Riley County now has 57 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. The newest cases are in a 62-year-old male and a 55-year-old female.
The female is a family member of a previously known positive case.
Riley County has 47 pending tests, local health officer Julie Gibbs said. Two patients are hospitalized at Ascension Via Christi along with one person under investigation from Pottawatomie County.
“We recognize the impact this pandemic has on businesses, schools, daycares, parents who are trying to make ends meet and provide for their kids, and last but certainly not least, all caregivers as we try to help our children with their homework,” Gibbs said. “We should not take this lightly, nor have we.”
In the first week of the restricted movement order, Gibbs believes businesses have been successful in implementing precautions. In order to move into the next phase, health officials will look at several parameters.
“We will look at the percent of positives,” Gibbs said. “We will always look at clusters whether it be in a business or long-term care facility.”
Gibbs encourages people to not go out more than necessary and to wear masks whenever in public.
“Keep an eye on crowding when going out,” Gibbs said. “Employees handling food must wear a mask, not necessarily hostesses.”
Gibbs encourages citizens to call the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce or Riley County Police Department with questions regarding best practice for businesses.
Riley County will hit the estimated peak 10 days behind the rest of the state. Gibbs adds the county has so far stayed under the previously predicted number of positive cases. She attributes this to the stay-at-home order.
Individuals with symptoms are encouraged to call the screening line at 785-323-6400. People with non-emergent questions about COVID-19 in Riley County should send an email to rileycountycovid19@gmail.com.
