The Riley County Health Department is reporting its second positive case of COVID-19 in less than 12 hours, bringing the county-wide total to four cases.
The new patient is a 29-year-old male, and he was tested at KSTAT. There is no additional patient information at the time of publishing.
“It is crucial that everyone do their part to help stop the spread,” local health officer Julie Gibbs said. “Make the choice to stay home to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and neighbors. Make social and business contacts virtually instead of in person. We all have to work together to flatten the curve. The time to take action is now.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the health department reported that a man in his 50s is currently receiving intensive care at Ascension Via Christi Hospital for a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Gibbs said in a Facebook Live stream Tuesday afternoon that the patient’s family members are not exhibiting symptoms and are self-isolating.
”He is considered an imported case, and not an instance of community spread. The patient had recently traveled with his family to a church meeting in the Kansas City area. His family members are currently in quarantine at their home in Riley County,” the press release says.
Currently, there are 10 pending COVID-19 tests in Riley County. Gibbs said this includes Fort Riley. The RCHD is working on contact tracing for all cases.
“Please know we take these very seriously,” Gibbs said. “We follow up with the family and everyone they have been in contact with.”
The county directs any individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to the virus hotline at 785-587-4526 where they can leave a voicemail. RCHD is holding press conferences over Facebook Live at 4:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
