As of Tuesday Jewell County has had no positive cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. There have been tests performed in Jewell County and neighboring counties, but all tests that have been received have been negative at this time. In a continued effort to prepare and inform the public about preventative
measures for COVID-19, the Jewell County Health Department and Jewell County Emergency Management has met with the county commissioners, local government officials, members of local businesses, the local healthcare
entities, and USD 107, to continue to plan for the potential of COVID-19 in the community.
President Trump addressed the nation Monday urging citizens to help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 recommending “ 15 Day’s to Slow the Spread.” In his address, recommendations are as follows which is supported
by the health department
• If you feel sick, stay home, do not go the work. Contact your medical provider.
• If your children are sick, keep them at home.
• Avoid social gatherings in groups or more than 10 people.
• A void discretionary travel.
• If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that may put you at risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lungs, heart function or weakens your immune system) stay home away from other people.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued new r.ecommendation for quarantine and isolation of travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested. KDHE is now recommending a 14-day quarantine for Kansans who have:
• Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New York and
Washington state) on or after March 15.
• Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado within the past week.
• Traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 15th.
• Traveled internationally on or after March 15.
• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with that person. (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 mintues while the person is symptomatic).
If you have traveled to the above areas or have had close contact as specified above, contact the Jewell County Health Department for further instructions.
The Jewell County Board of Commissioners did issue a COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Resolutions on March 16, to help with mitigation of harm for the county from a COVID-19 event.
Hospital representatives have reported that there are COVID-19 testing supplies at Jewell County Hospital and that they have an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to take care of patients.
Emergency Management has been notified that the Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an emergency order suspending all utility disconnects until April 15th to offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus.
For more information, visit https://kcc.ks.gov/
The health department is following all the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control. These agencies have information that is constantly being updated and can be found at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavilUs/ or \’1ww.cdc.gov.
The health department stresses the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:
• Staying home if you are sick.
• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Covering your sneezes or coughs with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections. There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
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