Who has Responsibility for Your Health? |
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Last March, we started making serious changes to our lives to ‘flatten the curve’ and ‘slow the spread’ of the novel coronavirus. We were told if we did not do something immediately and aggressively, that 2.2 million Americans would potentially die. Locally, that would mean about 3,500 county deaths. We were warned the hospitals would likely become overwhelmed. With that, we watched the world shut down as we learned more about this novel threat.
Fast forward nearly seven months. So far, due to COVID-19, Sedgwick County has logged 93 deaths or about 2% of that early warning. We agree that 93 deaths is far too many. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy how our actual metrics are much, much different from those early warnings.
Looking back now, I have to ask myself, what would we have done differently had we known we would still be grappling with this virus going into October? Suppose that we will be fighting COVID-19 throughout 2021, what would we do differently? Are we content with the health orders enough that our community will embrace them for another year?
Sadly, we seem to be more divided than ever when it comes to our opinion as it relates to COVID-19. One end of the opinion spectrum seems to want more government orders that control the actions of all people and businesses. The other end of the spectrum is a denial with a belief that this is all a hoax. Let me make an argument for the middle-ground or moderate viewpoint.
I contend once again that the novel coronavirus is a dangerous virus that we should all respect. If we are not near other people, or if we are outdoors, the risk of contracting the virus is very low. If we are near other people, wearing a mask is a reasonable option to reduce the risk of transmission. What bothers me (and many other people) is the mandate.
I do not think government mandates are the right strategy. Instead, I believe we need to educate people about the risks, advocate for people to mitigate the risks, and trust people to exercise personal responsibility and freedom. The people have a sovereign right to make health choices and COVID-19 should not be an exception.
The truth is a mask protects the wearer as much as it protects another person. If you want to reduce your risk, then you need to make a personal choice to embrace social distancing, improve your hand hygiene, and wear a mask when you are around other people. Do not look to big government to institute orders on everyone else to protect you. Your protection is your responsibility. If you do not want to do these things, the government mandates probably will not compel you. Regardless of whether you embrace mitigations or not, you must accept the consequences for your decisions.
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September 30, 2020 COVID-19 Report |
Comparing case counts from Monday, September 28 to today, September 30:
- The United States of America case count increased from 7,122,754 to 7,199,139 (+1.07 percent).
- Today, the State of Kansas case count increased nearly two percent, from 58,629 to 59,749. It was reported that 678 Kansans have passed away due to COVID-19.
- In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 8,522 to 8,574 (+ 0.61).
Currently, Sedgwick County is only testing symptomatic residents, close contacts, and people who work in certain at-risk professions (first responders, healthcare workers (including home health and long-term care), law enforcement, detention facility workers, Direct Support Professionals, or those working in residential group living facilities).
Visit www.sedgwickcounty.org for additional information about COVID-19 including testing information, funding resources, and data.
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County Continues to Use CARES Funding for COVID-19 Response |
- Any business may be eligible for a maximum of $5,000 in grants per business. The deadline to apply for this funding is October 7, 2020.
- There is no cost associated with kits – funding was allocated by the Board of County Commissioners from the CARES Act funding from the State.
- Retail stores and restaurants may request face shields and additional disposable face masks.
- PPE kits will be available for pick up at various locations around Sedgwick County the week of October 12-16, 2020.
So far, Sedgwick County has spent $25 million for staff, resources, and supplies to help fight COVID-19.
- $20,434,691 is from the County’s direct allocation of CARES funding – this is up $130,000 over last week – mostly due to purchase of equipment to outfit the EMS rapid response vehicles, installation of sneeze shields in county facilities, and orders of gloves and cloth masks for County staff
- $2,928,703 is from the State’s allocation of its CARES funding to SGCO; this is for the PPE kits
- $241,584 of the Election Office’s allocation from the Secretary of State’s $420,000 award for SGCO
- The remainder is in the County’s General Fund and Fire District General Fund – no change from last week
The Stimulus Review Team met on Monday and Tuesday to review public health and social service applications. The team will meet again Thursday with the intent to have recommendations ready for the October 7 Commission meeting.
During the October 7 meeting, Commissioners are expected to discuss options for distributing the additional school funding that was allocated and approve agreements associated with the workforce development programs that were approved last week.
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Veterans Memorial Road Dedication Event Scheduled for Oct. 3 |
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Please join Sedgwick County and American Legion Post 408 for a Sign Dedication Ceremony honoring our Veterans past, present, and future. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3 at 3100 N Rock Rd., Derby, KS. Sponsored by John M. West, American Legion Family Post 408, and Derby-Haysville.
Please practice social distancing.
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Save Time Renewing Tags by Using a Drop Box |
Your Sedgwick County Treasurer is now offering a more efficient and timesaving way to renew your vehicle tags! Simply put your State of Kansas vehicle renewal form, check, and proof of insurance in an envelope and drop it into the box anytime - day or night. Our clerks will process the transaction and mail your renewal and decal within the next few business days. It's important to note that these are for tag renewals ONLY - not title work.
The Sedgwick County Tag Office installed two new drop boxes on Friday, August 28. The drop boxes are located on 2525 W. Douglas and 5620 E. Kellogg.
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“The Rosies” Honored by U.S. Department of Labor |
September 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor honored the "Rosies" as The 2020 Inductees into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor. The Rosies – Women Riveters, Welders & World War II Industry Workers - helped manufacture planes, ships, and armaments for the United States and the Allies. These women meant a great deal to our City during this time, and we are grateful to all the women who successfully made this happen. Read more about these women and this honor here: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200910-0.
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Voting by Mail? Drop Off Your Ballot |
The Sedgwick County Election Office has acquired 14 drop boxes to make it easier for voters to vote by mail in the November election.
These boxes will be installed in cities surrounding Sedgwick County for voters to drop-off mail-in-ballots leading up to and on Election Day, specifically in areas where purchasing a postage stamp may be a barrier to voting by mail. Ballot boxes will be installed 20 days prior to Election Day and in use through 7 p.m. Election night, November 3. Election staff will visit the boxes daily to remove the ballots and boxes will be locked promptly at 7 p.m. on Election night.
The first ballot box was placed outside the Sedgwick County Courthouse on Primary Election Day.
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Hazardous Household Waste Event at Spirit AeroSystems |
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Bulky Waste Coupons Program Begins October 15 |
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316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
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