UPDATED: 1:40 p.m. Monday to include additional information.
The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced an additional of 72 new COVID-19 cases in the county since Aug. 17 after a reporting error by a Lenexa-based testing company uncovered unreported cases.
"CRL Reference Labs, who is providing testing to FHSU students, was not reporting electronically to the State of Kansas," the health department said in a news release. "From Saturday, Aug. 22, (to) Monday, Aug. 24, ECHD was notified of 483 test results (from all labs) that were completed over the last week. Of these tests, 72 returned positive for COVID-19."
According to the health department, there are now 98 active cases of coronavirus, with one active hospitalization, and 153 recovered cases. Since reporting began, there have been 252 cases of COVID-19 in the county, including one death.
The department said there was a 700 percent increase in average daily cases from Aug. 12 to Aug. 20 — rising from 1.1 cases per day to nearly 8 a day. The department also said 77 percent of the active cases are age 18 to 24.
"Many of the new cases have mild to no symptoms, which can make it difficult to control the spread of the virus through contact tracing and isolation. Everyone needs to take personal precautions to help mitigate the spread; avoid gathering in groups, especially parties and gatherings where social distancing and the use of masks is difficult or not enforced. No one is immune to the effects of COVID-19 whether they are physical, emotional or financial," the department said. "We all desire a return to normal but that can only take place if we all work together to take simple steps in our personal lives to slow the spread:
Do NOT gather in groups.
Do social distance.
Do wash your hands frequently.
Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance.
Do isolate immediately if you feel ill.
Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.
Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community."
Read the entire release below:
