11 New COVID Deaths, 193 New Cases

There are 11 new deaths due to COVID-19 since the update on December 30th, and there are 193 new cases.

According to the Saline County Health Department the total number of positive cases has risen to 4,480, with 1,756 cases currently active. At least 2,655 people have recovered, and now 69 people have died.

Salina Regional Health Center reports they currently have 33 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The county dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. They understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the county FAQ Section for additional questions.

Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind.

According to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment Coronavirus Website, there are now 231,317 cases and 2,897 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:
1.     Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.
2.     Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.
3.     Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.
4.     By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).
5.     Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.
6.     Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.