The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>

The KDHE reported Wednesday 55 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 66 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,092 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640023450389.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>The KDHE reported Wednesday 55 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 66 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 5,092 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 15 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>

Since reporting began, there have been 5,077 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639766298115.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>The KDHE reported Wednesday 55 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 66 percent.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>Since reporting began, there have been 5,077 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday

The KDHE reported Wednesday 55 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,060 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639596643448.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>The KDHE reported Wednesday 55 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>Since reporting began, there have been 5,060 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 29 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

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

KDHE also reported an additional coronavirus-related death of an Ellis County resident, bringing the total to 77.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 23 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Friday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,031 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639419228864.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.KDHE also reported an additional coronavirus-related death of an Ellis County resident, bringing the total to 77.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 23 COVID-19 inpatients.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>The KDHE reported Friday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 5,031 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 31 new COVID cases, additional death in Ellis Co. since Friday

Doctors 'running out of gas' in fight against misinformation

Editor's note:&nbsp;Hays Post contacted several Ellis County students to learn what they have heard about the COVID-19 vaccine amongst peers and on social media. The quotes below are the responses, without attribution.&nbsp;

Despite last month's decision to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html">authorize COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 5 and older</a>, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported last week the overall vaccination rate in Ellis County for those age 12 and older remains just over 50 percent — well below the statewide average of 65 percent.

<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00424-7/fulltext">A September study from England published by Lancet</a> showed about half of teens age 12 and older were either hesitant or would opt out of the vaccine altogether.

Dr. Heather Harris, chief medical officer at HaysMed, and Dr. Michelle Pope, pediatrician at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/pediatrics/">Hays Pediatric Center</a>, said teen hesitancy is a conversation they have on a regular basis with patients and parents.

"Often, whatever the parents have decided for themselves, obviously there will be a similar decision for the kids," Pope said. 

She said the most common concern is that the vaccine was "so rushed."

"It's not really true. Parts of the process have been in place for over a decade," Pope said, noting development of the MRNA science used for the COVID vaccine began when SARS and MERS threatened to become a significant health issue. "The technology is definitely not new. It just feels new ... because SARS and MERS never became a pandemic."

Harris said she believes part of the hesitancy stems from a more base instinct.

"At the end of the day, kids don't like shots," she said. "But that just has to be 'time to be a parent.' You know they're going to be fine. There's just more fear than there is harm."

Both Harris and Pope offered the reassurance that the vaccine has been proven overwhelmingly safe – despite misinformation many children are faced with on social media.

"Kids get multiple vaccines over their life, and for the majority, there's very little concern about it," Harris said. "The scientific community has provided us with safe and effective vaccines, and there's no concern that this is any different.

"(The COVID vaccine's safety) has been politicized, but we all know it's just not true. Over a billion people have been vaccinated with very little to no harm."

<a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22378331">RELATED: Click here for information on testing and vaccinations from the Ellis County Health Department.</a>

A recurring bit of misinformation both Harris and Pope have heard is in regard to fertility in teen girls, although Pope noted there are studies actually showing heightened risk for unvaccinated men diagnosed with natural COVID to develop sterility. With the vaccine, however, Pope added that has not been shown to be a risk.

"They're spreading rumors amongst each other, and they don't have the right information to understand the misinformation," Harris said.

Pope said the data shows children and adults have the same occurrence of mild reaction to the vaccine as adults — about 50 percent. She noted the vast majority of those reactions — site tenderness, fatigue and aches — happen within 12 to 24 hours of the shot, are short-lived and treatable with over-the-counter pain reliever.

She noted that children who contract natural COVID, however, have an increased risk of long-term  effects, including "pins and needles" nerve inflammation, joint aches, extreme fatigue and headaches.

Pope acknowledged there have been cases of myocarditis — inflamation of the heart muscle — in teens following the vaccine, but noted natural COVID causes the same condition and can create permanent, long-term damage to the heart.

Vaccine-related myocarditis is "very, very rare," she said.

Clinical trials have shown no occurrence of myocarditis in children age 5 to 11, according to <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/covid-19-vaccine-kids-how-we-know-it-s-safe">reports from the American Medical Association published in mid-November. </a>

Harris again noted that the delta variant of COVID is affecting the younger population more seriously than the original strain, with the average COVID inpatient age now about 60 years old. Hospital stays have become longer and the outcomes have become more treacherous for otherwise healthy people.

"A great majority of those being hospitalized are unvaccinated. They're quite sick, have long hospitalizations, a long recovery and we're starting to see more deaths occur .. in relatively young people," she said. "The 50- to 60-year-old group has been pretty stubborn about getting the vaccine, and they're the ones being hospitalized."

While the majority of inpatients at HaysMed had been from outside the county in recent weeks, as of Tuesday, about half of the 20-plus COVID inpatients were Ellis County residents. There have been some breakthrough cases of COVID in vaccinated patients, but Harris said most of those individuals were already immunocompromised or elderly.

Hospitalization of COVID patients —&nbsp;the vast majority unvaccinated — continues to take its toll on the staff at HaysMed, which, like most health care institutions across the state and nation, is fighting staffing issues. HaysMed also has been intermittently closed to out-of-county transfers over recent months with the influx of COVID inpatients.

"We're in need of nurses, all levels of hospital functions," Harris said. "We're short-staffed in multiple departments. ... If we were only left with those vaccinated, we would just have a handful of COVID patients."

Pope said that while staffing levels at the pediatric center are not a concern, the number of COVID patients occupying beds is an issue when a child must be admitted for any condition. With a more vigorous flu season expected and the annual uptick of RSV expected over the next three months, this means the potential for more pediatric transfers out of HaysMed. She said it's common in a normal year for pediatric patients to be admitted for influenza or RSV. 

"We rely upon the same nurses, who are in short supply," she said. "The COVID patients are taking up resources for RSV patients," noting children have been transferred to Kansas Mercy Hospital or Wichita due to space and staff concerns.

Pope said she encounters three main mindsets after asking her patients' parents if they have been vaccinated.

"It's an interesting conversation," she said. "The response is 'yes' or a quiet 'no' or a very robust 'no.' 

"When I ask 'Then what are your concerns?' ... 25 to 50 percent of them don't want to talk about it. There's no conversation to be had.  I restate the science, tell them I have no concerns and tell them I've put my money where my mouth is ..."

Of the "hard no" parents, she added, "I don't think I've had much success. The 'soft nos,' I've convinced some of the parents to get the vaccine, which is probably the first step to getting the kids vaccinated."

Harris said the vaccine discussion is a frustration for herself and the hospital staff.

"It's frustrating and sad to know so many people don't have to get so sick," she said. "I see it on a regular occurence with unvaccinated patients I've counseled. ... They don't get vaccinated, and they pass away or have weeks and months of getting better.

"We keep trying to encourage people every day the best we can, but we kind of start running out of gas."

Pope said the staff of the pediatric center is "really exhausted" after nearly two years of battling COVID. She noted that many times the pediatric staff is the parents' first real conversation with a health professional, as parents with children often spend more time in a doctor's office with their kids than with their primary care physician.

 Pope added that the pediatric staff has been providing vaccinations before the clinic opens, meaning staffers  have been working early since May or June. 

The risk, Harris said, isn't the vaccine or necessarily that teens will become extremely ill —&nbsp;although she said there has been a steady increase in youth hospitalizations since the delta variant arrived in Kansas.

A larger concern is that teens and college students are "highly effective at spreading illness."

"There are multiple examples where we've seen teenagers, inadvertently, who have been sick with COVID and then have spread it to elderly grandparents —&nbsp;and the grandparents have passed away," she said. "You have to protect the people around you."

Teens are also developing socially and educationally, and COVID can be a major life disruption.

"(The vaccine) is protecting them from missing school, missing activities," she said. "And if you can keep your kiddo from not feeling terrible for 10 to 14 days, that doesn't seem like such a terrible idea."

Both Harris and Pope said there is a time when parents have to parent when to comes to the vaccine.

"More kids have died from COVID than influenza in any year," Pope said. "It's mild for most kids, but still significant. ... You just never know if that's going to be your kid or not.

"Teenagers should be part of the conversation because we're teaching them to be adults, right?" she added. "You're either going to get COVID or get the vaccine. We can't make COVID go away. But we can control it."

She noted "natural immunity" for those who have previously contracted COVID is not nearly as effective as the vaccine. When the body attacks a natural virus, it creates a wide variety of proteins to ward off a wide variety of potential causes. With the vaccine, those proteins are aimed directly at COVID.

"If you get the vaccine after you had had COVID, you boost that spike protein that has the most benefit," Pope said, adding "coronavirus has always been here. We just didn't have one that made people this sick."

Harris reiterated that the vaccines are safe and effective. 

"At some point, it's just time to be the parent and help them make good decisions and have an environment of wellness," she said.

With the Ellis County case rate curve ominously similar to the fall and winter of 2020, Harris said the trend could continue. 

"December matches the wave from last year," she said. "This is the time of the year when the peak of COVID occurs — 10 to 14 days after the holidays. People are back indoors, gathering in groups, mixing and matching their social circles, traveling."

Interim Ellis County Health Department Director Kim Reel offered the following statement.

"CDC recommends getting the COVID vaccine," she said. "We encourage everyone to reach out to their primary care physician to discuss further."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639254519987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Doctors 'running out of gas' in fight against misinformation</h2>Editor's note:&nbsp;Hays Post contacted several Ellis County students to learn what they have heard about the COVID-19 vaccine amongst peers and on social media. The quotes below are the responses, without attribution.&nbsp;Hays PostDespite last month's decision to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html">authorize COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 5 and older</a>, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported last week the overall vaccination rate in Ellis County for those age 12 and older remains just over 50 percent — well below the statewide average of 65 percent.<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00424-7/fulltext">A September study from England published by Lancet</a> showed about half of teens age 12 and older were either hesitant or would opt out of the vaccine altogether.Dr. Heather Harris, chief medical officer at HaysMed, and Dr. Michelle Pope, pediatrician at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/pediatrics/">Hays Pediatric Center</a>, said teen hesitancy is a conversation they have on a regular basis with patients and parents."Often, whatever the parents have decided for themselves, obviously there will be a similar decision for the kids," Pope said. She said the most common concern is that the vaccine was "so rushed.""It's not really true. Parts of the process have been in place for over a decade," Pope said, noting development of the MRNA science used for the COVID vaccine began when SARS and MERS threatened to become a significant health issue. "The technology is definitely not new. It just feels new ... because SARS and MERS never became a pandemic."Harris said she believes part of the hesitancy stems from a more base instinct."At the end of the day, kids don't like shots," she said. "But that just has to be 'time to be a parent.' You know they're going to be fine. There's just more fear than there is harm."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639254081806.png" alt="Dr. Heather Harris" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Heather Harris</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Fighting misinformation</h2>Both Harris and Pope offered the reassurance that the vaccine has been proven overwhelmingly safe – despite misinformation many children are faced with on social media."Kids get multiple vaccines over their life, and for the majority, there's very little concern about it," Harris said. "The scientific community has provided us with safe and effective vaccines, and there's no concern that this is any different."(The COVID vaccine's safety) has been politicized, but we all know it's just not true. Over a billion people have been vaccinated with very little to no harm."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639332626178.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22378331">RELATED: Click here for information on testing and vaccinations from the Ellis County Health Department.</a>A recurring bit of misinformation both Harris and Pope have heard is in regard to fertility in teen girls, although Pope noted there are studies actually showing heightened risk for unvaccinated men diagnosed with natural COVID to develop sterility. With the vaccine, however, Pope added that has not been shown to be a risk."They're spreading rumors amongst each other, and they don't have the right information to understand the misinformation," Harris said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639332537755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pope said the data shows children and adults have the same occurrence of mild reaction to the vaccine as adults — about 50 percent. She noted the vast majority of those reactions — site tenderness, fatigue and aches — happen within 12 to 24 hours of the shot, are short-lived and treatable with over-the-counter pain reliever.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639266087636.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>She noted that children who contract natural COVID, however, have an increased risk of long-term effects, including "pins and needles" nerve inflammation, joint aches, extreme fatigue and headaches.Pope acknowledged there have been cases of myocarditis — inflamation of the heart muscle — in teens following the vaccine, but noted natural COVID causes the same condition and can create permanent, long-term damage to the heart.Vaccine-related myocarditis is "very, very rare," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639251587003.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clinical trials have shown no occurrence of myocarditis in children age 5 to 11, according to <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/covid-19-vaccine-kids-how-we-know-it-s-safe">reports from the American Medical Association published in mid-November. </a><h2>Beds and bodies</h2>Harris again noted that the delta variant of COVID is affecting the younger population more seriously than the original strain, with the average COVID inpatient age now about 60 years old. Hospital stays have become longer and the outcomes have become more treacherous for otherwise healthy people."A great majority of those being hospitalized are unvaccinated. They're quite sick, have long hospitalizations, a long recovery and we're starting to see more deaths occur .. in relatively young people," she said. "The 50- to 60-year-old group has been pretty stubborn about getting the vaccine, and they're the ones being hospitalized."While the majority of inpatients at HaysMed had been from outside the county in recent weeks, as of Tuesday, about half of the 20-plus COVID inpatients were Ellis County residents. There have been some breakthrough cases of COVID in vaccinated patients, but Harris said most of those individuals were already immunocompromised or elderly.Hospitalization of COVID patients —&nbsp;the vast majority unvaccinated — continues to take its toll on the staff at HaysMed, which, like most health care institutions across the state and nation, is fighting staffing issues. HaysMed also has been intermittently closed to out-of-county transfers over recent months with the influx of COVID inpatients."We're in need of nurses, all levels of hospital functions," Harris said. "We're short-staffed in multiple departments. ... If we were only left with those vaccinated, we would just have a handful of COVID patients."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639254169095.png" alt="Dr. Michelle Pope" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Michelle Pope</figcaption>
 </figure>Pope said that while staffing levels at the pediatric center are not a concern, the number of COVID patients occupying beds is an issue when a child must be admitted for any condition. With a more vigorous flu season expected and the annual uptick of RSV expected over the next three months, this means the potential for more pediatric transfers out of HaysMed. She said it's common in a normal year for pediatric patients to be admitted for influenza or RSV. "We rely upon the same nurses, who are in short supply," she said. "The COVID patients are taking up resources for RSV patients," noting children have been transferred to Kansas Mercy Hospital or Wichita due to space and staff concerns.<h2>'An interesting conversation'</h2>Pope said she encounters three main mindsets after asking her patients' parents if they have been vaccinated."It's an interesting conversation," she said. "The response is 'yes' or a quiet 'no' or a very robust 'no.' "When I ask 'Then what are your concerns?' ... 25 to 50 percent of them don't want to talk about it. There's no conversation to be had. I restate the science, tell them I have no concerns and tell them I've put my money where my mouth is ..."Of the "hard no" parents, she added, "I don't think I've had much success. The 'soft nos,' I've convinced some of the parents to get the vaccine, which is probably the first step to getting the kids vaccinated."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639334167087.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harris said the vaccine discussion is a frustration for herself and the hospital staff."It's frustrating and sad to know so many people don't have to get so sick," she said. "I see it on a regular occurence with unvaccinated patients I've counseled. ... They don't get vaccinated, and they pass away or have weeks and months of getting better."We keep trying to encourage people every day the best we can, but we kind of start running out of gas."Pope said the staff of the pediatric center is "really exhausted" after nearly two years of battling COVID. She noted that many times the pediatric staff is the parents' first real conversation with a health professional, as parents with children often spend more time in a doctor's office with their kids than with their primary care physician. Pope added that the pediatric staff has been providing vaccinations before the clinic opens, meaning staffers have been working early since May or June. <h2>The risk</h2>The risk, Harris said, isn't the vaccine or necessarily that teens will become extremely ill —&nbsp;although she said there has been a steady increase in youth hospitalizations since the delta variant arrived in Kansas.A larger concern is that teens and college students are "highly effective at spreading illness.""There are multiple examples where we've seen teenagers, inadvertently, who have been sick with COVID and then have spread it to elderly grandparents —&nbsp;and the grandparents have passed away," she said. "You have to protect the people around you."Teens are also developing socially and educationally, and COVID can be a major life disruption."(The vaccine) is protecting them from missing school, missing activities," she said. "And if you can keep your kiddo from not feeling terrible for 10 to 14 days, that doesn't seem like such a terrible idea."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639333645643.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The decision</h2>Both Harris and Pope said there is a time when parents have to parent when to comes to the vaccine."More kids have died from COVID than influenza in any year," Pope said. "It's mild for most kids, but still significant. ... You just never know if that's going to be your kid or not."Teenagers should be part of the conversation because we're teaching them to be adults, right?" she added. "You're either going to get COVID or get the vaccine. We can't make COVID go away. But we can control it."She noted "natural immunity" for those who have previously contracted COVID is not nearly as effective as the vaccine. When the body attacks a natural virus, it creates a wide variety of proteins to ward off a wide variety of potential causes. With the vaccine, those proteins are aimed directly at COVID."If you get the vaccine after you had had COVID, you boost that spike protein that has the most benefit," Pope said, adding "coronavirus has always been here. We just didn't have one that made people this sick."Harris reiterated that the vaccines are safe and effective. "At some point, it's just time to be the parent and help them make good decisions and have an environment of wellness," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639265178870.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the Ellis County case rate curve ominously similar to the fall and winter of 2020, Harris said the trend could continue. "December matches the wave from last year," she said. "This is the time of the year when the peak of COVID occurs — 10 to 14 days after the holidays. People are back indoors, gathering in groups, mixing and matching their social circles, traveling."Interim Ellis County Health Department Director Kim Reel offered the following statement."CDC recommends getting the COVID vaccine," she said. "We encourage everyone to reach out to their primary care physician to discuss further."

Hays docs: Battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge

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

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,000 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639161400157.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>The KDHE reported Wednesday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 5,000 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 10 new cases, 5,000 in Ellis Co. since reporting began

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

As of Tuesday morning, HaysMed reported 21 COVID-19 inpatients. 

Corrected 12:50 p.m. Wednesday: The original reporting on HaysMed inpatients stated "as of Wednesday" and has been corrected.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,990 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638988601317.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Tuesday morning, HaysMed reported 21 COVID-19 inpatients. Corrected 12:50 p.m. Wednesday: The original reporting on HaysMed inpatients stated "as of Wednesday" and has been corrected.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>The KDHE reported Wednesday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,990 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 31 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

KDHE also reported an additional coronavirus-related death of an Ellis County resident, bringing the total to 76.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 25 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,959 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638813910269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.KDHE also reported an additional coronavirus-related death of an Ellis County resident, bringing the total to 76.As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 25 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fbf9a1d-9473-48af-add6-ac3dfce7c3b6">RELATED: HaysMed releases November COVID stats</a>The KDHE reported Friday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,959 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

HaysMed on Monday released COVID-19 statistics for the month of November.

The numbers reflect all COVID-19 admissions, not just those patients residing in Ellis County.

There were 67 total COVID inpatient admissions, with an average age of 60. Just less than two-thirds of the admissions were male patients. Fourteen of the admissions were Ellis County residents.

There were four COVID-related deaths in the month of November.

Fifty-six of the 67 patients admitted were unvaccinated, while two were partially vaccinated.&nbsp;

As of Monday morning, there were 25 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.

HaysMed on Monday released COVID-19 statistics for the month of November.The numbers reflect all COVID-19 admissions, not just those patients residing in Ellis County.There were 67 total COVID inpatient admissions, with an average age of 60. Just less than two-thirds of the admissions were male patients. Fourteen of the admissions were Ellis County residents.There were four COVID-related deaths in the month of November.Fifty-six of the 67 patients admitted were unvaccinated, while two were partially vaccinated.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, there were 25 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.

HaysMed releases November COVID statistics

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 34 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,928 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638555595074.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County COVID-19 update: Dec. 3, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mab5c-1148994-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 34 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,928 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 KDHE: 34 new COVID cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 36 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,894 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638400219139.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 36 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,894 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 36 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 46 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there was no KDHE case update Friday.

As of Monday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported HaysMed had 29 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Monday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,858 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638210186540.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 46 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there was no KDHE case update Friday.As of Monday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported HaysMed had 29 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Monday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,858 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 46 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases at a northwest Kansas nursing home.

KDHE reported there have been 34 cases of coronavirus identified in the last 14 days at Smith County Health and Rehabilitation in Smith Center.

Of the 170 active clusters identified by KDHE, it is the only one located in northwest Kansas. KDHE updates its COVID cluster report each Wednesday.

Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for more.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases at a northwest Kansas nursing home.KDHE reported there have been 34 cases of coronavirus identified in the last 14 days at Smith County Health and Rehabilitation in Smith Center.Of the 170 active clusters identified by KDHE, it is the only one located in northwest Kansas. KDHE updates its COVID cluster report each Wednesday.Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for more.

COVID-19 cluster identified at NW Kan. nursing home

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

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, KDHE's next case update will be Monday.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 18 on Monday.

The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,812 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637777211483.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, KDHE's next case update will be Monday.As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 18 on Monday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,812 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 23 new cases of COVID in Ellis Co. since Monday

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

The KDHE also revised the coronavirus-related death total to 75, down one.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,789 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637603879214.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;The KDHE also revised the coronavirus-related death total to 75, down one.As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,789 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 17 on Wednesday.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 48.6 percent.

The department noted vaccination rates decreased since the last reporting due to the inclusion of pediatric populations (5-11) Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637349628496.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 17 on Wednesday.The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 48.6 percent.The department noted vaccination rates decreased since the last reporting due to the inclusion of pediatric populations (5-11) Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 4,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 22 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 17 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 on Monday.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,748 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637173062206.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 17 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 on Monday.The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,748 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

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

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 10 on Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,717 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637000330282.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 10 on Friday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,717 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 25 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

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

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 10 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 16 on Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,692 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/86981597-03a8-48ef-ab01-e8983647529c">RELATED: Small COVID clusters reported in NW Kan. counties</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636741266945.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 10 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 16 on Monday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,692 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/86981597-03a8-48ef-ab01-e8983647529c">RELATED: Small COVID clusters reported in NW Kan. counties</a>

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported four COVID-19 clusters — locations tied to at least five cases of coronavirus within the last 14 days — in northwest Kansas.

Six cases were reported at Colby Community College, and seven were reported at Whispering Pines long-term care facility in Norton County.

Two clusters were reported in Barton County, including five cases at Barton County Road &amp; Bridge Department and six cases at Great Bend High School.

Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for details.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported four COVID-19 clusters — locations tied to at least five cases of coronavirus within the last 14 days — in northwest Kansas.Six cases were reported at Colby Community College, and seven were reported at Whispering Pines long-term care facility in Norton County.Two clusters were reported in Barton County, including five cases at Barton County Road &amp; Bridge Department and six cases at Great Bend High School.Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636654348737.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Small COVID clusters reported in NW Kan. counties

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 16 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 on Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,672 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636569622476.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 16 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 15 on Monday.The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,672 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 15 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 14 on Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,657 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636394769867.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 14 on Friday.The KDHE reported Monday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,657 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 12 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 15 on Wednesday.

The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,645 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636134150888.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 15 on Wednesday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,645 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

Based on the current active COVID cases in Hays USD 489, the school district will be moving to level three of its COVID mitigation protocols.

A 10-day quarantine will be required for close contacts or a return to school will be allowed if a mask is worn and the person is actively monitoring for symptoms.

See a complete chart of the USD 489 COVID protocols below.

Hays PostBased on the current active COVID cases in Hays USD 489, the school district will be moving to level three of its COVID mitigation protocols.A 10-day quarantine will be required for close contacts or a return to school will be allowed if a mask is worn and the person is actively monitoring for symptoms.This will be effective Monday.See a complete chart of the USD 489 COVID protocols below. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636125469601.jpeg" alt="USD 489 COVID mitigation protocols " />
 <figcaption>USD 489 COVID mitigation protocols </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays USD 489 increases COVID mitigation protocols

Total COVID admissions
for October 2021 at HaysMed, Hays

*&nbsp;56 total admissions to the hospital for COVID-19 *&nbsp;Average age 62 *&nbsp;59% male; 41% female *&nbsp;2 deaths; average age 64 *&nbsp;14 of 47 admissions were from Ellis County. *&nbsp;37 of the 47 were not vaccinated. *&nbsp;2 of the 47 were
partially vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628047577531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedTotal COVID admissions
for October 2021 at HaysMed, Hays*&nbsp;56 total admissions to the hospital for COVID-19 *&nbsp;Average age 62 *&nbsp;59% male; 41% female *&nbsp;2 deaths; average age 64 *&nbsp;14 of 47 admissions were from Ellis County. *&nbsp;37 of the 47 were not vaccinated. *&nbsp;2 of the 47 were
partially vaccinated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635976912809.png" alt="HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635976932879.png" alt="HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>

Coronavirus Update