As of July 11, 2022, Kansas hit a high of over 1000 new cases of COVID-19 each day. For the week ending July 8, 2022, 78 Kansas counties, including Pottawatomie County, have high positive case numbers reported.
The rate in Pottawatomie County is 188.7 per 100,000 people which equates to 46 new cases identified by health care providers this last week. This number does not include home testing kit results. Numbers are very underreported because home test results are not required to be reported to health care providers.
New CDC metrics report staffed inpatient beds and hospital admissions are very low for Pottawatomie County, however, the numbers are rising. Thirteen Kansas counties currently have high rates of hospital admissions and inpatient beds filled with COVID-19 patients.
What does this mean? SARS-CoV-2 subtypes of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are increasing in Kansas. These subtypes have been steadily increasing each week since May 29 in Kansas.
What do I need to do to keep my family safe? There is no change in recent guidance. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash hands often and stay home when ill. Get vaccinated!!
What do I do if I am exposed to COVID-19? If you are vaccinated and boosted, monitor yourself for symptoms and test yourself every day with a home test. Wear a mask when around others. If you are not vaccinated and boosted, quarantine at home for five days, then wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days.
What do I do if I feel ill with COVID-19 symptoms? Contact your healthcare provider, take a home test prior to going to work or and events, Isolate if the test is positive for 5 days. Then wear a mask for 5 additional days. Free home tests are still available.
