December 2020
This season, I want to wish you and your family a safe and healthy holidays. This year has brought more challenges than expected. As Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, I have tried to maintain an informative but realistic mindset when making decisions for our community regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovering from this pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint, and until a majority of our community is vaccinated, we must continue to practice healthy behaviors (washing your hands frequently, keeping six feet of space between you and others, and wearing a mask).

The Board of County Commissioners and I recognize the hard work and dedication of Sedgwick County employees in this challenging year. They did not get a raise, many worked long hours without additional compensation, and many were furloughed during the year. As such we approved a bonus of $300 to each full time employee and $150 to each part-time employee (with exceptions for elected and appointed persons, and senior county management). I appreciate how Human Resources, Finance, and County Management did a thorough evaluation and presentation to the Commission which allowed us to support this bonus.

I hope you give yourself time to reflect on this year and appreciate all of the blessings around you.

Best wishes for a warm, happy, healthy holiday season, and a prosperous new year.

Regards,
Pete

Be Positive & Test Negative
December 30, 2020 COVID-19 Report
Comparing case counts from Monday to today:
  • The United States of America case count increased from 19,161,619 to 19,615,360 (+ 2.37 percent).
  • Today, the State of Kansas case count increased 2.95 percent, from 216,062 to 222,433. 
  • In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 30,521 to 31,374 (+ 2.79 percent). 

The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost, walk-in sampling at the K-State Research and Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Follow the signs to the southern entrance facing 21st St.

The Health Department takes a nasal, oral, or saliva sample to send to a lab for COVID-19 PCR testing. Results are generally available within 18 to 36 hours. The results of the virus test show whether a person has a current infection. This is not an antibody test.

Visit www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19 to learn more about the County’s response to COVID-19.
Vaccination Clinic Scheduled for Sedgwick County Health Care Workers
Beginning this week, health care associated workers (HCAW) in Sedgwick County who have not yet received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to schedule an appointment online throughout the next two weeks. Appointment times will start Tuesday, December 29 according to the HCAW schedule (image below).

Appointments should be made on the day of your corresponding HCAW group or after. Do not schedule an appointment on a day prior to your HCAW group.

The Sedgwick County Health Department is proud to partner with our local community clinics to provide the COVID-19 vaccine for local HCAW at INTRUST Bank Arena (Entrance C), 500 E. Waterman St., Wichita 67202. On Saturday, January 2, there will be a vaccine clinic at the Health Department’s main clinic, 2716 W. Central, Wichita 67203.


Please direct questions about the vaccine or the vaccine schedule to (316) 660-1022.

This schedule is based on vaccine availability and may be modified based on vaccine supply.

The County is following guidance from federal and state governments as it develops and implements the COVID-19 vaccination schedule. As more vaccine is received, more people will be vaccinated following CDC and KDHE guidelines. The vaccination schedule is designed to assure that all who want to be vaccinated will have that opportunity. The implementation of the vaccination schedule is dependent on the manufacturing and distribution schedule from vaccine providers.
COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed, Allows More Time to Spend CARES Funding
Since President Trump signed the COVID-19 relief bill, entities who received CARES funding now have more flexibility to report expenses, into 2021.

Commissioners approved an updated spending plan to exhaust all internal CARES funding by the close of 2020.
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Every December, the American Red Cross hosts a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive to boost needed blood donations. This year’s blood drive competition runs from Monday, December 21 to Saturday, January 2.

People who donate blood receive a t-shirt and vote for their favorite public safety agency: fire, law enforcement, EMS, or Emergency Management.

Fire won last year; who will you support this year? Schedule your appointment here: http://rcblood.org/2JK1q2z.
‘Tis the Season for Christmas Tree Recycling
Spread your Christmas Cheer! After you’ve enjoyed your tree, take it to one of many locations throughout Sedgwick County beginning December 21 and ending January 24, 2021. While you are there, help yourself to FREE mulch. Thank you for helping us make less trash!

Click here to view a full list of locations: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/environment/. 

For more information, please call (316) 660-7200.

316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203