In the latest COVID-19 update release from the Riley County Health Department on April 20, Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs said that in Kansas, COVID-19 is no longer considered a pandemic but is now an endemic.
“This means that COVID-19 is still here, but we now have the tools to reduce its impact,” Gibbs said in the release.
Active cases have decreased from 18 to four since the previous report. And Ascension Via Christi has no COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to RCHD.
Related:
Health department announces increase in COVID-19 positivity rates/
The Kansas State campus maintained the same number of positive COVID-19 cases. In its most recent report, Lafene also identified four new positive cases, bringing the positivity rate down from 3.88 percent to 3.60 percent for the week of April 11-15. The number of tests administered this past week also increased from 103 to 111.
Gibbs said the demand for testing has also decreased.
“At this point, we’re testing an average of 3-6 individuals per day, and we’re mostly seeing people who need tests for travel or other verification purposes,” Gibbs said.
Free rapid and PCR tests are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with no appointment at 3019 Anderson Ave. The service is available through the end of April.
The health department continues providing COVID-19 vaccinations with or without an appointment. Walk-in vaccinations are available at 2030 Tecumseh Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday. Individuals can schedule appointments by calling (785) 565-6560. However, COVID-19 testing is longer available at the location.
