The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained even at six.

There were 14 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 50 active cases, including three active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,427 recovered cases.

As of Monday, there were 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 16 on Friday, with four of those active patients and eight in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests again fell to 6.1 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,477 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27b90da6-7ff0-4a66-9141-2de8745fb214">including 61 coronavirus-related deaths.</a>

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612207695298.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained even at six.There were 14 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 50 active cases, including three active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,427 recovered cases.As of Monday, there were 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 16 on Friday, with four of those active patients and eight in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests again fell to 6.1 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 3,477 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27b90da6-7ff0-4a66-9141-2de8745fb214">including 61 coronavirus-related deaths.</a>NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612216266866.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate in Ellis Co. flat; 14 new cases identified

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>

Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.

She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.

But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.

“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”

As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.

Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.

Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.

She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.

“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”

The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.

“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”

Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?

“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”

Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.

<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.

“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”

Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.

“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”

Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.

“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.

The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.

Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.

“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”

Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758677381.png" alt="Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Months of constant patient deaths and people refusing to believe in the virus have worn out health care workers. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-26/the-emotional-strain-of-the-pandemic-is-taking-its-toll-on-kansas-health-care-workers">Kansas News Service</a>Sometimes, Becky Angell doesn’t even realize she’s started crying.She’s
 been a nurse for seven years, and worked in an intensive care unit in 
Olathe for the past two. She loves her job and is used to seeing people 
die.But the past months of caring for one desperately ill 
COVID-19 patient after another have left her overwhelmed and in tears at
 the dinner table and on the drive home from work.“It’s this 
helpless, worthless feeling that you’re doing everything you can do and 
this patient is still not thriving,” Angell said. “It’s like endlessly 
treading water with no land in sight.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758747763.png" alt="Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Olathe ICU nurse Becky Angell says she's had trouble sleeping during the pandemic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">pandemic’s worst months</a>
 have stretched on in Kansas, many people who treat coronavirus patients
 have continued to feel the strain. The stress of watching so many 
people die, the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones and the 
frustration of seeing people without masks have left health care 
workers, a group that already struggles with mental health, frazzled and
 emotionally drained.Angell has trouble sleeping and sometimes 
loses her train of thought during conversations. She’s considering 
asking her doctor for antidepressants. She used to relieve stress by 
hanging out with her friends and coworkers. Lately, they’ve talked on 
social media and through group chats, but it’s not the same.Usually,
 patients in an ICU get better and move on to other units. But the 
coronavirus has changed that. Now, when Angell sees elderly, 
COVID-positive people enter her unit, she assumes they won’t leave 
alive.She went through a two-day stretch where only one of
 her patients survived. Meanwhile, she still comes across people who 
don’t wear masks or believe in science, including one couple she treated
 who tested positive for COVID but still didn’t believe in the virus.“You’re
 kind of like, ‘What am I busting my buns at work for to keep people 
alive, if they’re just going to keep going out and making silly choices 
that put everybody in danger?’” she said. “You just kind of feel like 
you’re screaming into the wind.”The stress of seeing patients die
 is getting to Dr. Hazen Short, too. He’s a family medicine physician 
who works in Kansas City, Kansas, and moonlights as an emergency room 
doctor in south-central and southeastern Kansas. Usually, small, rural 
ER shifts are calmer than those in larger hospitals. But not during the 
pandemic. Short has seen a few patients die as soon as they come into 
the ER. He’s noticed fewer people in rural parts of Kansas wear masks, 
even though some of those areas have been hit hard by the virus. And 
he’s worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and child.“The
 hardest thing is the days before the shift. Because I know I have to go
 and I don’t know what I’m going to see,” he said. “I get very anxious 
before my shifts start and then I have trouble unwinding after.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611758783538.png" alt="Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Hazen Short works in emergency rooms in rural parts of Kansas, where he sees many people not wearing masks. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Short has tried relaxation techniques, and is thinking of going to 
therapy for the first time. His anxiety feels like a buzzing in his 
chest and head that sometimes he can’t get rid of. It can be hard to 
stop thinking about the family members who are told about their loved 
ones’ deaths over the phone. Or thinking: what he could have done 
differently to save someone’s life?“You think about the patients 
that were really sick, and then, ‘Well, maybe I could have started this 
antibiotic or done this test instead of that,’” he said. “It’s 
impossible to be perfect, and I understand that. But it’s something that
 most physicians go through.”Physicians have long had <a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.131101" target="_blank">worse mental health</a>
 than the general public, said Dr. Srijan Sen, a professor at the 
University of Michigan. High-pressure training, long hours and an 
increasing administrative workload have contributed to higher rates of 
depression, anxiety and suicide among doctors, even before the pandemic.<a href="https://1329574c-75a7-ab97-2a46-2b33890df3e6.filesusr.com/ugd/3fdf20_20ac720c01474568a62a9724ada86876.pdf" target="_blank">Research suggests</a> the pandemic has taken its toll, Sen said, especially now that early efforts to praise health care workers have faded.“Fatigue has set in,” Sen said. “We’re seeing probably worse mental health among physicians than we’ve ever seen before.”Health care workers often worry about a <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1815.long" target="_blank">stigma</a> about getting mental health treatment, both feelings that they internalize and that they feel colleagues might harbor.“We
 care for others much more than we care for ourselves,” said Dr. Jessi 
Gold, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis who 
specializes in treating health care workers. “We don’t go get care 
because asking for help for that is a weakness.”Gold thinks that 
hospitals and other employers could combat that perception by 
automatically signing up all employees for counseling, and letting 
people cancel if they don’t need it. Employers could also offer grants 
to cover the costs of mental health treatment, she said. Custodians, 
social workers, respiratory therapists, administrative staff and others 
are exposed to COVID at work, but aren’t paid as highly as doctors and 
nurses. There’s also not as much research about those groups.“Health care workers come from a spectrum of financial backgrounds,” she said.The
 Midwest saw its surge in cases later than some other parts of the 
country, meaning that many health care workers in the region experienced
 the anxiety of anticipation before COVID hit, Gold said.Now that
 the virus has become so widespread, she’s worried the mental health 
system won’t be able to handle the flood of traumatized people likely to
 seek help after the pandemic is over.“It’s like, if there was a 
storm and everybody walked outside and surveyed the damage, and then 
after surveying the damage, they took a deep breath and looked at 
themselves — that’s what's going to happen,” she said. “And then we’re 
going to see a huge influx of people.”Nomin Ujiyediin reports 
on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. You 
can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Pandemic takes an emotional toll on Kansas health care workers

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from five on Wednesday to six on Friday.

The department also issued revised mortality data, raising the death total to 61. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27b90da6-7ff0-4a66-9141-2de8745fb214">Click HERE for more on the data revision.</a>

There were 15 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 57 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,345 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 13 on Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and six in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 7.6 percent.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611943833445.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: Jan. 29, 2021" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/zvkz2-f905c8?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from five on Wednesday to six on Friday.The department also issued revised mortality data, raising the death total to 61. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27b90da6-7ff0-4a66-9141-2de8745fb214">Click HERE for more on the data revision.</a>There were 15 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 57 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,345 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 13 on Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and six in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 7.6 percent.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Per-day rate rises slightly in Ellis Co.; 15 new cases reported

Ellis County Health Department is happy to report that through the COVID Community Vaccine Initiative,
810 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered this week. Through a tremendous outpouring of
support from the medical community, volunteers, and community partnerships the vaccine clinic is
running successfully. We will begin again next week pending delivery of more vaccine from the State of
Kansas. If you have not registered please do so at www.ellisco.net or
<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051</a>. After registering, watch for an email or text message
from our partner, First Care Clinic, confirming your appointment time for vaccination. Currently this
opportunity is only open to individuals who live or work in Ellis County. If you are unable to access the
website, you may call 785-621-1812 for assistance with registration. The Hays Public Library has also
teamed up with ECHD to provide access to computers and assistance with registration. You may call
them at 785-625-9014.

ECHD is not notified directly of mortality associated with COVID-19 or for any other morbidities. This
data is reported by the patient’s physician on the certificate of death and reported directly to the State
of Kansas. The State of Kansas then confirms this death and updates the patient’s record. This process
can take months which leads to a lag in data reporting at the local level. To provide the most accurate
and up to date information beginning February 1, 2021 ECHD will no longer be reporting deaths
associated with COVID-19 on our dashboard. We encourage everyone to access this information on the
<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE Dashboard</a>.

In 2020, the KDHE reported 58 Ellis County deaths associated with COVID-19. Eighty one percent of the
overall COVID-19 associated mortality in Ellis County is in the most vulnerable population, those over 75
years of age. Below you will find a graph with case and mortality data. We want to extend our deepest
condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or loved one during this past year. We fully
understand the toll this pandemic has taken on everyone.


Ellis County Health DepartmentEllis County Health Department is happy to report that through the COVID Community Vaccine Initiative,
810 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered this week. Through a tremendous outpouring of
support from the medical community, volunteers, and community partnerships the vaccine clinic is
running successfully. We will begin again next week pending delivery of more vaccine from the State of
Kansas. If you have not registered please do so at www.ellisco.net or
<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051</a>. After registering, watch for an email or text message
from our partner, First Care Clinic, confirming your appointment time for vaccination. Currently this
opportunity is only open to individuals who live or work in Ellis County. If you are unable to access the
website, you may call 785-621-1812 for assistance with registration. The Hays Public Library has also
teamed up with ECHD to provide access to computers and assistance with registration. You may call
them at 785-625-9014.
<h2>Mortality Data</h2>ECHD is not notified directly of mortality associated with COVID-19 or for any other morbidities. This
data is reported by the patient’s physician on the certificate of death and reported directly to the State
of Kansas. The State of Kansas then confirms this death and updates the patient’s record. This process
can take months which leads to a lag in data reporting at the local level. To provide the most accurate
and up to date information beginning February 1, 2021 ECHD will no longer be reporting deaths
associated with COVID-19 on our dashboard. We encourage everyone to access this information on the
<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE Dashboard</a>.
In 2020, the KDHE reported 58 Ellis County deaths associated with COVID-19. Eighty one percent of the
overall COVID-19 associated mortality in Ellis County is in the most vulnerable population, those over 75
years of age. Below you will find a graph with case and mortality data. We want to extend our deepest
condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or loved one during this past year. We fully
understand the toll this pandemic has taken on everyone.

Ellis Co. Health Dept.: More than 800 doses of vaccine administered this week

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at five.

There were 16 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 60 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,338 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose from 7.8 percent on Monday to 8.4 percent on Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,448 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 50 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611771528878.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at five.There were 16 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 60 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,338 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose from 7.8 percent on Monday to 8.4 percent on Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,448 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 50 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

16 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co.; percent of positives rises slightly

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.

But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.

“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.

The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.

“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.

Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.

Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.

“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”

Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.

The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.

However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.

House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.

Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.

About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.

“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611752735957.png" alt="Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Total doses administered <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the </a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators suggested Tuesday that mistakes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration are making it more difficult for older Kansas residents to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.(Watch Tuesday's hearing below)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9XyAclr57w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>But Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department and Kelly’s top public health administrator, said the biggest problem Kansas faces in administering the vaccines is “there’s just not enough.” He acknowledged during a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees that he can’t predict how long it will take for the state to inoculate enough people to say it no longer faces a pandemic emergency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753536468.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman testified Tuesday by WebEx</figcaption>
 </figure>Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have grown increasingly critical of Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment, peppering Norman with pointed questions during Tuesday’s meeting. One GOP lawmaker even argued that Kansas was wrong to focus on vaccinating health care workers first, rather than people 65 and older.“I’ve never felt like our leadership, the Kelly administration, the KDHE, has learned lessons from this virus and adapted strategies to it,” said freshman Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican and a physician, who didn’t wear a mask at Tuesday’s socially distanced meeting and said he doubts the effectiveness of mask wearing, despite a growing scientific consensus that masks provide protection for others as well as those wearing them.The Democratic governor and Republican legislators have been sparring for months over the state’s response to the pandemic, but GOP lawmakers have recently focused on what they see as a slow and rocky vaccine distribution.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said he wants to see the state get to the point where there are enough people who have been vaccinated or had COVID-19 and developed immunity to “getting our economy back in shape.” Norman said those two groups would have to cover at least 85% of the population — close to 2.5 million people, or nearly 10 times the 255,550 vaccine does the state says it has received so far.“I understand that there are supply chain issues, but I think we need to get the access out to the people as fast as possible,” said Thompson, who declines to wear a mask because, he says, he suffers from asthma.Norman, who testified by WebEx, said Kansas has received its full allotment of vaccine doses from the federal government but just doesn’t have enough to gives shots as quickly as people want them.Kelly announced last week that Kansas was entering its second phase of vaccine distribution, where anyone 65 and older, people in group living situations and “critical” workers are eligible for inoculations. Norman said that could be about 800,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, or 27%.“We are ordering everything that is allocated to us, and here in recent weeks we’ve been getting everything we’ve ordered,” Norman said. “But there’s no way on the planet that that’s enough vaccine.”Republican legislators have cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing Kansas lagging behind other states in vaccination rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report Tuesday&nbsp;</a>showed Kansas ranking 47th for doses administered per 100,000 residents, ahead of only Alabama, Idaho and Nevada.The state health department reported that nearly 158,000 vaccine doses had been administered as of Monday; the CDC’s figure is slightly higher.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">Kansas reports</a>&nbsp;that it has administered almost 62% of the vaccine doses it has received so far — something Norman touted as a sign that the administration of inoculations is on track.However, the CDC said the state actually has received about 348,000 doses, which would put the percentage administered at roughly 45%. State officials said the CDC figures include doses shipped to pharmacies but not received for nursing home workers and residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611753419734.png" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwher during Tuesday's hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, questioned a state health department policy allowing residents of one county to go to another to get vaccinated, suggesting it sows confusion. Norman defended it, saying it has allowed counties to keep administering shots to health care workers so they weren’t without protections.Kelly and other state officials have said repeatedly that Kansas is following CDC guidelines in deciding when people are eligible for inoculations. But Steffen argued that Kansas should have put a priority on vaccinating older residents even ahead of health care workers.About 25% of the people vaccinated have been 65 or older. While that group accounted for about 15% of the state’s more than 269,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases through Monday, it had nearly 86% of the state’s 3,622 deaths, with one death for every 13 reported cases.“If you give it to a bunch of health care workers and you’re just protecting them from flu symptoms, rather than giving it to people who you could save their life, that’s questionable,” Steffen said.___

🎥  Kan. lawmakers push for answers on COVID-19, vaccine reporting

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.

“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”

As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My administration has prioritized transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. To further this effort, you may now view county-specific allocation data on our vaccine dashboard. <a href="https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9">https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1354124014311116800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

Vaccine data for your county available on Kansas website

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from seven on Friday to five on Monday.

The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 50.

At the Oct. 2 city commission special meeting, commissioners voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the resolution</a>&nbsp;until there the seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County is five or fewer for 14 consecutive days, or until the statewide state of disaster emergency removed.

Monday was the first report since that decision meeting that threshold.

There were seven new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 72 active cases, including five active hospitalization of Ellis County residents, and 3,310 recovered cases.&nbsp;

As of Monday, there were 20 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 18 on Friday, with 14 of those active patients and six in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 10.9 percent on Friday to 7.8 percent Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,432 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 50 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611600837875.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from seven on Friday to five on Monday.The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 50.At the Oct. 2 city commission special meeting, commissioners voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the resolution</a>&nbsp;until there the seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County is five or fewer for 14 consecutive days, or until the statewide state of disaster emergency removed.Monday was the first report since that decision meeting that threshold.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>There were seven new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 72 active cases, including five active hospitalization of Ellis County residents, and 3,310 recovered cases.&nbsp;As of Monday, there were 20 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 18 on Friday, with 14 of those active patients and six in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 10.9 percent on Friday to 7.8 percent Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,432 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 50 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607058078.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate falls in Ellis Co.; seven new cases identified

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.

The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.

Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.

The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.

“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”

Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.

But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.

“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”

State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.

Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.

“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”

Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.

The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.

Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.

He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.

Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.

“We’ll move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated for free,” he said.

Florida was one of the first states to open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65. Now uncertainty over the vaccine supply has prompted the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, to advise counties to prioritize available doses for state residents, including so-called snowbirds who live there part-time. People seeking vaccination will have to provide a driver’s license or other document, such as rental leases and utility bills.

In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been pleading for more doses. Appointments through Sunday for the first dose of the vaccine at 15 community vaccination hubs set up by the city health department were postponed to next week.

Vaccinations in New York haven’t stopped, but demand for the shots now far exceeds the number of doses available, the mayor said.

“It’s just tremendously sad that we have so many people who want the vaccine and so much ability to give the vaccine, what’s happening?” de Blasio said. “For lack of supply, we’re actually having to cancel appointments.”

Rosa Schneider had jumped at the chance to make a vaccination appointment once she heard that educators like her were eligible in New York. A high school English teacher who lives in New York City but works in New Jersey, she said that a day before she was to be vaccinated on Wednesday at a city-run hospital, she got a call saying the supply had run out and the appointment was canceled.

“I was concerned, and I was upset,” said Schneider, 32, but she is trying daily to book another appointment. She is hopeful availability will improve in the coming weeks.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.“We’ll move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated for free,” he said.Florida was one of the first states to open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65. Now uncertainty over the vaccine supply has prompted the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, to advise counties to prioritize available doses for state residents, including so-called snowbirds who live there part-time. People seeking vaccination will have to provide a driver’s license or other document, such as rental leases and utility bills.In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been pleading for more doses. Appointments through Sunday for the first dose of the vaccine at 15 community vaccination hubs set up by the city health department were postponed to next week.Vaccinations in New York haven’t stopped, but demand for the shots now far exceeds the number of doses available, the mayor said.“It’s just tremendously sad that we have so many people who want the vaccine and so much ability to give the vaccine, what’s happening?” de Blasio said. “For lack of supply, we’re actually having to cancel appointments.”Rosa Schneider had jumped at the chance to make a vaccination appointment once she heard that educators like her were eligible in New York. A high school English teacher who lives in New York City but works in New Jersey, she said that a day before she was to be vaccinated on Wednesday at a city-run hospital, she got a call saying the supply had run out and the appointment was canceled.“I was concerned, and I was upset,” said Schneider, 32, but she is trying daily to book another appointment. She is hopeful availability will improve in the coming weeks.

Health experts blame rapid expansion for vaccine shortages

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from six on Wednesday to seven on Friday.

There were 19 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 78 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,298 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 17 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 18 on Thursday, with 13 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 12.7 percent on Wednesday to 10.9 percent Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,425 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611340321671.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekxn6-f8407d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from six on Wednesday to seven on Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>There were 19 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 78 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,298 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 17 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 18 on Thursday, with 13 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 12.7 percent on Wednesday to 10.9 percent Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,425 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611349346303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Per-day virus rate in Ellis Co. rises; 19 new cases identified

Ellis County will begin vaccinating individuals in Phase 2 of the state of Kansas plan Tuesday. Given the extremely limited supply of vaccine and the large number of residents who fall into
this category, the Ellis County Health Department is forced to create sub-prioritization groups as it works through this category.


Current State of Kansas Phase 2 Guidelines:


• Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and correction officers 
• Grocery store workers and food services 
• K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers, &amp; other staff
o Food processing, including meat processing plants 
• Large-scale aviation manufacturing plants 
• Transportation workers • Workers in retail, agriculture, supply of critical services or materials for COVID-19
response, the U.S. Postal Service, and Department of motor vehicles

• Homeless shelters 
• Congregate childcare institutions • Emergency shelters or safe houses • Corrections facilities 
• Behavioral health institutions

Ellis County Phase 2 Guidelines for initial distribution: 
• Persons aged 65 and older that meet the State of Kansas definition of high-contact critical worker or living in congregate environments per the state’s
definition.

• Ellis County residents that want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must complete the online
request form located at www.ellisco.net. Click on the Vaccine Registration Form on the main
page. https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051

If you do not have access to internet, please call 785-621-1812 to have the form filled
out for you.


Ellis County COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have continued a downward trend since November 23. We now have two 95% effective vaccines via Pfizer and Moderna. As of January 18, 2021, over 12
million vaccine doses have been administered nationally, with over 117,000 administered in Kansas and
1,500 in Ellis County.


The path ahead remains quite complex, including the need for prioritization of early supply, ultra-cold
storage, and managing second-dose administration.


Each week, the federal government awards Kansas a portion of the nationally available vaccine based
on Kansas's share of the US population and state-wide administration rates. That amount is then
allocated to distribution points across the state.


Ellis County Health Department, in coordination with our medical community, is prepared for this
distribution process. Our medical coalition is working together to rigorously ensure a fair and effective
rollout. Ellis County Health Department is required to follow state guidelines on defining patient
population prioritization phases. It is necessary given the extremely limited supply that we define sub-
priorities within each phase. The coalition will help guide our county through each phase based on
vaccine administration, expected patient demand, and available supply.


The Kansas government has set forth the following guidelines to define population priorities and
sequencing:


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Health DepartmentEllis County will begin vaccinating individuals in Phase 2 of the state of Kansas plan Tuesday. Given the extremely limited supply of vaccine and the large number of residents who fall into
this category, the Ellis County Health Department is forced to create sub-prioritization groups as it works through this category.
Current State of Kansas Phase 2 Guidelines:
<ul>
 <li>Persons aged 65 and older

						</li><li>High-contact critical workers necessary to maintain systems, assets, and activities that are vital
to the state security, the economy or public health, or who interact with large numbers of
contacts and job-related COVID-19 exposure. COVID-19 risk is associated with the likelihood of
infecting oneself or spreading the virus. Factors that increase risk include proximity, type of
contact, duration of contacts and challenges to implement protective measures. This includes:

						</li>
 </ul>• Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and correction officers 
• Grocery store workers and food services 
• K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers, &amp; other staff
o Food processing, including meat processing plants 
• Large-scale aviation manufacturing plants 
• Transportation workers • Workers in retail, agriculture, supply of critical services or materials for COVID-19
response, the U.S. Postal Service, and Department of motor vehicles
<ul>
 <li>• Those living or working in licensed congregate settings and other special care or congregate
environments where social distancing is not possible, including:
</li>
 </ul>• Homeless shelters 
• Congregate childcare institutions • Emergency shelters or safe houses • Corrections facilities 
• Behavioral health institutions
Ellis County Phase 2 Guidelines for initial distribution: 
• Persons aged 65 and older that meet the State of Kansas definition of high-contact critical worker or living in congregate environments per the state’s
definition.
• Ellis County residents that want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must complete the online
request form located at www.ellisco.net. Click on the Vaccine Registration Form on the main
page. https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051<h2>Process to receive vaccine
</h2>If you do not have access to internet, please call 785-621-1812 to have the form filled
out for you.
<ul>
 <li>Ellis County Health Department (ECHD) is notified on Wednesdays of how many doses we are to
receive the following week.

						</li><li>ECHD will utilize the vaccine registration form to determine which individuals meet the current
criteria for vaccination and provide this information to First Care Clinic to schedule
appointments for vaccination.

						</li><li>Individuals will receive a text message or an email with a time and date of vaccination. This
email or text will come from firstcareclinic@ustartcheckin.com.

						</li><li>At this time for the purpose of timely administration all vaccines will be administered at our
Mass Vaccination Site. We have partnered with First Care Clinic, HaysMed, part of the
University of Kansas Health Systems and Big Creek Crossing to open a large-scale vaccination
clinic located in the old Gordmans Building on the north end of Big Creek Crossing Mall at 2918
Vine St. Hays, KS 67601.
We truly understand and empathize with everyone who is waiting patiently to receive the vaccine. We
are making every effort to provide as many vaccinations as quickly as possible. We will continue to
provide updates as they become available.

						</li>
 </ul><h2>Vaccine updates
</h2>Ellis County COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have continued a downward trend since November 23. We now have two 95% effective vaccines via Pfizer and Moderna. As of January 18, 2021, over 12
million vaccine doses have been administered nationally, with over 117,000 administered in Kansas and
1,500 in Ellis County.
The path ahead remains quite complex, including the need for prioritization of early supply, ultra-cold
storage, and managing second-dose administration.
Each week, the federal government awards Kansas a portion of the nationally available vaccine based
on Kansas's share of the US population and state-wide administration rates. That amount is then
allocated to distribution points across the state.
Ellis County Health Department, in coordination with our medical community, is prepared for this
distribution process. Our medical coalition is working together to rigorously ensure a fair and effective
rollout. Ellis County Health Department is required to follow state guidelines on defining patient
population prioritization phases. It is necessary given the extremely limited supply that we define sub-
priorities within each phase. The coalition will help guide our county through each phase based on
vaccine administration, expected patient demand, and available supply.
The Kansas government has set forth the following guidelines to define population priorities and
sequencing:
<ul>
 <li>The phases are guidelines for population prioritization to ensure that the most at-risk
populations receive the vaccine first and that the vaccine is equitably administered, especially
with limited vaccine supply.

						</li><li>Gov. L Kelly and Dr. L Norman provide guidance on which phase the state is currently in, but
local health departments have flexibility to prioritize within the sub-populations of a phase.

						</li><li>If a county has finished vaccinating a given phase, local health departments can decide to move
to the next phase, if available supply permits.

						</li><li>The phases should not be rigid roadblocks to administering the vaccine and should not tie
providers hands.

						</li>
 </ul>

Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">After announcing space had been retained for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hays earlier this week, Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy said 300 doses are on the way.</a>

"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said Thursday.

But with the limited number available, he is asking for patience.

"Patience is going to be the biggest thing going through this," Kennedy said.

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">In the meantime, he said it is important that residents sign up for the distribution on the Ellis County COVID-19 page</a>, as all initial vaccines will be scheduled in advance and only given to those with an appointment.

"That's what people need to be doing right now," Kennedy said. "They need to figure out a way to get that form filled out."

When filling out the form, Kennedy said cellphone numbers are best, and anyone who can receive text messages is also encouraged to opt in to that service.

For now, the focus is getting the word out about the signup along with helping those who need it to fill out the form.

Anyone can fill out the form, and the department has offered to fill out forms for anyone that needs assistance.

Anyone requesting that assistance can call the department during regular hours at (785) 621-1812.

The department partnered with First Care, so Kennedy said emails will come from an email account tied to the clinic, but that is simply a function of the department using their scheduling software.

Along with First Care, HaysMed is also assisting the department in the distribution efforts, he said.

"Don't think it's spam. Don't ignore it," Kennedy said. "It is how you get registered and through the line for your vaccine."

He also asked those with an appointment to make sure they show up for their appointment and on time.

While Ellis County will only receive 300 vaccine doses to be distributed during the first week, Kennedy said the state will provide an update of vaccines on the way for the following week each Wednesday.

When the number of incoming doses has been received by the department, he said they will then work to prioritize the potential recipients and start making calls and texts to set up vaccination appointments.

He said the state plans to ship vaccines to the county on Mondays so vaccination efforts should begin each week on Tuesday, as long as Kansas has doses available for the county.

For the forseeable future, Kennedy said he expects to give out all of the received doses from the state within the week they are received.

As the number of vaccine doses comes into the county remains low, Kennedy said efforts will be made to get the vaccine to those most in danger from serious effects of the virus and will combine risk factors to make determinations as to who gets the first doses.

"We will just keep working our way down until, hopefully, we can get to the point to where anyone in Ellis County that wants this vaccine can receive it," he said.

As the limited vaccine does begin getting to area residents, Kennedy is asking the public for patience.

"We truly want to get this out the door as fast as possible ... but we just don't have enough vaccines," he said. "Patience and some leniency with us and leniency with your neighbors and helping each other out to help individuals get signed up and get on to that list so we can get the vaccine out. "

<div><iframe title="As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekxn6-f8407d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">After announcing space had been retained for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hays earlier this week, Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy said 300 doses are on the way.</a>"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said Thursday.But with the limited number available, he is asking for patience."Patience is going to be the biggest thing going through this," Kennedy said.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">In the meantime, he said it is important that residents sign up for the distribution on the Ellis County COVID-19 page</a>, as all initial vaccines will be scheduled in advance and only given to those with an appointment."That's what people need to be doing right now," Kennedy said. "They need to figure out a way to get that form filled out."When filling out the form, Kennedy said cellphone numbers are best, and anyone who can receive text messages is also encouraged to opt in to that service.For now, the focus is getting the word out about the signup along with helping those who need it to fill out the form.Anyone can fill out the form, and the department has offered to fill out forms for anyone that needs assistance.Anyone requesting that assistance can call the department during regular hours at (785) 621-1812.The department partnered with First Care, so Kennedy said emails will come from an email account tied to the clinic, but that is simply a function of the department using their scheduling software.Along with First Care, HaysMed is also assisting the department in the distribution efforts, he said."Don't think it's spam. Don't ignore it," Kennedy said. "It is how you get registered and through the line for your vaccine."He also asked those with an appointment to make sure they show up for their appointment and on time.While Ellis County will only receive 300 vaccine doses to be distributed during the first week, Kennedy said the state will provide an update of vaccines on the way for the following week each Wednesday.When the number of incoming doses has been received by the department, he said they will then work to prioritize the potential recipients and start making calls and texts to set up vaccination appointments.He said the state plans to ship vaccines to the county on Mondays so vaccination efforts should begin each week on Tuesday, as long as Kansas has doses available for the county.For the forseeable future, Kennedy said he expects to give out all of the received doses from the state within the week they are received.As the number of vaccine doses comes into the county remains low, Kennedy said efforts will be made to get the vaccine to those most in danger from serious effects of the virus and will combine risk factors to make determinations as to who gets the first doses."We will just keep working our way down until, hopefully, we can get to the point to where anyone in Ellis County that wants this vaccine can receive it," he said.As the limited vaccine does begin getting to area residents, Kennedy is asking the public for patience."We truly want to get this out the door as fast as possible ... but we just don't have enough vaccines," he said. "Patience and some leniency with us and leniency with your neighbors and helping each other out to help individuals get signed up and get on to that list so we can get the vaccine out. "

🎙As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way

"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said.

<div><iframe title="As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekxn6-f8407d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">After announcing space had been retained for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hays earlier this week, Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy said 300 doses are on the way.</a>"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said.But with the limited number available, he is asking for patience."Patience is going to be the biggest thing going through this," Kennedy said.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">In the meantime, he said it is important that residents sign up for the distribution on the Ellis County COVID-19 page</a>, as all initial vaccines will be scheduled in advance and only given to those with an appointment."That's what people need to be doing right now," Kennedy said. "They need to figure out a way to get that form filled out."When filling out the form, Kennedy said cellphone numbers are best, and anyone who can receive text messages is also encouraged to opt in to that service.For now, the focus is getting the word out about the signup along with helping those who need it to fill out the form.Anyone can fill out the form, and the department has offered to fill out forms for anyone that needs assistance.Anyone requesting that assistance can call the department during regular hours at (785) 621-1812.The department partnered with First Care, so Kennedy said emails will come from an email account tied to the clinic, but that is simply a function of the department using their scheduling software.Along with First Care, HaysMed is also assisting the department in the distribution efforts, he said."Don't think it's spam. Don't ignore it," Kennedy said. "It is how you get registered and through the line for your vaccine."He also asked those with an appointment to make sure they show up for their appointment and on time.While Ellis County will only receive 300 vaccine doses to be distributed during the first week, Kennedy said the state will provide an update of vaccines on the way for the following week each Wednesday.When the number of incoming doses has been received by the department, he said they will then work to prioritize the potential recipients and start making calls and texts to set up vaccination appointments.He said the state plans to ship vaccines to the county on Mondays so vaccination efforts should begin each week on Tuesday, as long as Kansas has doses available for the county.For the forseeable future, Kennedy said he expects to give out all of the received doses from the state within the week they are received.As the number of vaccine doses comes into the county remains low, Kennedy said efforts will be made to get the vaccine to those most in danger from serious effects of the virus and will combine risk factors to make determinations as to who gets the first doses."We will just keep working our way down until, hopefully, we can get to the point to where anyone in Ellis County that wants this vaccine can receive it," he said.As the limited vaccine does begin getting to area residents, Kennedy is asking the public for patience."We truly want to get this out the door as fast as possible ... but we just don't have enough vaccines," he said. "Patience and some leniency with us and leniency with your neighbors and helping each other out to help individuals get signed up and get on to that list so we can get the vaccine out. "

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from eight on Monday to six on Wednesday.

The department also announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 49.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis County makes plans for vaccination site, but no doses available</a>

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">RELATED: Vaccine information for state of Kansas</a>

There were 18 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 83 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,274 recovered cases.

As of Wednesday, there were 21 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 20 Tuesday, with 16 of those active patients and five in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.5 percent on Monday to 12.7 percent on Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,406 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 19,416 tests administered, 16.4 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611166243279.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from eight on Monday to six on Wednesday.The department also announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 49.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis County makes plans for vaccination site, but no doses available</a><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">RELATED: Vaccine information for state of Kansas</a>There were 18 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 83 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,274 recovered cases.As of Wednesday, there were 21 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 20 Tuesday, with 16 of those active patients and five in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.5 percent on Monday to 12.7 percent on Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,406 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 19,416 tests administered, 16.4 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611180450944.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate falls in Ellis Co.; two additional deaths reported

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from nine to eight.

The department also reported an additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 47.

There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,248 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose 10 percent on Friday to 16.5 percent Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,388 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 47 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611001192297.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from nine to eight.The department also reported an additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 47.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">RELATED: Vaccine information for state of Kansas</a>There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,248 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose 10 percent on Friday to 16.5 percent Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,388 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 47 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611001223098.png" alt="ECHD" />
 <figcaption>ECHD</figcaption>
 </figure>

 28 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co.; one additional death reported

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Erica S. Pan on Sunday recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory,” Pan said in a statement.

She said more than 330,000 doses from the lot arrived in California between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers.

Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.

Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.

However, six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination center on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.

Moderna in a statement said the company “is unaware of comparable adverse events from other vaccination centers which may have administered vaccines from the same lot.”

The CDC has said COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, “which are normal signs that your body is building protection.”

However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna, the rate of anaphylaxis — in which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to drop — was about 1 in 100,000.

The announcement came as California counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to reduce its rate of infection, which has led to record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.

California, with a population of 40 million, has shipped about about 3.2 million doses of the vaccine — which requires two doses for full immunization — to local health departments and health care systems, the state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday.

Only about 1.4 million of those doses, or around 40%, have been administered.

So far. the state has vaccinated fewer than 2,500 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to federal data.

Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate so many people and are first concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes.

On Monday, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District sent a letter to state and county public health officials asking for authorization to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at schools for staff, local community members and for students once a vaccine for children has been approved.

“Doing so will help reopen schools as soon as possible, and in the safest way possible,” Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote.

California is nearing 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 33,600 people have died since the start of the pandemic last year, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County — the nation’s most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemic — works out to about one person every six minutes.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.Dr. Erica S. Pan on Sunday recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration.“Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory,” Pan said in a statement.She said more than 330,000 doses from the lot arrived in California between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers.Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.However, six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination center on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.Moderna in a statement said the company “is unaware of comparable adverse events from other vaccination centers which may have administered vaccines from the same lot.”The CDC has said COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, “which are normal signs that your body is building protection.”However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna, the rate of anaphylaxis — in which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to drop — was about 1 in 100,000.The announcement came as California counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to reduce its rate of infection, which has led to record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.California, with a population of 40 million, has shipped about about 3.2 million doses of the vaccine — which requires two doses for full immunization — to local health departments and health care systems, the state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday.Only about 1.4 million of those doses, or around 40%, have been administered.So far. the state has vaccinated fewer than 2,500 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to federal data.Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate so many people and are first concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes.On Monday, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District sent a letter to state and county public health officials asking for authorization to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at schools for staff, local community members and for students once a vaccine for children has been approved.“Doing so will help reopen schools as soon as possible, and in the safest way possible,” Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote.California is nearing 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 33,600 people have died since the start of the pandemic last year, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County — the nation’s most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemic — works out to about one person every six minutes.On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.“The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years,” the agency said.

Coronavirus Update