19/">Kansas Hospital Association</a>&nbsp;and published Wednesday.

It is by far the largest increase in the association's six regions, with south-central Kansas' 43 percent increase the next highest spike.

The KHA also reported that northwest Kansas has a 42 percent vaccination rate, even with southeast Kansas for the lowest rate in the state.

For more data from the Kansas Hospital Association, click <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/DataProductsandServices/STAT/Dashboard/d157638.aspx?type=view">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631290751755.png" alt="KHA" />
 <figcaption>KHA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da409ca7-823c-4f74-add8-059b2182df5c">RELATED:&nbsp;🎙17 new virus cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccine safety</a>COVID-19 cases in northwest Kansas are up 65 percent compared to mid-April, according to data compiled by the <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/HospitalPreparedness/covid-19/">Kansas Hospital Association</a>&nbsp;and published Wednesday.It is by far the largest increase in the association's six regions, with south-central Kansas' 43 percent increase the next highest spike.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631291041290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The KHA also reported that northwest Kansas has a 42 percent vaccination rate, even with southeast Kansas for the lowest rate in the state.For more data from the Kansas Hospital Association, click <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/DataProductsandServices/STAT/Dashboard/d157638.aspx?type=view">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631291427273.png" alt="KHA regions" />
 <figcaption>KHA regions</figcaption>
 </figure>

KHA: New COVID case rates in NW Kansas highest in the state

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 61 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There was no report issued on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.

There have been 354 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Twelve of the 14 were unvaccinated, the hospital said.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,158 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

Corrected to clarify the total number of cases to date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631120244720.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 61 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There was no report issued on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.There have been 354 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Twelve of the 14 were unvaccinated, the hospital said.Since reporting began, there have been 4,158 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.Corrected to clarify the total number of cases to date.

KDHE: 61 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 45 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/726df760-8c28-447b-8c39-d34208107c70">RELATED:&nbsp;Stricter quarantines reinstated for Hays schools</a>

It was the highest number of new cases identified between reporting period since December. The KDHE reports on case numbers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

There have been 293 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. As of Wednesday, the KDHE reported 46 percent of eligible residents of Ellis County were fully vaccinated.

As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed. No further updates have been posted as of noon Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,097 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630689048082.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 45 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/726df760-8c28-447b-8c39-d34208107c70">RELATED:&nbsp;Stricter quarantines reinstated for Hays schools</a>It was the highest number of new cases identified between reporting period since December. The KDHE reports on case numbers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.There have been 293 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. As of Wednesday, the KDHE reported 46 percent of eligible residents of Ellis County were fully vaccinated.As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed. No further updates have been posted as of noon Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 4,097 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 45 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

Beginning Tuesday, the Ellis County Health Department will offer&nbsp;PCR (nasal pharyngeal) COVID drive-up testing.

To schedule a test, click <a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22378331">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

For more details, see below or visit the department's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook page</a>.

Beginning Tuesday, the Ellis County Health Department will offer&nbsp;PCR (nasal pharyngeal) COVID drive-up testing.To schedule a test, click <a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22378331">HERE</a>.&nbsp;For more details, see below or visit the department's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook page</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630687864202.png" alt="Ellis County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

Drive-up testing available at Ellis Co. Health Department next week

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630519048780.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 4,195 new cases, 24 more COVID deaths

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

There have been 248 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,052 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630519071392.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.There have been 248 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. As of Wednesday, the KDHE reported 46 percent of eligible residents of Ellis County were fully vaccinated.As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 4,052 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 32 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There have been 216 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,020 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630342883377.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There have been 216 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 4,020 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 25 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday; count tops 4,000

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday. 

There have been 191 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Friday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported 11 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,995 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 update: Aug. 27, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jyu9c-10c6548-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630090401117.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday. There have been 191 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported 11 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,995 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙KDHE: 19 COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday; Kennedy on case uptick

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Ellis County ranks in the top half — No. 47 — of the state's 105 counties for vaccination rates.

According to the KDHE, as of Wednesday, the vaccination rate in Ellis County was 45 percent.

However, Ellis County ranks in the bottom half in terms of cases — No. 55.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f8d23be-8617-406a-b060-c1c358d43a00">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed chief medical officer discusses state of COVID spike</a>

Russell County is near the bottom of the rankings at No. 99, with just a 39 percent vaccination rate.

Several northwest Kansas counties, including Trego, Thomas, Sherman and Sheridan, were ranked among the lowest vaccination rates in the state.

KDHE will update the vaccination information regularly. Three metrics are reported and ranked across each county:

• Full series vaccination rate of eligible population (12+ year olds) • Seven-day daily average number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people • Seven-day daily average number of COVID-19 tests administered per 100,000 people.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Ellis County ranks in the top half — No. 47 — of the state's 105 counties for vaccination rates.According to the KDHE, as of Wednesday, the vaccination rate in Ellis County was 45 percent.However, Ellis County ranks in the bottom half in terms of cases — No. 55.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f8d23be-8617-406a-b060-c1c358d43a00">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed chief medical officer discusses state of COVID spike</a><a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Russell County is near the bottom of the rankings at No. 99, with just a 39 percent vaccination rate.Several northwest Kansas counties, including Trego, Thomas, Sherman and Sheridan, were ranked among the lowest vaccination rates in the state.KDHE will update the vaccination information regularly. Three metrics are reported and ranked across each county:• Full series vaccination rate of eligible population (12+ year olds) • Seven-day daily average number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people • Seven-day daily average number of COVID-19 tests administered per 100,000 people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630001277678.png" alt="KDHE" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630001389487.png" alt="KDHE" />
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KDHE: Several NW Kan. counties among 'least vaccinated' in state

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday. 

There have been 172 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,976 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629910758396.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f8d23be-8617-406a-b060-c1c358d43a00">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed chief medical officer discusses state of COVID spike</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday. There have been 172 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County in the month of August after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Tuesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,976 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 30 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 17 on Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,946 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629738577449.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f8d23be-8617-406a-b060-c1c358d43a00">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed chief medical officer discusses state of COVID spike</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 17 on Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,946 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 32 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.

“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”

The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

FDA gives full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in and around Ellis County, Dr. Heather Harris, chief medical officer at HaysMed, said increasing the local vaccination rate remains the best way to curb another virus outbreak.

"The vaccine is very safe. Over 1 billion people in the world have received it, and there is no data that shows there is any major concern for safety," she said. "People are dying from COVID. They're not dying from the COVID vaccine."

With numbers increasing at a pace not seen since February, Harris said the influx of patients has put a strain on HaysMed's patient capacity. As of Friday, there were 17 COVID inpatients in the hospital — seven in the intensive care unit.

The average age of COVID inpatients since the delta variant began affecting Ellis County has dropped to age 53.

"It's younger people being affected, for the most part healthy," she said. "These are not sick people ... and they're becoming very ill."

Of the 17 patients at HaysMed on Friday, only two were vaccinated — and those patients have an underlying health condition that makes the vaccine less effective.

"We want people to be healthy. So to see younger and younger people becoming hospitalized, becoming very sick is disheartening — especially now that there's a vaccine," Harris said.

According to the Kansas Hospital Association's Aug. 18 update, 42 percent of Ellis County residents have been partially or fully vaccinated, just less than the statewide average of 43.8 percent. Several northwest Kansas counties have vaccination rates below the state average, with Sheridan County's 30 percent rate being among the lowest in the state.

Harris expected those numbers to improve.

"We're seeing a lot of people get vaccinated right now. There has been an uptick," she said.

There have been a handful of "breakthrough" COVID cases in vaccinated individuals locally but Harris said the vaccine still positively affects those patients.

"No healthy adults with healthy immune systems have been hospitalized who've had the vaccine," she said.

HaysMed assumes all COVID cases are likely caused by the more contagious delta variant, noting it takes three weeks to have test samples returned to reach that determination.

"We're no different than the rest of the country —&nbsp;95 percent of the new cases are delta," Harris said. 

The symptoms of delta have been different, she noted. 

"Very high fevers — we didn't see high fevers last time. It's very variable (for each individual), but it looks like a terrible cold, nasal congestion, headaches, cough ... shortness of breath, low on oxygen. We're starting to see ... diarrhea, which we've only seen in the last few weeks."

With allergy season also here, Harris offered advice familiar throughout the pandemic.

"If you don't feel good, stop. Don't go to work. Don't go to school. Stay home, and go get tested," she said, noting current testing offers a one-day turnaround on results. "That way, we can triage the right people and limit the spread.

"People are doing a better job this time. We're starting to see people respond quicker," she added. "Instead of not feeling good for a week and then coming in, people are coming in after a couple of days."

The influx of COVID patients has put a strain on HaysMed's ICU capacity. As of Friday morning, the hospital was not accepting out-of-county transfers.

"This has caused the hospital to be very busy with very sick people," she said. "If you have a bad car wreck ... you're not coming."

Updated 4:30 p.m. Friday to clarify quote.

Harris noted hospital stays for recent COVID inpatients have been lengthy.

"This is not a quick illness. They're being hospitalized for weeks," she said.

Vaccinations come into play with hospital capacity, as well. Noting the 15 unvaccinated COVID inpatients at HaysMed, Harris said, "if everyone would have been vaccinated, we should only have two (of those) people in the hospital right now."

With individuals as young as 12 eligible to be vaccinated, Harris said she "100 percent" believes those younger individuals should receive the shot.

"The risk of them getting sick with COVID outweighs anything the vaccine could cause. One hundred percent on the 12 and up," she said, noting a COVID diagnosis would mean missing school, school activities and other social opportunities. "It takes several weeks to recover from COVID, to quarantine. We want them to stay healthy."

She appreciated Hays USD 489 had put a plan in place that would closely monitor students, staff and teachers, as well as providing for contingencies like a mask requirement should cases spike among the school population.

"They're on it. They're really watching. They did a great job last year, so kudos to them," Harris said. "Our school nurses are working their buns off."

Students — even the youngest —&nbsp;"did amazing" with masks last school year, she said, noting that should it reach that point, she expected the same behavior from students in the future.

With a flurry of misinformation on social media, Harris quickly pointed out two myths she wanted the public to understand clearly.

"This vaccine is safe — really safe," she said, noting the speed of release of the vaccine was aided by years of prior research. "The technology they used to create the vaccine has been out for many years. Because the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html">mRNA technology</a> was there, they were able to match it to the spike protein of this particular virus."

She also pointed out the misconception the vaccine would have an impact on fertility in women.

"It has zero effect on fertility," Harris said. "This new variant is really affecting pregnant women and newborns more than the first. The risk of someone pregnant getting sick is very high."

Another recent development has been a surge in the number of cases of the respiratory disease RSV.

Harris said doctors remain unsure if there is any connection between COVID and the RSV upswing. 

"We're perplexed because there was not a lot of RSV in the winter when we normally see it," she said. "(COVID) has changed the landscape of illness, but RSV is definitely affecting the younger kids .. and some adults."

With the return of students to Fort Hays State University and the beginning of school and school events,  Harris expected Ellis County cases to spike again — almost exactly a year from when the initial spike started.

"Rates will go up the next several weeks," she said. "There's a fix for that. It's called a vaccine."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586876732526.png" alt="Dr. Heather Harris" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Heather Harris</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post"Get a vaccine and don't get sick."With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in and around Ellis County, Dr. Heather Harris, chief medical officer at HaysMed, said increasing the local vaccination rate remains the best way to curb another virus outbreak."The vaccine is very safe. Over 1 billion people in the world have received it, and there is no data that shows there is any major concern for safety," she said. "People are dying from COVID. They're not dying from the COVID vaccine."With numbers increasing at a pace not seen since February, Harris said the influx of patients has put a strain on HaysMed's patient capacity. As of Friday, there were 17 COVID inpatients in the hospital — seven in the intensive care unit.The average age of COVID inpatients since the delta variant began affecting Ellis County has dropped to age 53."It's younger people being affected, for the most part healthy," she said. "These are not sick people ... and they're becoming very ill."<h2>Vaccinated vs. unvaccinated</h2>Of the 17 patients at HaysMed on Friday, only two were vaccinated — and those patients have an underlying health condition that makes the vaccine less effective."We want people to be healthy. So to see younger and younger people becoming hospitalized, becoming very sick is disheartening — especially now that there's a vaccine," Harris said.According to the Kansas Hospital Association's Aug. 18 update, 42 percent of Ellis County residents have been partially or fully vaccinated, just less than the statewide average of 43.8 percent. Several northwest Kansas counties have vaccination rates below the state average, with Sheridan County's 30 percent rate being among the lowest in the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629486759918.png" alt="Kansas Hospital Association" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Hospital Association</figcaption>
 </figure>Harris expected those numbers to improve."We're seeing a lot of people get vaccinated right now. There has been an uptick," she said.There have been a handful of "breakthrough" COVID cases in vaccinated individuals locally but Harris said the vaccine still positively affects those patients."No healthy adults with healthy immune systems have been hospitalized who've had the vaccine," she said.<h2>Delta=COVID</h2>HaysMed assumes all COVID cases are likely caused by the more contagious delta variant, noting it takes three weeks to have test samples returned to reach that determination."We're no different than the rest of the country —&nbsp;95 percent of the new cases are delta," Harris said. The symptoms of delta have been different, she noted. "Very high fevers — we didn't see high fevers last time. It's very variable (for each individual), but it looks like a terrible cold, nasal congestion, headaches, cough ... shortness of breath, low on oxygen. We're starting to see ... diarrhea, which we've only seen in the last few weeks."With allergy season also here, Harris offered advice familiar throughout the pandemic."If you don't feel good, stop. Don't go to work. Don't go to school. Stay home, and go get tested," she said, noting current testing offers a one-day turnaround on results. "That way, we can triage the right people and limit the spread."People are doing a better job this time. We're starting to see people respond quicker," she added. "Instead of not feeling good for a week and then coming in, people are coming in after a couple of days."<h2>Transfers</h2>The influx of COVID patients has put a strain on HaysMed's ICU capacity. As of Friday morning, the hospital was not accepting out-of-county transfers."This has caused the hospital to be very busy with very sick people," she said. "If you have a bad car wreck ... you're not coming."Updated 4:30 p.m. Friday to clarify quote.Harris noted hospital stays for recent COVID inpatients have been lengthy."This is not a quick illness. They're being hospitalized for weeks," she said.Vaccinations come into play with hospital capacity, as well. Noting the 15 unvaccinated COVID inpatients at HaysMed, Harris said, "if everyone would have been vaccinated, we should only have two (of those) people in the hospital right now."<h2>Vaccines for youth</h2>With individuals as young as 12 eligible to be vaccinated, Harris said she "100 percent" believes those younger individuals should receive the shot."The risk of them getting sick with COVID outweighs anything the vaccine could cause. One hundred percent on the 12 and up," she said, noting a COVID diagnosis would mean missing school, school activities and other social opportunities. "It takes several weeks to recover from COVID, to quarantine. We want them to stay healthy."She appreciated Hays USD 489 had put a plan in place that would closely monitor students, staff and teachers, as well as providing for contingencies like a mask requirement should cases spike among the school population."They're on it. They're really watching. They did a great job last year, so kudos to them," Harris said. "Our school nurses are working their buns off."Students — even the youngest —&nbsp;"did amazing" with masks last school year, she said, noting that should it reach that point, she expected the same behavior from students in the future.<h2>Misconceptions</h2>With a flurry of misinformation on social media, Harris quickly pointed out two myths she wanted the public to understand clearly."This vaccine is safe — really safe," she said, noting the speed of release of the vaccine was aided by years of prior research. "The technology they used to create the vaccine has been out for many years. Because the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html">mRNA technology</a> was there, they were able to match it to the spike protein of this particular virus."She also pointed out the misconception the vaccine would have an impact on fertility in women."It has zero effect on fertility," Harris said. "This new variant is really affecting pregnant women and newborns more than the first. The risk of someone pregnant getting sick is very high."<h2>RSV</h2>Another recent development has been a surge in the number of cases of the respiratory disease RSV.Harris said doctors remain unsure if there is any connection between COVID and the RSV upswing. "We're perplexed because there was not a lot of RSV in the winter when we normally see it," she said. "(COVID) has changed the landscape of illness, but RSV is definitely affecting the younger kids .. and some adults."<h2>Around the corner</h2>With the return of students to Fort Hays State University and the beginning of school and school events, Harris expected Ellis County cases to spike again — almost exactly a year from when the initial spike started."Rates will go up the next several weeks," she said. "There's a fix for that. It's called a vaccine."<figure>
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Coronavirus Update