November 17, 2020
As of Nov. 17 Johnson County has:
19,960 positive cases of COVID-19 (increase of 237 since yesterday)
16.5% percent positive, 14-day average
767 incidence rate, number of new cases/100K persons, over prior 14 days, increase of 7 since yesterday)
253 deaths (5 additional deaths since yesterday)
151,754 individuals tested negative (increase of 746 since yesterday)
13,188 presumed recovered (increase of 75 since yesterday)
Positive cases represent those reported to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment by physicians, private laboratories, hospitals and the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories. Presumed Recovered are surviving individuals not hospitalized and more than 30 days since symptom onset. These numbers are not representative of the total number of individuals with COVID-19 in Johnson County. All data is provisional and subject to change.
NOTE: This e-newsletter will be provided Monday through Friday. Look for dashboard updates on Saturday and Sunday, by visiting jocogov.org/coronavirus, where information will be updated seven days per week, by 10 a.m.
NEW: JCDHE director provides COVID-19 update to BOCC
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Director Dr. Sanmi Areola provided a written update to the Board of County Commissioners.

Highlights from the briefing include:
  • There were 2,564 new infections last week - up from 1,820 the week prior.
  • This translates to an average of 366 new infections per day. This is more than twice what was our highest number for three months.
  • When calculated as a rate, we are at 427 cases per 100,000 residents per week. Our goal is <50 new infections per 100,000 residents.
  • The positivity rate is 16.5%. Our goal is 5%.
  • The primary measure/criteria for schools is the incidence rate. Our recommended phase for school gating criteria has been updated to the Red Zone.
  • The size of the group you are interacting with is not as important as behavior in practicing infection control.
  • More infections mean more hospitalizations, and our hospitals are at capacity. Local hospitals are in the position of having to delay elective surgeries and rationing care.
  • Many school districts have decided to have middle and high school students go remote after Thanksgiving break through the end of winter break.
NEW: JoCo on the Go podcast - Holidays with high transmission

In the episode, the public health officials discuss a risk assessment tool developed by Georgia Tech. Check it out.
NEW: KDHE amends its travel quarantine list
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment removed two states and three countries from its travel quarantine list: North Dakota, South Dakota, Andorra, Belgium and Czechia. Those who have travelled during the below dates, as well as those who have been on a cruise or attended any out-of-state mass gatherings with 500 or more where individuals did not physical distance and wear masks, will need to quarantine. 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates.

  • Traveled to or from South Dakota between Nov. 4–17.
  • Traveled to or from Belgium and Czechia between Nov. 4–17.
  • Traveled to or from North Dakota between Oct. 21–Nov. 17.
  • Traveled to or from the country of Andorra between Oct. 21– Nov. 17.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals did not physically distance (six feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15. 

Johnson County community testing events coming up
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is partnering with local organizations and the Mid America Regional Council to provide expanded testing opportunities. As always, you can continue to get tested through the JCDHE drive-thru clinic. APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED for JCDHE testing. Here are the latest pop-up community testing events:

  • 1 - 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gardner First Baptist, 324 E. Shawnee, Gardner
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Nov. 19, Life Spring Church, 206 N. Webster, Spring Hill
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 21, Shawnee Town, 11600 Johnson Dr., Shawnee
  • 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 12, Shawnee Town, 11600 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

Details for these events: you are encouraged to get tested if you have symptoms, if you you've been exposed to someone with the virus or if you've been in a large crowd. These are drive-thru events, but you can walk up. Keep six feet distance and wear a mask. You must be 6 years or older to receive a test. Onsite registration is available, but pre-registration is encouraged. Register for these events on the Heart to Heart International website.
NEW: Johnson County Museum recognized for service during pandemic
The Johnson County Museum was recently recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Kansas Museum Association for its efforts in three areas during the pandemic it is calling “Collect, Curate, Partner, Serve: Johnson County Museum’s Response to COVID-19.” 

This award is given to an institution whose project or achievements are worthy of special recognition, and was notated during KMA’s virtual luncheon on Friday, Nov. 6.

“In the throes of a pandemic with the doors of the museum closed to the public, the curators and I asked ourselves one question: how can the museum help our community,” said Johnson County Museum Director Mary McMurray, who started at the museum in early April. “Answering that question required launching and promoting a collecting initiative, creating and installing a temporary exhibition in six weeks, and partnering with internal and external partners to curate a complementary community art exhibition that calls viewers to reflect, show resilience, and rebuild. 

UPDATE: COVID-19 in Johnson County, in the news
Keeping the public informed of the county's response to COVID-19 is a high priority. In addition to this e-newsletter, be sure to also follow our local media outlets for additional information.

See below for a featured story of the day:

UPDATE: University of Kansas Health System offers daily update on regional health care response
The University of Kansas Health System provides daily updates on how COVID-19 is impacting our health care system and community. Chief Medical Officer Steve Stites, MD, and Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, with The University of Kansas Health System and special guests talk about the fight against COVID-19.

Tune in at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, on Facebook.

On the Tuesday, Nov. 17 edition, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, MD, joined along with KDHE Director of Bureau of Disease and Prevention Phil Griffin. They talked about efforts to slow the infection spread as well as updated distribution plans for a vaccine.

At 8 a.m., tomorrow, on the Morning Media Update -recovered COVID-19 patient Anil Gharmalkar joins. Anil was hospitalized with the virus in April. Breathing issues caused by the virus necessitated him to be placed on a ventilator. Learn about his experience. Now considered a "long hauler," he has been in and out of the hospital since because of issues from being on the ventilator. His doctor, otolaryngologist Shannon Kraft, MD, also joins to talk about what it's like for patients to be on a ventilator.

Highlights from today's episode include:
  • Taking repeated calls from hospitals that are unable to take more patients. 
  • Recovering patients may be moved to make space for others.
  • Tent hospitals are a possibility, but there is no one to staff them.
  • Everyone in the country is affected and facing health care shortages.
  • Reserve Medical Corps are also a possibility, but most likely won’t provide the right mix of health care professionals.
  • Discussion regarding the preparations and logistics for early distribution of vaccine.
  • Vaccines don’t save lives, vaccinations do.
  • More restrictive orders work better than less restrictive, but there is a delicate balance in terms of the economy and other considerations.
Additional resources to stop the spread of COVID-19
JOHNSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
A new emergency public health order went into effect, beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16. Read frequently asked questions about the order. If you have further questions about Johnson County's public health order, call the Johnson County call center at 913-715-5000, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, TDD: 800-766-3777.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REOPENING SCHOOLS
The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment released on Oct. 1, public health recommendations for K-12 schools to help families and school districts make decisions about the reopening of schools in Johnson County. Read the recommendations. Read school reopening FAQs.

WORKPLACE GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS
COVID-19 in the Workplace: A guide for employers includes steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work, concentrating on the rules of infection control and what to do when a case of COVID-19 occurs in the workplace.

ENFORCEMENT OF MASK MANDATE
If you are seeking enforcement of the Governor's mask order, contact the consumer fraud hotline at the District Attorney's Office, 913-715-3003. DO NOT CALL 911.

MASK USE

WHAT IF I GET SICK

WHO TO CALL WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19
Call the Johnson County COVID-19 hotline at 913-715-CV19 (2819), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Spanish language available through same number. You can also call the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317, after business hours. You can email questions to covid-19@ks.gov or use a chat bot at kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

TRAVEL-RELATED QUARANTINE

VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have a webpage for the common questions surrounding COVID-19.
Stay informed - connect with us