PHILLIPS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Phillips County Health Department is announcing the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Phillips County.
The case involves a male in his 50’s, with a travel history in the last 2 weeks. Phillips County Health Department officials and Phillips County Health Systems staff are working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible. We will be monitoring these contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released.
“Sadly we have identified through reference lab testing the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Phillips County. The individual is being monitored and is quarantined along with his family. Now that we know this disease is in our community we are asking that all residents continue to comply with the Governor’s current stay at home order and take all the steps we have been outlining to help avoid and stop the spread of this illness,” said Pete Rogers, Phillips County Public Health Officer.
Phillips County residents can stay informed by visiting:
www.phillipscountyks.org , www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus or http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
For general information, you may contact the EOC at 785-540-4262.
Pete Rogers
Phillips County Health Officer
785-540-4262
Earlier:
PHILLIPS COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEMS
A patient has been identified through reference lab testing with the first presumptive case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, at Phillips County Health Systems (PCHS).
The patient was screened in the designated COVID-19 screening pod in front of the Emergency Department at the Phillips County Hospital and was further examined in the isolated exam room within the ER. These designated and isolated areas were set up to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, staff, and the community.
Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear provided the patient with a mask and coordinated the patient’s screening in the COVID-19 screening pod and then escorted the patient into the hospital for further examination in one of the isolated ER rooms. No patients, visitors, or caregivers were exposed. PCHS followed the CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect our community, patients, and staff from exposure.
The patient is currently quarantining at home and their health is improving. We will not share information about patients diagnosed or admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by HIPAA. PCHS is working in tandem with the Phillips County Health Department and the Phillips County Emergency Operations Center for contact exposure tracing and notifying people at risk of exposure per their protocols. All questions related to public safety should be directed to the EOC.
PCHS’ top priority is the safety of our patients, staff, and our community. Our medical team and community health partners have been well prepared for this inevitable event. The correct tools and techniques are in place to protect and care for our community. We are equipped and ready.
While some patient appointments have been postponed or delayed already due to our COVID-19 protocols, patients who have appointments are safe to keep their medical and outpatient appointments. You can also contact the Phillips County Medical Clinic about setting up a virtual telehealth visit by calling 785-543-5211.
COVID-19 is now officially in our community. Please continue to stay home, wash your hands, and take all the necessary precautions.
If you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus, please call the Phillips County EOC at 785-540-4262 or Infection Control Nurse at PCHS Jaime Baker, RN at 785-543-5226.