TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT), allowing all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.

All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFjY2Vzc2NvdmlkdGVzdHMub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.9FdGqqB4MN9LbDEeCD3Bz_YLoS-UDXG-OXUDJqfzjvM/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">AccessCovidTests.org</a>. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house. Kansans who need more support to order tests may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).

KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT.

"The ending of the public health emergency is expected to change access to free testing, but our partnership with Project ACT helps us continue to ease access for households with limited access to health care,” said&nbsp;Joan Duve, M.D., state health officer. "Testing continues to help Kansans know whether to stay home or to seek treatment."

Individuals should check their test’s expiration date before using it. If the date has passed, the test may still be appropriate to use; check for an FDA extension at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkYS5nb3YvbWVkaWNhbC1kZXZpY2VzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWNvdmlkLTE5LWFuZC1tZWRpY2FsLWRldmljZXMvaG9tZS1vdGMtY292aWQtMTktZGlhZ25vc3RpYy10ZXN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.EiKdghlu11Ya6OZWct2M9wkjHsFaozYf7xq0k3ZmPSk/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests</a>.

The Project ACT program is made possible through a partnership between KDHE and The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661305026321.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHE TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT), allowing all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFjY2Vzc2NvdmlkdGVzdHMub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.9FdGqqB4MN9LbDEeCD3Bz_YLoS-UDXG-OXUDJqfzjvM/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">AccessCovidTests.org</a>. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house. Kansans who need more support to order tests may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT."The ending of the public health emergency is expected to change access to free testing, but our partnership with Project ACT helps us continue to ease access for households with limited access to health care,” said&nbsp;Joan Duve, M.D., state health officer. "Testing continues to help Kansans know whether to stay home or to seek treatment."Individuals should check their test’s expiration date before using it. If the date has passed, the test may still be appropriate to use; check for an FDA extension at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkYS5nb3YvbWVkaWNhbC1kZXZpY2VzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWNvdmlkLTE5LWFuZC1tZWRpY2FsLWRldmljZXMvaG9tZS1vdGMtY292aWQtMTktZGlhZ25vc3RpYy10ZXN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjA2Ljc3ODE0NTAxIn0.EiKdghlu11Ya6OZWct2M9wkjHsFaozYf7xq0k3ZmPSk/s/1305913623/br/204284050036-l" target="_blank">fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests</a>.The Project ACT program is made possible through a partnership between KDHE and The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital.

Free COVID-19 tests still available for Kansans through June 15

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 15 and 21.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County fell to the the low-incidence category (see map below), along with several other northwest Kansas counties. Wichita, Sheridan and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

<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 8,478 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682535147070.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure> The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 15 and 21.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County fell to the the low-incidence category (see map below), along with several other northwest Kansas counties. Wichita, Sheridan and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<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 8,478 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682535178541.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: New COVID cases dwindle in Ellis Co.; just one new case

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just two new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 8 and 14.

Ellis County fell to the the low-incidence category (see map below), along with several other north west Kansas counties. Ness, Rooks and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,477 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681926359163.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just two new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 8 and 14.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County fell to the the low-incidence category (see map below), along with several other north west Kansas counties. Ness, Rooks and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<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 8,477 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681926583703.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: New COVID cases in Ellis Co. continue to decline

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 1 and 7.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas remained the low-incidence category. Ness, Rooks and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,475 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681334271104.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from April 1 and 7.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas remained the low-incidence category. Ness, Rooks and Jewell counties were in the only counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<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 8,475 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681334424546.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Just 4 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714363772.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<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 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714457793.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Only 4 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nine new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 18 and 24.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Only four counties in Kansas were in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680109151326.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nine new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 18 and 24.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Only four counties in Kansas were in the high-incidence category.<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 8,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680109226527.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 9 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 11 and 17.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,458 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679509196005.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 11 and 17.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category.<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 8,458 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679509175164.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Reports of new COVID cases fall across NW Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 4 and 10.

Ellis County was in the moderate-incidence category (see map below). Just 10 counties across the state were in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,454 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678905651350.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 4 and 10.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County was in the moderate-incidence category (see map below). Just 10 counties across the state were in the high-incidence category.<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 8,454 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678905622633.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 12 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 25 to March 3.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,442 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 25 to March 3.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.<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 8,442 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

KDHE: 10 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 16 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 18 to 24.

Ellis County was returned to the substantial-incidence category, and Cheyenne, Rawlins, Gove and Ness counties were included in the high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,432 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677876116927.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 16 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 18 to 24.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County was returned to the substantial-incidence category, and Cheyenne, Rawlins, Gove and Ness counties were included in the high-incidence category.<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 8,432 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677876090937.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 16 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 16 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 11 to 17.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,416 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 16 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 11 to 17.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.<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 8,416 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported seven new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 4 to 10.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,400 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676485344073.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported seven new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 4 to 10.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.<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 8,400 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

KDHE: Seven new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported six new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 28 and Feb. 3.

Ellis County remained the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego and Osborne counties were the only in northwest Kansas listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,373 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675879738507.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported six new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 28 and Feb. 3.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego and Osborne counties were the only in northwest Kansas listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,373 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675879834678.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Just six new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 11 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 21 and 27.

Ellis County fell to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego, Gove, Thomas and Rawlins county were listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,367 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675286240043.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 11 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 21 and 27.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County fell to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported. Trego, Gove, Thomas and Rawlins county were listed in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,367 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675286299411.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 11 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 14 and 20.

Ellis County was moved to the substantial-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and only Trego County in northwest counties was in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,356 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674669993873.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 14 and 20.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County was moved to the substantial-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and only Trego County in northwest counties was in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,356 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674670102324.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 17 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 7 and 13.

Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and no northwest counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,339 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674064720614.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Jan. 7 and 13.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, the KDHE reported, and no northwest counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,339 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674064827203.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 13 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 31 and Jan. 6.

Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported, while Russell, Trego and Rush counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,326 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673459364136.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 31 and Jan. 6.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported, while Russell, Trego and Rush counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,326 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673459345074.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 15 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 21 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 24 and 30.

Several northwest Kansas counties were removed from the high-incidence category, and Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,311 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672853174046.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 21 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 24 and 30.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Several northwest Kansas counties were removed from the high-incidence category, and Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,311 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672853288955.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 21 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 17 and 23.

Much of northwest Kansas remains in the high-incidence category, but Ellis County dropped to the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,290 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672257007522.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 17 and 23.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Much of northwest Kansas remains in the high-incidence category, but Ellis County dropped to the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,290 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672257070283.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 41 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 10 and 16.

Much of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, remains in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 8,275 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671646559300.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 41 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 10 and 16.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Much of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, remains in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&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 8,275 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671646524526.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 41 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 3 and 9.

Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Cheyenne counties were in the moderate-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,234 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671042444339.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 3 and 9.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Cheyenne counties were in the moderate-incidence category.<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 8,234 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671042567846.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 31 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

By HANNAH RECHT <a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2022/12/12/paxlovid-has-been-free-now-comes-the-sticker-shock/">Kaiser Health News, courtesy Daily Montanan</a>

Nearly 6 million Americans have taken Paxlovid for free, courtesy of 
the federal government. The Pfizer pill has helped prevent many people 
infected with COVID-19 from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7148e2.htm">being hospitalized</a> or dying, and it may even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.03.22281783v1">reduce the risk</a>
 of developing long COVID. But the government plans to stop footing the 
bill within months, and millions of people who are at the highest risk 
of severe illness and are least able to afford the drug — the uninsured 
and seniors — may have to pay the full price.

And that means fewer people will get the potentially lifesaving treatments, experts said.

“I think the numbers will go way down,” said Jill Rosenthal, director
 of public health policy at the Center for American Progress, a 
left-leaning think tank. A bill for several hundred dollars or more 
would lead many people to decide the medication isn’t worth the price, 
she said.

In response to the unprecedented public health crisis caused by 
COVID, the federal government spent billions of dollars on developing 
new vaccines and treatments, to swift success: Less than a year after 
the pandemic was declared, medical workers got their first vaccines. But
 as many people have refused the shots and stopped wearing masks, the 
virus still rages and mutates. In 2022 alone, 250,000 Americans <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_totaldeaths_select_00">have died</a> from COVID, <a target="_blank" href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Monthly-Provisional-Counts-of-Deaths-by-Select-Cau/9dzk-mvmi/data">more than</a> from strokes or diabetes.

But soon the Department of Health and Human Services will stop 
supplying COVID treatments, and pharmacies will purchase and bill for 
them the same way they do for antibiotic pills or asthma inhalers. 
Paxlovid is expected to hit the private market in mid-2023, according to
 HHS plans shared in an October meeting with state health officials and 
clinicians. Merck’s Lagevrio, a less-effective COVID treatment pill, and
 AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, a preventive therapy for the immunocompromised,
 are on track to be commercialized sooner, sometime in the winter.

The U.S. government has so far purchased <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/26/fact-sheet-biden-administration-increases-access-to-covid-19-treatments-and-boosts-patient-and-provider-awareness/">20 million courses</a>
 of Paxlovid, priced at about $530 each, a discount for buying in bulk 
that Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called “really very attractive” to the 
federal government in a July earnings call. The drug will cost far more 
on the private market, although in a statement to KHN, Pfizer declined 
to share the planned price. The government will also stop paying for the
 company’s COVID vaccine next year — those shots will <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/pfizer-covid-cash-marketing-drugs/">quadruple in price</a>, from the discount rate the government pays of $30 to about $120.

Bourla told investors in November that he expects the move will make 
Paxlovid and its COVID vaccine “a multibillion-dollars franchise.”

Nearly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/11/28/covid-who-is-dying/">9 in 10 people</a> dying from the virus now are 65 or older. Yet federal law restricts Medicare Part D — the prescription drug program that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/medicare-beneficiaries-enrolled-in-part-d-coverage/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D">covers nearly 50 million seniors</a>
 — from covering the COVID treatment pills. The medications are meant 
for those most at risk of serious illness, including seniors.

Paxlovid and the other treatments are currently available under an 
emergency use authorization from the FDA, a fast-track review used in 
extraordinary situations. Although Pfizer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-announces-submission-new-drug-application-us-fda">applied for full approval</a>
 in June, the process can take anywhere from several months to years. 
And Medicare Part D can’t cover any medications without that full stamp 
of approval.

Paying out-of-pocket would be “a substantial barrier” for seniors on 
Medicare — the very people who would benefit most from the drug, wrote <a target="_blank" href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1072f5093254224ac902ca395387085c/coverage-considerations-covid-19.pdf">federal health experts</a>.

“From a public health perspective, and even from a health care 
capacity and cost perspective, it would just defy reason to not continue
 to make these drugs readily available,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical 
director of Massachusetts’ Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory 
Sciences. He’s hopeful that the federal health agency will find a way to
 set aside unused doses for seniors and people without insurance.

In mid-November, the White House requested that Congress approve an 
additional $2.5 billion for COVID therapeutics and vaccines to make sure
 people can afford the medications when they’re no longer free. But 
there’s little hope it will be approved — the Senate <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-votes-to-end-covid-19-emergency-declaration-11668559887">voted that same day to end</a> the public health emergency and denied similar requests in recent months.

Many Americans have already faced hurdles just <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/test-to-treat-biden-covid-failing-patients-pharmacies-cvs/">getting a prescription</a> for COVID treatment. Although the federal government <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/paxlovid-covid-pill-antiviral-access-data/">doesn’t track</a> who’s gotten the drug, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7143a2.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study</a>
 using data from 30 medical centers found that Black and Hispanic 
patients with COVID were much less likely to receive Paxlovid than white
 patients. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races.)
 And when the government is no longer picking up the tab, experts 
predict that these gaps by race, income, and geography will widen.

People in Northeastern states used the drug far more often than those
 in the rest of the country, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis 
of Paxlovid use in September and October. But it wasn’t because people 
in the region were getting sick from COVID at much higher rates — 
instead, many of those states offered better <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/report.htm">access to health care</a> to begin with and created special programs to get Paxlovid to their residents.

About 10 mostly Democratic states and several large counties in the 
Northeast and elsewhere created free “test-to-treat” programs that allow
 their residents to get an immediate doctor visit and prescription for 
treatment after testing positive for COVID. In Massachusetts, more than 
20,000 residents have used the state’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-telehealth-for-covid-19-treatment-with-paxlovid">video and phone hotline</a>,
 which is available seven days a week in 13 languages. Massachusetts, 
which has the highest insurance rate in the country and relatively low 
travel times to pharmacies, had the second-highest Paxlovid usage rate 
among states this fall.

States with higher COVID death rates, like Florida and Kentucky, 
where residents must travel farther for health care and are more likely 
to be uninsured, used the drug less often. Without no-cost test-to-treat
 options, <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/test-to-treat-biden-covid-failing-patients-pharmacies-cvs/">residents have struggled</a> to get prescriptions even though the drug itself is still free.

“If you look at access to medications for people who are uninsured, I
 think that there’s no question that will widen those disparities,” 
Rosenthal said.

People who get insurance through their jobs could face high copays at
 the register, too, just as they do for insulin and other expensive or 
brand-name drugs.

Most private insurance companies will end up covering COVID 
therapeutics to some extent, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor
 at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms. After 
all, the pills are cheaper than a hospital stay. But for most people who
 get insurance through their jobs, there are “really no rules at all,” 
she said. Some insurers could take months to add the drugs to their 
plans or decide not to pay for them.

And the additional cost means many people will go without the medication.

“We know from lots of research that when people face cost sharing for
 these drugs that they need to take, they will often forgo or cut back,”
 Corlette said.

One group doesn’t need to worry about sticker shock. Medicaid, the 
public insurance program for low-income adults and children, will cover 
the treatments in full until at least early 2024.

HHS officials could set aside any leftover taxpayer-funded medication
 for people who can’t afford to pay the full cost, but they haven’t 
shared any concrete plans to do so. The government purchased 20 million 
courses of Paxlovid and 3 million of Lagevrio. Fewer than a third have 
been used, and usage has fallen in recent months, according to KHN’s 
analysis of the data from HHS.

Sixty percent of the government’s supply of Evusheld is also still available, although the COVID prevention therapy is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-releases-important-information-about-risk-covid-19-due-certain-variants-not-neutralized-evusheld">less effective</a> against new strains of the virus. The health department in one state, <a target="_blank" href="https://files.constantcontact.com/8088728e101/558b11b0-e00f-47d7-8ec1-645904ec1905.pdf">New Mexico</a>, has recommended against using it.

HHS did not make officials available for an interview or answer written questions about the commercialization plans.

The government created a potential workaround when they moved 
bebtelovimab, another COVID treatment, to the private market this 
summer. It now retails for $2,100 per patient. The agency set aside the 
remaining 60,000 government-purchased doses that hospitals could use to 
treat uninsured patients in a convoluted <a target="_blank" href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/Products/Bebtelovimab/Pages/default.aspx">dose-replacement process</a>. But it’s hard to tell how well that setup would work for Paxlovid: Bebtelovimab was already much less popular, and the FDA <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-bebtelovimab-not-currently-authorized-any-us-region">halted its use</a> on Nov. 30 because it’s less effective against current strains of the virus.

Federal officials and insurance companies would have good reason to 
make sure patients can continue to afford covid drugs: They’re far 
cheaper than if patients land in the emergency room.

“The medications are so worthwhile,” said Madoff, the Massachusetts 
health official. “They’re not expensive in the grand scheme of health 
care costs.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.khn.org/about-us">KHN</a> 
(Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth 
journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and 
Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a> (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670875530434.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>By HANNAH RECHT <a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2022/12/12/paxlovid-has-been-free-now-comes-the-sticker-shock/">Kaiser Health News, courtesy Daily Montanan</a>Nearly 6 million Americans have taken Paxlovid for free, courtesy of 
the federal government. The Pfizer pill has helped prevent many people 
infected with COVID-19 from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7148e2.htm">being hospitalized</a> or dying, and it may even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.03.22281783v1">reduce the risk</a>
 of developing long COVID. But the government plans to stop footing the 
bill within months, and millions of people who are at the highest risk 
of severe illness and are least able to afford the drug — the uninsured 
and seniors — may have to pay the full price.And that means fewer people will get the potentially lifesaving treatments, experts said.“I think the numbers will go way down,” said Jill Rosenthal, director
 of public health policy at the Center for American Progress, a 
left-leaning think tank. A bill for several hundred dollars or more 
would lead many people to decide the medication isn’t worth the price, 
she said.In response to the unprecedented public health crisis caused by 
COVID, the federal government spent billions of dollars on developing 
new vaccines and treatments, to swift success: Less than a year after 
the pandemic was declared, medical workers got their first vaccines. But
 as many people have refused the shots and stopped wearing masks, the 
virus still rages and mutates. In 2022 alone, 250,000 Americans <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_totaldeaths_select_00">have died</a> from COVID, <a target="_blank" href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Monthly-Provisional-Counts-of-Deaths-by-Select-Cau/9dzk-mvmi/data">more than</a> from strokes or diabetes.But soon the Department of Health and Human Services will stop 
supplying COVID treatments, and pharmacies will purchase and bill for 
them the same way they do for antibiotic pills or asthma inhalers. 
Paxlovid is expected to hit the private market in mid-2023, according to
 HHS plans shared in an October meeting with state health officials and 
clinicians. Merck’s Lagevrio, a less-effective COVID treatment pill, and
 AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, a preventive therapy for the immunocompromised,
 are on track to be commercialized sooner, sometime in the winter.The U.S. government has so far purchased <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/26/fact-sheet-biden-administration-increases-access-to-covid-19-treatments-and-boosts-patient-and-provider-awareness/">20 million courses</a>
 of Paxlovid, priced at about $530 each, a discount for buying in bulk 
that Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called “really very attractive” to the 
federal government in a July earnings call. The drug will cost far more 
on the private market, although in a statement to KHN, Pfizer declined 
to share the planned price. The government will also stop paying for the
 company’s COVID vaccine next year — those shots will <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/pfizer-covid-cash-marketing-drugs/">quadruple in price</a>, from the discount rate the government pays of $30 to about $120.Bourla told investors in November that he expects the move will make 
Paxlovid and its COVID vaccine “a multibillion-dollars franchise.”Nearly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/11/28/covid-who-is-dying/">9 in 10 people</a> dying from the virus now are 65 or older. Yet federal law restricts Medicare Part D — the prescription drug program that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/medicare-beneficiaries-enrolled-in-part-d-coverage/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D">covers nearly 50 million seniors</a>
 — from covering the COVID treatment pills. The medications are meant 
for those most at risk of serious illness, including seniors.Paxlovid and the other treatments are currently available under an 
emergency use authorization from the FDA, a fast-track review used in 
extraordinary situations. Although Pfizer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-announces-submission-new-drug-application-us-fda">applied for full approval</a>
 in June, the process can take anywhere from several months to years. 
And Medicare Part D can’t cover any medications without that full stamp 
of approval.Paying out-of-pocket would be “a substantial barrier” for seniors on 
Medicare — the very people who would benefit most from the drug, wrote <a target="_blank" href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1072f5093254224ac902ca395387085c/coverage-considerations-covid-19.pdf">federal health experts</a>.“From a public health perspective, and even from a health care 
capacity and cost perspective, it would just defy reason to not continue
 to make these drugs readily available,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical 
director of Massachusetts’ Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory 
Sciences. He’s hopeful that the federal health agency will find a way to
 set aside unused doses for seniors and people without insurance.In mid-November, the White House requested that Congress approve an 
additional $2.5 billion for COVID therapeutics and vaccines to make sure
 people can afford the medications when they’re no longer free. But 
there’s little hope it will be approved — the Senate <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-votes-to-end-covid-19-emergency-declaration-11668559887">voted that same day to end</a> the public health emergency and denied similar requests in recent months.Many Americans have already faced hurdles just <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/test-to-treat-biden-covid-failing-patients-pharmacies-cvs/">getting a prescription</a> for COVID treatment. Although the federal government <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/paxlovid-covid-pill-antiviral-access-data/">doesn’t track</a> who’s gotten the drug, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7143a2.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study</a>
 using data from 30 medical centers found that Black and Hispanic 
patients with COVID were much less likely to receive Paxlovid than white
 patients. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races.)
 And when the government is no longer picking up the tab, experts 
predict that these gaps by race, income, and geography will widen.People in Northeastern states used the drug far more often than those
 in the rest of the country, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis 
of Paxlovid use in September and October. But it wasn’t because people 
in the region were getting sick from COVID at much higher rates — 
instead, many of those states offered better <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/report.htm">access to health care</a> to begin with and created special programs to get Paxlovid to their residents.About 10 mostly Democratic states and several large counties in the 
Northeast and elsewhere created free “test-to-treat” programs that allow
 their residents to get an immediate doctor visit and prescription for 
treatment after testing positive for COVID. In Massachusetts, more than 
20,000 residents have used the state’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-telehealth-for-covid-19-treatment-with-paxlovid">video and phone hotline</a>,
 which is available seven days a week in 13 languages. Massachusetts, 
which has the highest insurance rate in the country and relatively low 
travel times to pharmacies, had the second-highest Paxlovid usage rate 
among states this fall.States with higher COVID death rates, like Florida and Kentucky, 
where residents must travel farther for health care and are more likely 
to be uninsured, used the drug less often. Without no-cost test-to-treat
 options, <a target="_blank" href="https://khn.org/news/article/test-to-treat-biden-covid-failing-patients-pharmacies-cvs/">residents have struggled</a> to get prescriptions even though the drug itself is still free.“If you look at access to medications for people who are uninsured, I
 think that there’s no question that will widen those disparities,” 
Rosenthal said.People who get insurance through their jobs could face high copays at
 the register, too, just as they do for insulin and other expensive or 
brand-name drugs.Most private insurance companies will end up covering COVID 
therapeutics to some extent, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor
 at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms. After 
all, the pills are cheaper than a hospital stay. But for most people who
 get insurance through their jobs, there are “really no rules at all,” 
she said. Some insurers could take months to add the drugs to their 
plans or decide not to pay for them.And the additional cost means many people will go without the medication.“We know from lots of research that when people face cost sharing for
 these drugs that they need to take, they will often forgo or cut back,”
 Corlette said.One group doesn’t need to worry about sticker shock. Medicaid, the 
public insurance program for low-income adults and children, will cover 
the treatments in full until at least early 2024.HHS officials could set aside any leftover taxpayer-funded medication
 for people who can’t afford to pay the full cost, but they haven’t 
shared any concrete plans to do so. The government purchased 20 million 
courses of Paxlovid and 3 million of Lagevrio. Fewer than a third have 
been used, and usage has fallen in recent months, according to KHN’s 
analysis of the data from HHS.Sixty percent of the government’s supply of Evusheld is also still available, although the COVID prevention therapy is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-releases-important-information-about-risk-covid-19-due-certain-variants-not-neutralized-evusheld">less effective</a> against new strains of the virus. The health department in one state, <a target="_blank" href="https://files.constantcontact.com/8088728e101/558b11b0-e00f-47d7-8ec1-645904ec1905.pdf">New Mexico</a>, has recommended against using it.HHS did not make officials available for an interview or answer written questions about the commercialization plans.The government created a potential workaround when they moved 
bebtelovimab, another COVID treatment, to the private market this 
summer. It now retails for $2,100 per patient. The agency set aside the 
remaining 60,000 government-purchased doses that hospitals could use to 
treat uninsured patients in a convoluted <a target="_blank" href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/Products/Bebtelovimab/Pages/default.aspx">dose-replacement process</a>. But it’s hard to tell how well that setup would work for Paxlovid: Bebtelovimab was already much less popular, and the FDA <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-bebtelovimab-not-currently-authorized-any-us-region">halted its use</a> on Nov. 30 because it’s less effective against current strains of the virus.Federal officials and insurance companies would have good reason to 
make sure patients can continue to afford covid drugs: They’re far 
cheaper than if patients land in the emergency room.“The medications are so worthwhile,” said Madoff, the Massachusetts 
health official. “They’re not expensive in the grand scheme of health 
care costs.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.khn.org/about-us">KHN</a> 
(Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth 
journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and 
Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a> (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

COVID treatment Paxlovid has been free; now comes the sticker shock

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 52 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Rush counties were in the substantial-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,203 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438674564.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 52 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Rush counties were in the substantial-incidence category.<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 8,203 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438747530.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 52 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 19 to 25.

Ellis County returned to the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,151 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669831722211.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 19 to 25.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County returned to the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.<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 8,151 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669831784894.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 30 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 27 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 12 to Nov. 18.

Ellis County remained in the substantial-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,121 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669228281746.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 27 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 12 to Nov. 18.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the substantial-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several other northwest Kansas counties were in the substantial- or high-incidence category.<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 8,121 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669228109411.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

Coronavirus Update