One Year Since COVID-19 Changed Our World - My Reflections |
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If we had a nickel for each time we heard the term COVID in the last year, we’d probably be able to buy a private island. A year ago, this entire pandemic seemed overwhelming and threatening. Now it seems most of us are more comfortable and somewhat anxious to move past the ongoing mitigations as we approach herd immunity.
I study COVID-19 data every single day. Today, I am encouraged because it appears the worst is behind us and we can anticipate brighter days ahead. I know that some will challenge me on my optimism but there are so many things to celebrate when we consider where we were 12 months ago and where we are today. From abundant testing to three proven vaccines when we weren’t sure we could get one. I feel like the victory is within sight.
Over the last year, COVID-19 seemed to dominate every newspaper and every newscast. The fear was justified when we saw the impact of this virus sweeping across Europe and we knew it was coming our way. Those early estimates were sobering and moved the community to embrace challenging policy never imagined in our lifetime. Nevertheless, we couldn’t know for sure how COVID would affect us until we found out the hard way.
Most of us can look backwards and remember frustrations and challenges that made 2020 a year to forget. From mental health stresses to financial hardships, this community has been through a valley. There are many lessons we have all learned such as how to mitigate the risks of this virus while finding innovative ways to live life differently.
Protecting our medical resources from becoming overwhelmed became a communitywide mission. Unfortunately, despite mitigations and health orders, we still saw way too many people needing life-saving care. Sadly, many people lost their battle while medical experts did everything they could to save them. We must give heartfelt thanks to the many healthcare heroes that fought this war in ways most of us cannot imagine.
We missed graduations, funerals, weddings, and births. For so many, the most frustrating part was not being with loved ones that became isolated. Others felt personal loss when friends and family succumbed to this cruel disease. For many of us, the most difficult moment was when we were ordered to stay home unless we were deemed essential.
Governmentally, this has been the most challenging year. I’m sure we can all agree on one thing. We will be glad when COVID-19 is something we only read about in the history books. Be encouraged, we are almost there.
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COVID-19 Report for March 31, 2021 |
Comparing case counts from Monday to today:
- The United States of America case count increased from 30,291,863 to 30,417,211 (+ 0.41 percent).
- Today, the State of Kansas case count increased less than one percent, from 301,862 to 302,372.
- In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 45,653 to 45,746 (+ 0.20 percent).
The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost sampling at Sunflower Shelter at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st Street. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Monday through Friday. Please enter off 13th Street.
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.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available to People Age 16 and Older |
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Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine are available for people aged 16 and older through the Sedgwick County Health Department. Schedule an appointment online at www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/vaccine/schedule/ or schedule it over the phone by dialing (316) 660-1029.
So far, Sedgwick County has provided more than 134,000 doses of the vaccine to residents.
If you schedule an appointment between 9 – 11:45 a.m. at 223 S. Main (former Wichita Library) on Thursday, April 1, you will receive the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. All other dates and times will be Pfizer vaccine.
If a person with a severe medical risk has received medical advice to not go to a large vaccine clinic, such as the community vaccination site at 223 S. Main, please call SCHD at (316) 660-1029 to schedule an appointment for the drive-thru clinic.
Appointments are available at the following locations Monday through Saturday.
- 223 S. Main | Former Wichita Central Library | Clinic for eligible people aged 16 and older
- 777 E. Waterman | Wichita Transit Operations | Drive-thru clinic for eligible people aged 16 and older and who received medical advice to not to go to a large vaccine clinic or who have mobility difficulties
Vaccine Questions:
Contact your medical provider prior to receiving the vaccine if you have questions about how the vaccine may interact with your medical condition and medications you take.
Please continue to direct general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine to (316) 660-1022; this line is not for scheduling appointments.
County Pledge:
As more vaccine is received, the Sedgwick County Health Department will vaccinate more people while following guidance from CDC, KDHE, and Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns. 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. The County will not schedule more appointments than the vaccine available. Updated information is available at https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/vaccine-information/.
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Need Help with your Utility Bills? |
If you or someone you know needs help with utility payments from February’s extreme cold temperatures, there are resources available.
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Diversify your Workforce with Project SEARCH |
If you are part of an organization that would like to become more diverse and inclusive, check out www.scprojectsearch.com to learn about opportunities to host interns with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or join our Business Advisory Council.
Also, be sure to mark your calendars for a reverse job fair with this year’s graduating class from April 1 through May 15.
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Many individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are able to and would like to work. This month is Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Please take the time to check out two locally owned businesses - MOXI Junction and Autism Avenue - who provide real world work experience to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
MOXI Junction is a coffeehouse started by a group of local mothers seeking employment for their children with intellectual/developmental disabilities post high school graduation. Check out their story here.
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Have you met the Cutest New Addition at the Zoo? |
On March 1, 2021, Black rhinoceros Bibi gave birth to a healthy baby boy. KJ, short for Klyde Jr, was a surprise to the animal care team since Bibi only showed signs she was pregnant last month. Rhinoceros generally have a 16-month gestational period.
KJ is significant not only for the survival of his endangered species, but also for the legacy of his father, Klyde, who passed away last September.
Keepers are now training KJ on crucial husbandry behaviors utilizing operant conditioning techniques that help the zoo’s animals participate in their own healthcare.
Photo courtesy of Sedgwick County Zoo.
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Public Works Projects in District 5 |
Bridge Replacements on 71st between Old Spring Road and Greenwich
- Closed to traffic during construction
- Work began November 30, 2020
- Expected to reopen in early Summer 2021
Pathway Construction from Cumberland Way to MacArthur
- Road closures on Clifton and Englewood during construction
- Work began February 2, 2021
- Expected to be complete in May 2021
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316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County |
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