Third virus case in Osage County

OSAGE COUNTY, KS – The Osage County Health Department has identified the County’s 3^rd positive case of COVID-19. The Health Department has continued to thoroughly investigate each case. Currently, positive cases have been located in various areas of the county. These cases are not all related to one organization or individual. Individuals who have had close contact with positive cases will be/have been notified by the Health Department. Positive and questionable cases are provided with further instructions to quarantine or isolate themselves and any household members to prevent further spread. The Health Department continuously monitors temperatures and symptoms of cases throughout their quarantine/isolation period.

There are currently 7 County residents under isolation/quarantine orders as the Health Department investigates contact cases or awaits test results. Accordingly, anyone calling into 911/dispatch can expect questions pertaining to the households’ potential exposure to COVID-19 as well as the symptoms that may change response protocol. This is done in the interest of the safety of our First Responders who will arrive on scene as well as in the interest of public safety.

As the number of cases continues to rise in Osage County, it is very important that residents comply with the “Stay Home” order currently in effect statewide. This Order is intended to create distance between households, decreasing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and in the interest of public health and safety, the Osage County Courthouse has closed to the public, and will be open for phone calls and special appointments from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The transfer station/landfill will remain open normal business hours. The noxious weed department will be open for chemical sales by appointment only from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and the recycle center will be closed. The County Commissioners will continue to meet at their regular time each week unless otherwise announced. The meeting may be moved to ensure enough room to allow for proper social distancing. All who enter the courthouse will continue to have their temperature checked and travel/symptom questions asked prior to allowing entry.

Going forward, the Health Department will not publish a press release for every new COVID-19 case in the County. Instead, a chart will be updated and published regularly with statistical information as it becomes available. You can find this information on the Osage County COVID-19 FaceBook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Osage-County-Covid-19-110249017270887/

We understand this is a trying time for the entire community and we appreciate everyone’s efforts and cooperation to help us slow the spread of this virus.

For more information, please refer to:

KDHE: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus or KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.