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All Russell County COVID Cases to be Routed to KDHE

COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update

Beginning January 31, all Russell County COVID cases will be automatically routed to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Currently, all cases are reported and routed to the Russell County Health Department. In turn, Health Department staff collects information and then routes the cases to KDHE. The combination of increasing COVID cases and continuing to provide Health Department services, including vaccinations, has become overwhelming for staff.

Cases will be contacted automatically by KDHE investigators. There may be a time delay, however. KDHE is in the process of training more investigators. Also, if a case needs a letter or note to return to work or school, this will be provided by KDHE upon request.

"Even though we are currently routing cases to KDHE, a lot of time is spent searching for new cases, calling the patient and routing the cases to KDHE. It takes more time than people realize for that step," stated Paula Bitter, Russell County Health Department Administrator. "By removing this step, it will free up time to complete other Health Department requirements that have been pushed to the back."

The Health Department is still here to serve. "The community is the Health Department's top priority and we must be able to provide the best service that we can provide," said Bitter.

Positive cases need to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and KDHE. Cases need to isolate at home for a minimum of five days after onset of symptoms. If asymptomatic, the five days will begin the date the individual tested. After five days, the case may be released if fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours and improvement in other symptoms, whichever is longer. These individuals must wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional five days (days six through 10). If wearing a mask is not an option due to medical issues or personal issues, the individual must remain in isolation for the entire 10 days.

Lingering cough or loss of taste and/or smell will not prevent a case from being released from isolation. If an individual tests after five days of home isolation, an antigen test is preferred. If the test result is positive, the person will need to isolate at home for the full 10 days. If a follow-up PCR or antigen test is positive after 10 days of home isolation, individuals do not need to re-renter isolation as long as they have completed the 10-day isolation and had symptom improvement for a minimum of 24 hours.

(Information courtesy RCHD.)