CHANUTE — Allen County remains largely free of reported COVID-19 cases, although neighboring counties have reported new cases in recent days.
Most notably, Neosho County health officials announced eight active COVID cases as of Tuesday.
The infections were determined to be “community spread.” That means some of the patients were uncertain of how or where they became infected, the Neosho County Health Department announced in a press release.
Each is cooperating with the Health Department, and has been quarantined.
Health officials are urging vigilance and precaution as public facilities are reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, the Chanute Police Department announced this week access to the Chanute Memorial Building, which houses CPD and other public offices.
On Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued travel advisories for anyone who has been to Maryland any time since May 12, or to Arkansas, Alabama or Arizona this week. Anyone who has been to those states are required to quarantine for 14 days. Similar orders have been in place for anyone who has traveled internationally or been on a cruise since mid-March.
Residents are encouraged to travel as little as possible, utilize social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet apart from others), exercise frequent hand hygiene, work from home if possible, wear a face mask when in public, and cough or sneeze into their sleeves.
All are urged to remain at home if they are ill.
There have been only two reported cases of Allen Countians infected with COVID, one who has not been in the county for several months; the other asymptomatic.
COVID-19 typically causes mild or moderate health issues for patients, with fever or chills, coughing and shortness of breath the most common symptoms.
The threat is significantly more ominous for older adults and others with underlying health issues.
As of Wednesday, the state had reported a combined 11,681 positive COVID-19 cases, with 247 deaths and 1,011 hospitalizations. More than 130,000 negative tests have been reported.
