The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new&nbsp; COVID-19 cases in Ellis County identified since 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 three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, two active and one recovering.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,747 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621271231078.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new&nbsp; COVID-19 cases in Ellis County identified since 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 three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, two active and one recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,747 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

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

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday defended the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines.

“I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals. And it evolved," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on FOX News Sunday. “I deliver it as soon as I can when we have that information available.”

Under the new guidelines released last week, fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — can quit wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.

However, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks, the agency said. The guidance also still calls for masks in crowded indoor settings including buses, airplanes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

The sudden change sparked praise from those eager to return to pre-pandemic life, particularly those who see the new guidelines as a way to reopen workplaces, schools and other venues that went dark during the pandemic.

Yet concerns have been raised from those who say there's no easy way for businesses and others to determine who is fully vaccinated and who is not. Instead, many will have to rely on an honor system as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots.

“I would imagine within a period of just a couple of weeks, you’re going to start to see significant clarification of some of the actually understandable and reasonable questions that people are asking,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of the U.S. government’s pandemic response, said on Face the Nation.

The timing of the change has also faced questions. Just days earlier, Walensky had defended the agency's strict mask guidance in front of a Senate committee where some Republicans on the panel described the CDC's guidance as “unworkable.”

When pressed about the quick turnaround on the agency's stance on mask wearing, Walensky said the agency was not giving in to pressure but instead needed time to review evolving science.

“I can tell you it certainly would have been easier if the science had evolved a week earlier and I didn’t have to go to Congress making those statements. But I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals,” she said.

To date more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated.

Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to “declare victory,” but added that she was “cautiously optimistic" about the pandemic.

“We have to remain humble. We’ve had way too many curveballs in this pandemic come to us. But I am really cautiously optimistic that we are in a good place right now, that cases continue to come down,” she said.

But, she added, even though the guidance has changed, “there’s no need for everybody to start ripping off their masks."

“There is no mandate to take it off. What we’re saying is, now this is safe," she said. “Work at your own speed, work with your own family and your own businesses to remove them when necessary."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621194714478.png" alt="Walensky during a White House briefing last week said, "We have all longed for this moment - when we can get back to some sense of normalcy – and that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated!"&nbsp; Photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Walensky during a White House briefing last week said, "We have all longed for this moment - when we can get back to some sense of normalcy – and that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated!"&nbsp; Photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIMBERLEE KRUESI, Associated PressThe head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday defended the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines.“I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals. And it evolved," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on FOX News Sunday. “I deliver it as soon as I can when we have that information available.”Under the new guidelines released last week, fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — can quit wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.However, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks, the agency said. The guidance also still calls for masks in crowded indoor settings including buses, airplanes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.The sudden change sparked praise from those eager to return to pre-pandemic life, particularly those who see the new guidelines as a way to reopen workplaces, schools and other venues that went dark during the pandemic.Yet concerns have been raised from those who say there's no easy way for businesses and others to determine who is fully vaccinated and who is not. Instead, many will have to rely on an honor system as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots.“I would imagine within a period of just a couple of weeks, you’re going to start to see significant clarification of some of the actually understandable and reasonable questions that people are asking,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of the U.S. government’s pandemic response, said on Face the Nation.The timing of the change has also faced questions. Just days earlier, Walensky had defended the agency's strict mask guidance in front of a Senate committee where some Republicans on the panel described the CDC's guidance as “unworkable.”When pressed about the quick turnaround on the agency's stance on mask wearing, Walensky said the agency was not giving in to pressure but instead needed time to review evolving science.“I can tell you it certainly would have been easier if the science had evolved a week earlier and I didn’t have to go to Congress making those statements. But I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals,” she said.To date more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated.Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to “declare victory,” but added that she was “cautiously optimistic" about the pandemic.“We have to remain humble. We’ve had way too many curveballs in this pandemic come to us. But I am really cautiously optimistic that we are in a good place right now, that cases continue to come down,” she said.But, she added, even though the guidance has changed, “there’s no need for everybody to start ripping off their masks."“There is no mandate to take it off. What we’re saying is, now this is safe," she said. “Work at your own speed, work with your own family and your own businesses to remove them when necessary."

CDC director defends decision to ditch masks

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

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

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 14, 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=y9hf2-1037dc5-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621095478496.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported three new&nbsp; COVID-19 cases in Ellis County 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 two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, one active and one recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,747 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.

The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.

“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.

Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.

“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.

Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.

Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.

The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.

In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.

Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.

In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.

Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.

As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID shot for kids 12 and up

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday revised Monday's report of&nbsp; COVID-19 cases in Ellis County, dropping the total case count by one.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,744 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620843043720.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday revised Monday's report of&nbsp; COVID-19 cases in Ellis County, dropping the total case count by one.<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, one active and one recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,744 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

KDHE revises virus case count in Ellis Co.; cases down one

WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.

Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.

Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.

“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.

The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.

The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.

The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.

“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.

The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.

“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.

Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.

Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.

“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”

Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.___

US children age 12-15 can now get Pfizer COVID shot 

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,745 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620666610215.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported six new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since 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 two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,745 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

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

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,739 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620411718750.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 7, 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=qjhuj-102e0a1-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&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 two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County 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 two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,739 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

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

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

As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed in the active phase.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,737 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

NOTE:&nbsp;KDHE revised the death total Friday and again Monday, lowering the figure by two.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620235710429.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County 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 one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,737 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.NOTE:&nbsp;KDHE revised the death total Friday and again Monday, lowering the figure by two.

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

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,735 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620061921226.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since 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 one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,735 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.NOTE:&nbsp;KDHE revised the death total Friday and again Monday, lowering the figure by two.

KDHE: Just one new virus case in Ellis Co. since Friday

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

As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, with one active and two in the recovery phase.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,734 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10. 

NOTE: KDHE revised the death total Friday, lowering the figure by one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619802793534.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: April 30, 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=qi8ec-1023675-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&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 just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County 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 three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, with one active and two in the recovery phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,734 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10. NOTE: KDHE revised the death total Friday, lowering the figure by one.

🎙KDHE: Just one new COVID case in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

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

As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, with one active and two in the recovery phase.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,733 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619631450940.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County 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 three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, with one active and two in the recovery phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,733 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

KDHE: Just one new virus case in Ellis Co. since Monday

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,732 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619457837224.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since 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 two COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both in the recovery phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,732 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

KDHE: Two new COVID-19 cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.

Since reporting began, there have been&nbsp;3,730 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: April 23, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=c9gcy-1018c72-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=1"></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County 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 four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.Since reporting began, there have been&nbsp;3,730 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619201824081.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Just one new virus case in Ellis Co.; Kennedy talks vaccines

NEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?

Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.

“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”

So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.

Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.

Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.

While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.

“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.

Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.

The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.

So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.

If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.

The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

By CANDICE CHOI, Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

Experts unsure how long protection from COVID vaccine lasts

Since reporting began, there have been&nbsp;3,729 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619025267379.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday.<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&nbsp;3,729 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.

Since reporting began, there have been&nbsp;3,728 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618856631948.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported two new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since 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 four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.Since reporting began, there have been&nbsp;3,728 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Ellis Co. since Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — The global death toll from the coronavirus topped a staggering 3 million people Saturday amid repeated setbacks in the worldwide vaccination campaign and a deepening crisis in places such as Brazil, India and France.

The number of lives lost, <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">as compiled by Johns Hopkins University</a>, is about equal to the population of Kyiv, Ukraine; Caracas, Venezuela; or metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal. It is bigger than Chicago (2.7 million) and equivalent to Philadelphia and Dallas combined.

And the true number is believed to be significantly higher because of possible government concealment and the many cases overlooked in the early stages of the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.

When the world back in January passed the bleak threshold of 2 million deaths, immunization drives had just started in Europe and the United States. Today, they are underway in more than 190 countries, though progress in bringing the virus under control varies widely.

While the campaigns in the U.S. and Britain have hit their stride and people and businesses there are beginning to contemplate life after the pandemic, other places, mostly poorer countries but some rich ones as well, are lagging behind in putting shots in arms and have imposed new lockdowns and other restrictions as virus cases soar.

Worldwide, deaths are on the rise again, running at around 12,000 per day on average, and new cases are climbing too, eclipsing 700,000 a day.

“This is not the situation we want to be in 16 months into a pandemic, where we have proven control measures,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, one of the World Health Organization’s leaders on COVID-19.

In Brazil, where deaths are running at about 3,000 per day, accounting for one-quarter of the lives lost worldwide in recent weeks, the crisis has been likened to a “raging inferno” by one WHO official. A more contagious variant of the virus has been rampaging across the country.

As cases surge, hospitals are running out of critical sedatives. As a result, there have been reports of some doctors diluting what supplies remain and even tying patients to their beds while breathing tubes are pushed down their throats.

The slow vaccine rollout has crushed Brazilians’ pride in their own history of carrying out huge immunization campaigns that were the envy of the developing world.

Taking cues from President Jair Bolsonaro, who has likened the virus to little more than a flu, his Health Ministry for months bet big on a single vaccine, ignoring other producers. When bottlenecks emerged, it was too late to get large quantities in time.

Watching so many patients suffer and die alone at her Rio de Janeiro hospital impelled nurse Lidiane Melo to take desperate measures.

In the early days of the pandemic, as sufferers were calling out for comfort that she was too busy to provide, Melo filled two rubber gloves with warm water, knotted them shut, and sandwiched them around a patient’s hand to simulate a loving touch.

Some have christened the practice the “hand of God,” and it is now the searing image of a nation roiled by a medical emergency with no end in sight.

“Patients can’t receive visitors. Sadly, there’s no way. So it’s a way to provide psychological support, to be there together with the patient holding their hand,” Melo said. She added: “And this year it’s worse, the seriousness of patients is 1,000 times greater.”

This situation is similarly dire in India, where cases spiked in February after weeks of steady decline, taking authorities by surprise. In a surge driven by variants of the virus, India saw over 180,000 new infections in one 24-hour span during the past week, bringing the total number of cases to over 13.9 million.

Problems that India had overcome last year are coming back to haunt health officials. Only 178 ventilators were free Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi, a city of 29 million, where 13,000 new infections were reported the previous day.

The challenges facing India reverberate beyond its borders since the country is the biggest supplier of shots to COVAX, the U.N.-sponsored program to distribute vaccines to poorer parts of the world. Last month, India said it would suspend vaccine exports until the virus’s spread inside the country slows.

The WHO recently described the supply situation as precarious. Up to 60 countries might not receive any more shots until June, by one estimate. To date, COVAX has delivered about 40 million doses to more than 100 countries, enough to cover barely 0.25% of the world’s population.

Globally, about 87% of the 700 million doses dispensed have been given out in rich countries. While 1 in 4 people in wealthy nations have received a vaccine, in poor countries the figure is 1 in more than 500.

In recent days, the U.S. and some European countries put the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine on hold while authorities investigate extremely rare but dangerous blood clots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine has likewise been hit with delays and restrictions because of a clotting scare.

Another concern: Poorer countries are relying on vaccines made by China and Russia, which some scientists believe provide less protection than those made by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Last week, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the country’s vaccines offer low protection and said officials are considering mixing them with other shots to improve their effectiveness.

In the U.S., where over 560,000 lives have been lost, accounting for more than 1 in 6 of the world’s COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped, businesses are reopening, and life is beginning to return to something approaching normalcy in several states. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to 576,000, a post-COVID-19 low.

But progress has been patchy, and new hot spots — most notably Michigan — have flared up in recent weeks. Still, deaths in the U.S. are down to about 700 per day on average, plummeting from a mid-January peak of about 3,400.

In Europe, countries are feeling the brunt of a more contagious variant that first ravaged Britain and has pushed the continent’s COVID-19-related death toll beyond 1 million.

Close to 6,000 gravely ill patients are being treated in French critical care units, numbers not seen since the first wave a year ago.

Dr. Marc Leone, head of intensive care at the North Hospital in Marseille, said exhausted front-line staff members who were feted as heroes at the start of the pandemic now feel alone and are clinging to hope that renewed school closings and other restrictions will help curb the virus in the coming weeks.

“There’s exhaustion, more bad tempers. You have to tread carefully because there are a lot of conflicts,” he said. “We’ll give everything we have to get through these 15 days as best we can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618692413792.png" alt="John Hopkins -Number of Daily Deaths" />
 <figcaption>John Hopkins -Number of Daily Deaths</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The global death toll from the coronavirus topped a staggering 3 million people Saturday amid repeated setbacks in the worldwide vaccination campaign and a deepening crisis in places such as Brazil, India and France.The number of lives lost, <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">as compiled by Johns Hopkins University</a>, is about equal to the population of Kyiv, Ukraine; Caracas, Venezuela; or metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal. It is bigger than Chicago (2.7 million) and equivalent to Philadelphia and Dallas combined.And the true number is believed to be significantly higher because of possible government concealment and the many cases overlooked in the early stages of the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.When the world back in January passed the bleak threshold of 2 million deaths, immunization drives had just started in Europe and the United States. Today, they are underway in more than 190 countries, though progress in bringing the virus under control varies widely.While the campaigns in the U.S. and Britain have hit their stride and people and businesses there are beginning to contemplate life after the pandemic, other places, mostly poorer countries but some rich ones as well, are lagging behind in putting shots in arms and have imposed new lockdowns and other restrictions as virus cases soar.Worldwide, deaths are on the rise again, running at around 12,000 per day on average, and new cases are climbing too, eclipsing 700,000 a day.“This is not the situation we want to be in 16 months into a pandemic, where we have proven control measures,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, one of the World Health Organization’s leaders on COVID-19.In Brazil, where deaths are running at about 3,000 per day, accounting for one-quarter of the lives lost worldwide in recent weeks, the crisis has been likened to a “raging inferno” by one WHO official. A more contagious variant of the virus has been rampaging across the country.As cases surge, hospitals are running out of critical sedatives. As a result, there have been reports of some doctors diluting what supplies remain and even tying patients to their beds while breathing tubes are pushed down their throats.The slow vaccine rollout has crushed Brazilians’ pride in their own history of carrying out huge immunization campaigns that were the envy of the developing world.Taking cues from President Jair Bolsonaro, who has likened the virus to little more than a flu, his Health Ministry for months bet big on a single vaccine, ignoring other producers. When bottlenecks emerged, it was too late to get large quantities in time.Watching so many patients suffer and die alone at her Rio de Janeiro hospital impelled nurse Lidiane Melo to take desperate measures.In the early days of the pandemic, as sufferers were calling out for comfort that she was too busy to provide, Melo filled two rubber gloves with warm water, knotted them shut, and sandwiched them around a patient’s hand to simulate a loving touch.Some have christened the practice the “hand of God,” and it is now the searing image of a nation roiled by a medical emergency with no end in sight.“Patients can’t receive visitors. Sadly, there’s no way. So it’s a way to provide psychological support, to be there together with the patient holding their hand,” Melo said. She added: “And this year it’s worse, the seriousness of patients is 1,000 times greater.”This situation is similarly dire in India, where cases spiked in February after weeks of steady decline, taking authorities by surprise. In a surge driven by variants of the virus, India saw over 180,000 new infections in one 24-hour span during the past week, bringing the total number of cases to over 13.9 million.Problems that India had overcome last year are coming back to haunt health officials. Only 178 ventilators were free Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi, a city of 29 million, where 13,000 new infections were reported the previous day.The challenges facing India reverberate beyond its borders since the country is the biggest supplier of shots to COVAX, the U.N.-sponsored program to distribute vaccines to poorer parts of the world. Last month, India said it would suspend vaccine exports until the virus’s spread inside the country slows.The WHO recently described the supply situation as precarious. Up to 60 countries might not receive any more shots until June, by one estimate. To date, COVAX has delivered about 40 million doses to more than 100 countries, enough to cover barely 0.25% of the world’s population.Globally, about 87% of the 700 million doses dispensed have been given out in rich countries. While 1 in 4 people in wealthy nations have received a vaccine, in poor countries the figure is 1 in more than 500.In recent days, the U.S. and some European countries put the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine on hold while authorities investigate extremely rare but dangerous blood clots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine has likewise been hit with delays and restrictions because of a clotting scare.Another concern: Poorer countries are relying on vaccines made by China and Russia, which some scientists believe provide less protection than those made by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.Last week, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the country’s vaccines offer low protection and said officials are considering mixing them with other shots to improve their effectiveness.In the U.S., where over 560,000 lives have been lost, accounting for more than 1 in 6 of the world’s COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped, businesses are reopening, and life is beginning to return to something approaching normalcy in several states. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to 576,000, a post-COVID-19 low.But progress has been patchy, and new hot spots — most notably Michigan — have flared up in recent weeks. Still, deaths in the U.S. are down to about 700 per day on average, plummeting from a mid-January peak of about 3,400.In Europe, countries are feeling the brunt of a more contagious variant that first ravaged Britain and has pushed the continent’s COVID-19-related death toll beyond 1 million.Close to 6,000 gravely ill patients are being treated in French critical care units, numbers not seen since the first wave a year ago.Dr. Marc Leone, head of intensive care at the North Hospital in Marseille, said exhausted front-line staff members who were feted as heroes at the start of the pandemic now feel alone and are clinging to hope that renewed school closings and other restrictions will help curb the virus in the coming weeks.“There’s exhaustion, more bad tempers. You have to tread carefully because there are a lot of conflicts,” he said. “We’ll give everything we have to get through these 15 days as best we can.”

Global COVID deaths on the rise again, top 3 million

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">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 four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618595338554.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported no new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">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 four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, three active and one in recovery.Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 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 Wednesday reported just one new case of COVID-19 had been identified in Ellis County since Monday.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,727 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618425046509.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just one new case of COVID-19 had been identified in Ellis County since Monday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">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 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, both active cases.Since reporting began, there have been 3,727 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. 

A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. 

This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.

“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618343095662.png" alt="Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

Brazilian COVID variant identified in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.

“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

US recommends 'pause' of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 

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

As of Monday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients, two active and two in recovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618248697119.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new cases of COVID-19 were identified in Ellis County since Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients, two active and two in recovery.Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co. since Friday

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617989036420.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported just one new case of COVID-19 had been identified in Ellis County since Wednesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday, the University of Kansas Health System reported four COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, two active and two recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: Just one new virus case in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Health officials in Kansas say more than 30 percent of
adults, or nearly 932,000 people in the state, have received at least one dose
of the COVID-19 vaccine. In Ellis County, that number is nearing 10,000.

At this week’s county commission meeting, Health Services
Director Jason Kennedy told the commission in his weekly COVID-19 update, “for
the first time in what feels like forever, for myself and really everybody
else, we truly just have good news to report for Ellis County.”

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHealth officials in Kansas say more than 30 percent of
adults, or nearly 932,000 people in the state, have received at least one dose
of the COVID-19 vaccine. In Ellis County, that number is nearing 10,000.At this week’s county commission meeting, Health Services
Director Jason Kennedy told the commission in his weekly COVID-19 update, “for
the first time in what feels like forever, for myself and really everybody
else, we truly just have good news to report for Ellis County.”At the start of the week, the seven-day average for Ellis
County was at or below five cases per day for 45 straight days. As the number of cases has declined, so has the number of
people getting vaccinated.Kennedy told the commission the county health department
has administered 7,000 first doses of the vaccine through the community
partnerships. They estimate another 3,700 first doses have been given out
through other entities within the community.He said the nearly 10,000 first doses ranks Ellis County
among the top of Kansas counties in the per-capita vaccination rate.He added there are plenty of options if you haven’t.“We do encourage people, if they want to be vaccinated,
there’s multiple opportunities for that,” Kennedy said. He also said there will be a drive-through event at HaysMed
on Saturday where 900 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be
available.Kenney also added his department is working with FHSU to set up
availability for students."We’ve got some good things moving with the vaccine,” Kennedy
said. “We have plenty of availability now. We just need to encourage people to
come in and get it.”In other business Monday, the commission:•&nbsp; Approved a motion
moving forward with engineering work on a bridge northeast of Catharine.• Approved the destruction of previous election ballots and
appointed a Democratic and Republican representative to oversee the process.• Approved annual township reports and gave staff input on a
roof design for the Law Enforcement Center.

Coronavirus Update