Franklin County Situation Update - 10.15.21

There have been 10 additional cases of COVID-19 reported since Wednesday, October 13th. We are sad to report an additional death of a Franklin County resident. Our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

There are currently 52 active cases, 13 pending test results and 2 current COVID hospitalizations at AdventHealth Ottawa that have been reported to the Health Department. Through case investigations, there have been 2 additional breakthrough cases. 

From the CDC: Vaccine breakthrough cases are expected. COVID-19 vaccines are effective and are a critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. However, no vaccines are 100% effective at preventing illness. There will be a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who will still get sick from COVID-19.

CDC Quarantine Guidance for Schools - Mask Exception

1. Exception: In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) if both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks the entire time.
2. This exception can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact 
3. To make it clear: If both individuals are not wearing a mask, the exposed close contact must follow quarantine protocols.

Quarantine Guidance - Updated 09.14.21

**Please take the time to read Dr. Ransom's thoughts on the 

COVID-19 Delta Variant

Kansas Adopts CDC's Guidance on Mask-Wearing, Physical Distancing - Update 05.13.21 -

Along with the State of Kansas, Franklin County is following CDC guidance in regards to mask-wearing and physical distancing.

Vaccine Data:

Vaccine Appointments:

Thoughts From Dr. Bud Ransom - Franklin County Public Health Officer - 03.17.21

While the new case count is low and the active-case trends continue to be encouraging, there are several COVID-19 variants that may pose a significant threat. Franklin County residents should continue to take COVID precautions:

• Wear a mask in public
• Social distance from those you do not reside with
• Wash your hands often
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Dr. Bud Ransom, Franklin County Public Health Officer, believes that the next several weeks could be crucial in keeping the variant strains largely inactive in this community.

COVID-19 Vaccine - Frequently Asked Questions

Updated Vaccine Information

Franklin County Administers First Doses to Most Vulnerable Population - 01.16.21

Executive Order #20-68 – 11.20.20

The County has received several questions pertaining to Governor Kelly's new Executive Order, E.O. #20-68, which goes into effect next Wednesday, November 25^th. This Executive Order serves as the second mandatory mask order issued by the Governor's Office, the first being Executive Order #20-52. As Franklin County continues to acknowledge E.O. #20-52, the provisions of E.O. #20-68 are duplicative and do not change the County's pandemic response. Franklin County continues to strongly recommend the use of masks in all spaces for the health and safety of our citizens.

Executive order #20-68 can be found here: https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf

Questions or concerns, reach out to Kaci Brady – kbrady@franklincoks.org.

Guidance for Celebrating Holidays

Franklin County Event Guidelines

**Attention - We apologize for the confusion** The following testing locations are approved by the Franklin County Health Department and the State of Kansas:

• AdventHealth Ottawa
• Ottawa Family Physicians Laboratory
• Other area hospitals as determined on a case-by-case basis 

Updated - 07.06.20

Please do your part to keep those around you safe – wear a mask, social distance, and thoroughly wash your hands multiple times throughout the day.

Franklin County Remaining in Phase III

05.29.20 - A Message from Dr. Bud Ransom, Franklin County Health Officer - Regarding Our Local Response to COVID-19. Click here.

Franklin County Offices Re-Open to the Public

"Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen KANSAS."State Plan : FAQ

Looking for Employment?

Franklin County Openings

The Kansas Department of Commerce has launched a resource to connect those who are currently unemployed to much-needed jobs. Businesses across Kansas need workers for immediate hire. More information can be found here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/covid-19-jobs-and-hiring-portal/

Employers in critical industries should submit information about openings with urgent hiring needs related to COVID19 at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-hiring-intake-form/

KDHE Mask Guidance
CDC Recommended Mask Usage - FAQ

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies, where it is hard to keep a physical distance.

Recent studies have proven that individuals with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. The virus can be spread between people interacting in close proximity – such as through speaking, coughing or sneezing. For this reason, if it is not absolutely essential for you to be a in public setting, PLEASE STAY HOME.

Please keep in mind that paper masks and N95 masks should only be used by healthcare workers. These masks are in very short supply nationwide and we would ask that you not source these for personal use.

Learn more about the CDC's guidance for face coverings here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html 

 The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Take the following steps to minimize your risk: 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Distance yourself from others when in public, especially if you are a senior or have a medical condition that puts you in a high-risk category.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when in public.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue. Throw the used tissue away and immediately wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily -- including phones, keyboards, doorknobs, handles and light switches – with an EPA-registered disinfectant.

KDHE Travel Self-Quarantine List - Updated 05.18.20

 Help us slow the spread by participating in social distancing.

Can I be tested for COVID-19

Call Ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms, please do not go to your healthcare provider or to the emergency room. Call first!

Click Here for Franklin County Updates
Click Here for KDHE Updates
Click Here for Information for Businesses

KDHE Public Hotline

Do These Things To Protect Yourself:

• Your best defense against the COVID-19 is practicing good hand hygiene. Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used as an alternative when soap and water is unavailable. However, it should not be used as a primary source for hand hygiene.
• If you are elderly AND/OR have underlying health concerns, you may want consider forgoing social gatherings with large crowds.
• There is NO magic home remedy, medication or treatment that will defend against COVID-19. Again, your best defense is good hand hygiene.
• Stockpiling is not necessary.

Other Available Resources:

Get the latest information from the CDC and KDHE: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm

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