Riley county added 28 positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total to 184.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment declared two more outbreaks in Manhattan. Rock A Belly Deli and Bar and 7even8ight5ive Bar in Aggieville were named as the source of the outbreaks. On Wednesday, Aggieville and Kansas State were also named as outbreaks.
“We have been in contact with all involved, and those bars have actually closed on their own, to help prevent the potential spread and for thorough cleaning,” Julie Gibbs, local health officer said.
Andrew Adams, emergency preparedness coordinator for public health, said contact tracing played a role in identifying and distinguishing certain hot spots in Aggieville from other areas.
“When we track back with the cases, where they’ve been, we saw those two places come up a lot, with several people, whether it’s patrons whether it’s staff, whether it’s other people like that,” Adams said. “And so, in talking with KDHE and the state health department, we came to that conclusion to say ‘Yes, these are two distinct pockets within the larger outbreak that’s been identified’ and established an angle.”
As the fall semester draws closer, questions were raised about how the situation would be handled as the population in Riley county grows. Gibbs said the universities have been doing a great job of trying to get ahead.
“We’ve been involved in several of those conversations and we’re actually meeting with them next week to talk further about that,” Gibbs said.
Businesses with questions about best practices should call the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at 785-776-8829 or email info@manhattan.org. Additional resources for reopening local businesses are available at regionreimagined.org.
Individuals with symptoms are encouraged to call the screening line at 785-323-6400. The screening line is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through the end of June. People with non-emergent questions about COVID-19 in Riley County should send an email to rileycountycovid19@gmail.com.
To be tested in Riley County, individuals must present at least two symptoms of COVID-19. The complete list of known symptoms is available on the health department website.
