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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,796 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.

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

Due to an ongoing system upgrade at the KDHE, the latest number of deaths in Ellis County were unavailable.

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Update: July 30, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=qs4dt-10a1679-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported two new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,796 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported eight COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Due to an ongoing system upgrade at the KDHE, the latest number of deaths in Ellis County were unavailable.

🎙KDHE: Two new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,794 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627499447009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nine new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,794 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported six COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Due to an ongoing system upgrade at the KDHE, the latest number of deaths in Ellis County were unavailable.

KDHE: Nine new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.

Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.

The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.

Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.

“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”

Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.

“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”

Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.

Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.

Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.

In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.

Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.

And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.

Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.

On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.

Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”

“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.

Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.

“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”

And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.

You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.

Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?

Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.

The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.

But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.

And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.

That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.

“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”

Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”

The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.

So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.

Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.

Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.

“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.

“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”

Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.

“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”

The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.

But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.

So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.

Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.

Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.

So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330587128.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.That’s why time really matters.Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.<h2>The delta in Kansas</h2>In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330645256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.<h2>The big question</h2>How bad will it get in Kansas?Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330675834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.So what happens next?“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”<h2>The school debate</h2>Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kan. COVID cases skyrocket from hundreds to thousands per week 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,785 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627325923993.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no 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 two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,785 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

KDHE: No new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ellis County, but with an effective vaccine available Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said there is little cause for local concern.

"Yes, it is in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "We do currently have one case as credited by the state."

But the work needed to identify variants in positive COVID-19 tests occurs in only about one in ten tests, so the number could potentially be higher, he said.

"We do believe that the Delta variant is probably the primary COVID-19 that we have in Ellis County," Kennedy said.

But so far, there has been no impact seen due to the variant.

"It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased hospitalizations over and above what the standard COVID-19 did," Kennedy said. "It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased mortality above and beyond what COVID-19 (did.)

"Actually, what we are seeing is maybe reduced hospitalizations or reduced mortality from the Delta variant, likely due to vaccines."

Three vaccines have been developed and are all readily available in Hays and Kennedy said they are all highly effective against the COVID-19, including the Delta variant.

"It really doesn't matter which of the three vaccines you get," he said. "Some of them are shown to be slightly more effective, some of them are shown to be slightly less effective, but they are all effective.

"And what we are finding, even with the Delta variant - as with COVID-19 - is that the vaccinated people do not seem to be getting hospitalized, and they are not dying, even if they get COVID-19. 

"Ninety-nine point five percent - 99.5, that's a big number - percent of COVID deaths, right now are in the unvaccinated population. There is no way around that number."

He said cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated people are also sporadic, and those cases are typically mild or asymptomatic.

"The vaccine does appear to be effective, and it is working," Kennedy said. "We have a tool. The only tool that is highly effective and will limit the overall impact of this pandemic is vaccination."

With the number of vaccines that have been given out across the globe, Kennedy said there is also overwhelming data showing they are safe.

"There are all kinds of statistics, but what we know about this vaccine is that it is overwhelmingly safe," he said. "The negative incidents with this vaccine are generally less than what we find with any other vaccine."

But the hesitancy remains, and ultimately he said the unvaccinated make up the majority of cases today.

"Right now, we are in a pandemic of the unvaccinated population," Kennedy said. "And that is just a simple fact. If you don't want to get COVID-19, or if you are fearful that you might get COVID-19, or you are fearful you might spread it to someone else, be vaccinated. Go get vaccinated."

While he said the vaccines are effective, he does not believe they should be made mandatory.

"It's a personal choice," Kennedy said. "It's your right to do that. It is your right not to do that."

But he hopes those choosing not to receive the vaccine will consider all of the potential impacts.

"The vast majority of COVID-19 impacts have just been social impacts," Kennedy said, including extend quarantines and lockdowns. "That's been the vast majority."

He said limiting those impacts, alongside the medical impacts, requires vaccinations.

"If you are vaccinated, and you are next to someone that is positive, you won't be quarantined," Kennedy said. "You will be able to go to work; you can continue to live your life. If you're vaccinated, even in an area that has mask mandates, almost all of them, if you are vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask. Right now, it is the way for us to continue forward."

He said that the pandemic would last longer without more vaccinations, and the push for mandates will continue.

And with attention toward the new variant and vaccination rates leveling off, stories of returning mandates and full hospitals may be easy to believe, but are untrue, Kennedy said.

"That, unfortunately, is an overdramatization of the events," he said. "The hospital has plenty of beds. The hospital has a great staff, the hospital has the tools to treat you if you get COVID-19, and you have tools to protect yourself if you don't want to get COVID-19."

And the return of restrictions is unlikely.

"Right now, there is no outlook for shutdowns in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "There is no outlook for any mandates in Ellis County. We will not close businesses. We will not mandate masks. We will not limit gathering sizes.

 "The government will not fight the pandemic for you. It is your turn to fight your pandemic."

<div><iframe title="Kennedy: Delta variant is here, but we have the tool to stop it" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=rwtaz-109866c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ellis County, but with an effective vaccine available Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said there is little cause for local concern."Yes, it is in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "We do currently have one case as credited by the state."But the work needed to identify variants in positive COVID-19 tests occurs in only about one in ten tests, so the number could potentially be higher, he said."We do believe that the Delta variant is probably the primary COVID-19 that we have in Ellis County," Kennedy said.But so far, there has been no impact seen due to the variant."It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased hospitalizations over and above what the standard COVID-19 did," Kennedy said. "It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased mortality above and beyond what COVID-19 (did.)"Actually, what we are seeing is maybe reduced hospitalizations or reduced mortality from the Delta variant, likely due to vaccines."Three vaccines have been developed and are all readily available in Hays and Kennedy said they are all highly effective against the COVID-19, including the Delta variant."It really doesn't matter which of the three vaccines you get," he said. "Some of them are shown to be slightly more effective, some of them are shown to be slightly less effective, but they are all effective."And what we are finding, even with the Delta variant - as with COVID-19 - is that the vaccinated people do not seem to be getting hospitalized, and they are not dying, even if they get COVID-19. "Ninety-nine point five percent - 99.5, that's a big number - percent of COVID deaths, right now are in the unvaccinated population. There is no way around that number."He said cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated people are also sporadic, and those cases are typically mild or asymptomatic."The vaccine does appear to be effective, and it is working," Kennedy said. "We have a tool. The only tool that is highly effective and will limit the overall impact of this pandemic is vaccination."With the number of vaccines that have been given out across the globe, Kennedy said there is also overwhelming data showing they are safe."There are all kinds of statistics, but what we know about this vaccine is that it is overwhelmingly safe," he said. "The negative incidents with this vaccine are generally less than what we find with any other vaccine."But the hesitancy remains, and ultimately he said the unvaccinated make up the majority of cases today."Right now, we are in a pandemic of the unvaccinated population," Kennedy said. "And that is just a simple fact. If you don't want to get COVID-19, or if you are fearful that you might get COVID-19, or you are fearful you might spread it to someone else, be vaccinated. Go get vaccinated."While he said the vaccines are effective, he does not believe they should be made mandatory."It's a personal choice," Kennedy said. "It's your right to do that. It is your right not to do that."But he hopes those choosing not to receive the vaccine will consider all of the potential impacts."The vast majority of COVID-19 impacts have just been social impacts," Kennedy said, including extend quarantines and lockdowns. "That's been the vast majority."He said limiting those impacts, alongside the medical impacts, requires vaccinations."If you are vaccinated, and you are next to someone that is positive, you won't be quarantined," Kennedy said. "You will be able to go to work; you can continue to live your life. If you're vaccinated, even in an area that has mask mandates, almost all of them, if you are vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask. Right now, it is the way for us to continue forward."He said that the pandemic would last longer without more vaccinations, and the push for mandates will continue.And with attention toward the new variant and vaccination rates leveling off, stories of returning mandates and full hospitals may be easy to believe, but are untrue, Kennedy said."That, unfortunately, is an overdramatization of the events," he said. "The hospital has plenty of beds. The hospital has a great staff, the hospital has the tools to treat you if you get COVID-19, and you have tools to protect yourself if you don't want to get COVID-19."And the return of restrictions is unlikely."Right now, there is no outlook for shutdowns in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "There is no outlook for any mandates in Ellis County. We will not close businesses. We will not mandate masks. We will not limit gathering sizes. "The government will not fight the pandemic for you. It is your turn to fight your pandemic."

🎙Kennedy: Delta variant in Ellis Co., but we have the tool to stop it

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627065081550.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported two new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.&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 Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,785 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

KDHE: Two new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 3,783 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths. On Monday, KDHE revised total case count downward, noting some cases reported are preliminary and subject to change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626888145819.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&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 Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported six COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,783 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths. On Monday, KDHE revised total case count downward, noting some cases reported are preliminary and subject to change.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626888222862.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 10 new virus cases identified in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported three new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. However, the overall case count dropped by six after preliminary case counts were updated by the state on Friday.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,773 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626716837819.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported three new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. However, the overall case count dropped by six after preliminary case counts were updated by the state on Friday.<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 five COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,773 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE revises Ellis Co. COVID figures; three new cases since Friday

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,779 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626288426771.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported three new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&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 Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,779 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: Three new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.

That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.

The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.

Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.

Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.

Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.

J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.___

US officials flag "small" risk with J&J vaccine

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,776 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625852180120.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported three 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.Since reporting began, there have been 3,776 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: Three new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.

The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.

Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.

On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”

Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.

“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”

He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.

Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.

Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”

Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”

The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”

Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

Fauci: Too soon to say if you may need vaccine booster

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported five new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. There was no case update Monday due to the Fourth of July holiday.

As of Wednesday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported two active COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

Corrected 2:08 p.m. Wednesday to clarify number of new cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625682738634.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported five new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. There was no case update Monday due to the Fourth of July holiday.<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,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported two active COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.Corrected 2:08 p.m. Wednesday to clarify number of new cases.

KDHE: Five new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

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

As of Friday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported no COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,765 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625247967896.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<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,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported no COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,765 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: One new virus case in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,764 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625073464209.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported three new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<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 University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,764 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday — the first new case reported since June 16.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,761 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624902722157.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday — the first new case reported since June 16.<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 one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,761 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: First new virus case since June 16 ID'd in Ellis Co.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday — with just one new case reported since June 16.

As of Friday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported there were no COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624642727027.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday — with just one new case reported since June 16.<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,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported there were no COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: Last new virus case reported in Ellis Co. was June 16

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday — with just one new case reported since June 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624468666858.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday — with just one new case reported since June 16.<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 University of Kansas Health System reported two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624295832902.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

The University of Kansas Health System on Friday said HaysMed reported its first active patient in more than a week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624036569962.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: June 18, 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=5wvck-106a04f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.The University of Kansas Health System on Friday said HaysMed reported its first active patient in more than a week.&nbsp;Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 No new virus cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccine data

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified in the past week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623864581718.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified in the past week.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: Just one new virus case in Ellis Co. in past week

Since reporting began, there have been 3,759 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623691380443.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,759 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported there were zero COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed for three consecutive days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623431729289.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<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, the University of Kansas Health System reported there were zero COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed for three consecutive days.Since reporting began, there have been 3,759 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 269 to a total of 315,769, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5106.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 269 to a total of 315,769, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5106.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623431244684.png" alt="Friday June 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday June 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are investigating what appear to be higher than expected reports of heart inflammation in male teens and young adults after they get a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

It’s not clear if the heart inflammation is caused by the shots and the reports still are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It urges everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.

As of May 31, the agency had 275 preliminary reports of such inflammation in 16- to 24-year-olds, CDC’s Dr. Tom Shimabukuro told a government vaccine meeting on Thursday. That’s out of more than 12 million second-dose injections of the vaccines.

The cases seem to occur more often in men and in younger people, and most already have fully recovered, he said.

This kind of heart inflammation can be caused by a variety of infections, including a bout of COVID-19, as well as certain medications — and there have been rare reports following other types of vaccinations.

The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee will meet on June 18 to further evaluate the possible risk.

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are investigating what appear to be higher than expected reports of heart inflammation in male teens and young adults after they get a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.It’s not clear if the heart inflammation is caused by the shots and the reports still are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It urges everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.As of May 31, the agency had 275 preliminary reports of such inflammation in 16- to 24-year-olds, CDC’s Dr. Tom Shimabukuro told a government vaccine meeting on Thursday. That’s out of more than 12 million second-dose injections of the vaccines.The cases seem to occur more often in men and in younger people, and most already have fully recovered, he said.This kind of heart inflammation can be caused by a variety of infections, including a bout of COVID-19, as well as certain medications — and there have been rare reports following other types of vaccinations.The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee will meet on June 18 to further evaluate the possible risk.

Coronavirus Update