BY JUSTIN SABATA
Certain trends continue in regards to COVID-19 in Ellis County. 81 active cases were reported by the Ellis County Health Department on Friday, the lowest amount reported this week. 89 active cases were announced last Monday and 101 cases on Wednesday – the first time over 100 cases have been reported since January 15.
This week, the weekly average percent-of-positives rate has decreased by the day. A reported 9.4% of tests returned positive in the week leading up to last Monday, followed by 7.2% on Wednesday and 6.10% Friday. Nationwide, the weekly average currently sits at 5.9% according to Johns Hopkins University.
The overall positives rate (since the pandemic began) is currently at 14.2%. The Hays Post first reported that 68 people have passed away in Ellis County due to the virus.
The KDHE reported 1,208 new cases in the state since Wednesday. 61 new deaths and 47 new hospitalizations were also announced.
Vaccine
According to the KDHE, 9.4% of Kansans have been vaccinated for COVID-19 as of Friday. Based on the numbers from the department’s COVID vaccine dashboard, about 64% of the doses distributed to Kansas counties have been administered. Residents aged 65 to 74 have received the most vaccines in the state so far.
In a news conference on Wednesday, Gov. Kelly announced that the state is expecting to receive nearly 90,000 doses from the Biden administration next week – an increase from last month.
“We will continue to urge them to both increase the number of vaccines we receive and to get a stimulus package signed and delivered, so that we can get the economic support we need to continue on our road to recovery,” Kelly said.
500 doses were distributed to Ellis County this week. In comparison, nearby counties Rooks, Rush, Russell, and Trego have each received 100 doses.