Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.

Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 18. Forty-seven members of our community have lost their lives to this virus. There have been 116 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 18. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 3,749. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,494 cases. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 42 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 204,600 cases and 2,448 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608645756810.png" alt="Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 18. Forty-seven members of our community have lost their lives to this virus. There have been 116 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 18. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 3,749. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,494 cases. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 42 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a> ●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 204,600 cases and 2,448 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 1 additional death, 116 new COVID-19 cases

ELLSWORTH -- The Ellsworth City Hall will be closed this week due to COVID-19 exposures. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellsworthks/">City of Ellsworth</a> Facebook page:

ELLSWORTH -- The Ellsworth City Hall will be closed this week due to COVID-19 exposures. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellsworthks/">City of Ellsworth</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fellsworthks%2Fposts%2F3766742903382252&width=500&show_text=true&height=340&appId" width="500" height="340" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Ellsworth City Hall closed this week due to COVID-19

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 73 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,187.

Of that total, 1,215 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 22 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 73

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 88

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7

&nbsp; -Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85

&nbsp; -Female cases age: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 73 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,187.Of that total, 1,215 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 22 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 73• Asymptomatic: 55• Cases with unknown exposure: 967• Cases 60 years old and above: 704• Cases 50-59 years old: 302• Cases 40-49 years old: 272• Cases 30-39 years old: 273• Cases 18-29 years old: 429• Cases under 18 years old: 207• Female cases: 1142• Male cases: 1045• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 88• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 22&nbsp; -Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85&nbsp; -Female cases age: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82

McPherson County reports 73 new cases of COVID-19

With another week of testing complete, Salina Presbyterian Manor (SPM) reports four new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.

Three new cases among health care residents were detected using rapid point-of-care testing at the community. Health care residents have been monitored closely due to potential exposure to employees who tested positive earlier this month. Residents with the highest exposure risk were tested daily with rapid POC tests as a precaution.

All three residents have been moved to the designated COVID-19 care area to be cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.

In addition to the three residents, one essential health care worker also tested positive for COVID-19 with a rapid POC test. The employee is asymptomatic, so a standard COVID-19 test will be administered to confirm the result per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Rapid POC tests are most accurate when the person is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Any positive result for an asymptomatic person should be confirmed according to the CDC.

The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing Monday and Wednesday. All test results for employees were negative. Residents were tested Monday and no new cases were identified.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Salina community, we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep COVID-19 out of our building,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist. “This virus is highly contagious, and it is vitally important that everyone in the surrounding communities do their part to reduce the spread.”

The residents will recover in isolation until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for leaving isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.

That brings total cases in the past 7 days to one employee and four residents. Due to the number of cases at the campus, Salina Presbyterian Manor is now considered a COVID-19 cluster. A cluster is two or more non-household cases of COVID-19 associated with a location during a specified period of time.

SPM is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and will follow their recommendations. Its next round of testing will be Monday. SPM will continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.

The employee remains asymptomatic and has been cleared by the health department to work in our COVID unit. CDC guidelines permit asymptomatic positive essential health care personnel to continue working and providing care for residents with confirmed COVID positive test results. The employee will continue to screen in for each shift and will be sent home to quarantine if even mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are reported. The employee will wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

With another week of testing complete, Salina Presbyterian Manor (SPM) reports four new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.Three new cases among health care residents were detected using rapid point-of-care testing at the community. Health care residents have been monitored closely due to potential exposure to employees who tested positive earlier this month. Residents with the highest exposure risk were tested daily with rapid POC tests as a precaution.All three residents have been moved to the designated COVID-19 care area to be cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.In addition to the three residents, one essential health care worker also tested positive for COVID-19 with a rapid POC test. The employee is asymptomatic, so a standard COVID-19 test will be administered to confirm the result per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Rapid POC tests are most accurate when the person is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Any positive result for an asymptomatic person should be confirmed according to the CDC.The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing Monday and Wednesday. All test results for employees were negative. Residents were tested Monday and no new cases were identified.“As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Salina community, we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep COVID-19 out of our building,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist. “This virus is highly contagious, and it is vitally important that everyone in the surrounding communities do their part to reduce the spread.”The residents will recover in isolation until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for leaving isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.That brings total cases in the past 7 days to one employee and four residents. Due to the number of cases at the campus, Salina Presbyterian Manor is now considered a COVID-19 cluster. A cluster is two or more non-household cases of COVID-19 associated with a location during a specified period of time.SPM is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and will follow their recommendations. Its next round of testing will be Monday. SPM will continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.The employee remains asymptomatic and has been cleared by the health department to work in our COVID unit. CDC guidelines permit asymptomatic positive essential health care personnel to continue working and providing care for residents with confirmed COVID positive test results. The employee will continue to screen in for each shift and will be sent home to quarantine if even mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are reported. The employee will wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

Four new cases of COVID-19 detected at Salina Presbyterian Manor

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.

Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.

The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.

The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”

Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.

A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.

The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.

California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.

When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.

The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.

It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.

Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.

“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.

He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.

To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.

“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.

Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.

Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.

Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.

“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”

Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.

--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.

--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.

--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.

--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.

--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.

--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.

--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532144900.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.The FDA’s main messages:--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.___

2nd shot: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.

We have not been notified of any additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 16. The death toll for Saline County remains at 46. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 16. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,633 with 1,379 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 46 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 200,426 cases and 2,341 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608331692544.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.We have not been notified of any additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 16. The death toll for Saline County remains at 46. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 16. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,633 with 1,379 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 46 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a> ●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 200,426 cases and 2,341 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 112 new COVID-19 cases; total at 3,633

ABILENE -- Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene received the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday morning with cheers, and tears, of joy being heard and seen in Memorial Hospital.

Holly Pomeroy, Registered Nurse and OB Unit Coordinator, was the first MHS employee to receive the vaccination at around 11:45 Thursday morning. Registered Nurse and Quality and Risk Manager Carolyn Mikesell, administered the shot. 

“We are glad to be on the forefront of fighting COVID-19,” said Chief Nursing Officer Angie Smith, who was the second person at MHS to receive the vaccine. “This gives our staff hope that we can begin turning the corner with this pandemic.”

MHS received 160 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. To be fully effective, the Pfizer vaccine is given as two separate shots 21 days apart. Also, among the first few to receive the vaccine, were Harold Courtois, MHS CEO, and Dr. Brian Holmes, with Heartland Health Care Clinic at Memorial Hospital. 

The Dickinson County Health Department and primary care physicians will let the general public know when the vaccine becomes available. Smith expects those to be available March 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608316275839.jpeg" alt="Holly Pomeroy (left), Registered Nurse and OB Unit Coordinator, was the first Memorial Health System employee to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday morning. Registered Nurse and Quality and Risk Manager, Carolyn Mikesell (right), is shown administering the shot. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Holly Pomeroy (left), Registered Nurse and OB Unit Coordinator, was the first Memorial Health System employee to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday morning. Registered Nurse and Quality and Risk Manager, Carolyn Mikesell (right), is shown administering the shot. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene received the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday morning with cheers, and tears, of joy being heard and seen in Memorial Hospital.Holly Pomeroy, Registered Nurse and OB Unit Coordinator, was the first MHS employee to receive the vaccination at around 11:45 Thursday morning. Registered Nurse and Quality and Risk Manager Carolyn Mikesell, administered the shot. “We are glad to be on the forefront of fighting COVID-19,” said Chief Nursing Officer Angie Smith, who was the second person at MHS to receive the vaccine. “This gives our staff hope that we can begin turning the corner with this pandemic.”MHS received 160 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. To be fully effective, the Pfizer vaccine is given as two separate shots 21 days apart. Also, among the first few to receive the vaccine, were Harold Courtois, MHS CEO, and Dr. Brian Holmes, with Heartland Health Care Clinic at Memorial Hospital. The Dickinson County Health Department and primary care physicians will let the general public know when the vaccine becomes available. Smith expects those to be available March 2021.

MHS staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations 

Salina Regional Health Center received its first shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday morning and administered its first doses to frontline workers Thursday afternoon. 

Kelly Winslow, a hospital ICU nurse, was the first to receive the vaccine at 2:04 p.m.

The shipment included 160 vials of the vaccine, which equals enough doses to treat 800 workers. Staff members will receive a second dose of the vaccine – as required by the manufacturer – 21 days following the first dose.

Salina Regional began making preparations to receive the vaccine last week by training staff members on the protocols necessary to administer the vaccine and identifying employees who would be the first recipients. Priority is given to staff members who frequently interact with COVID-19 patients and those who provide direct patient care.

“I’m excited,” Winslow said of being the first to get the vaccine at Salina Regional. “All of us in healthcare are excited to get past this current chapter of the pandemic and back to what we normally do. It’s been a rough six months. I’m getting this vaccine for our patients, and I’m getting this vaccine for my family to try to help prevent them from getting COVID.”

Both the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine, which is awaiting approval by the US Food and&nbsp; Drug Administration, require two doses to be given three weeks apart to gain maximum effectiveness. Information from Pfizer says its vaccine begins to provide up to 52 percent efficacy after one dose and 95 percent efficacy after two doses.

All COVID-19 precautions at Salina Regional will continue to remain in place including requirements for masking, screening all who enter hospital facilities for COVID-19 risk, limited visitation for patients, handwashing and social distancing. The numbers of hospitalizations from COVID-19 are expected to remain high through the winter months.

“Receiving the vaccine is an important step in the battle against the pandemic and I’m pleased that we got as many doses as we did,” said Robert Freelove, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Salina Regional. “One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been staff shortages and staff members getting sick because of COVID. If this can prevent our staff from getting sick, so that we are well-staffed and can take care of more patients, it’s going to be really helpful for us.”


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608244910809.jpeg" alt="Bethanie McDowell, Infection Prevention Director at Salina Regional Health Center, administered the first COVID-19 vaccine to ICU nurse Kelly Winslow. Photo courtesy SRHC" />
 <figcaption>Bethanie McDowell, Infection Prevention Director at Salina Regional Health Center, administered the first COVID-19 vaccine to ICU nurse Kelly Winslow. Photo courtesy SRHC</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Regional Health Center received its first shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday morning and administered its first doses to frontline workers Thursday afternoon. Kelly Winslow, a hospital ICU nurse, was the first to receive the vaccine at 2:04 p.m.The shipment included 160 vials of the vaccine, which equals enough doses to treat 800 workers. Staff members will receive a second dose of the vaccine – as required by the manufacturer – 21 days following the first dose.Salina Regional began making preparations to receive the vaccine last week by training staff members on the protocols necessary to administer the vaccine and identifying employees who would be the first recipients. Priority is given to staff members who frequently interact with COVID-19 patients and those who provide direct patient care.“I’m excited,” Winslow said of being the first to get the vaccine at Salina Regional. “All of us in healthcare are excited to get past this current chapter of the pandemic and back to what we normally do. It’s been a rough six months. I’m getting this vaccine for our patients, and I’m getting this vaccine for my family to try to help prevent them from getting COVID.”Both the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine, which is awaiting approval by the US Food and&nbsp; Drug Administration, require two doses to be given three weeks apart to gain maximum effectiveness. Information from Pfizer says its vaccine begins to provide up to 52 percent efficacy after one dose and 95 percent efficacy after two doses.All COVID-19 precautions at Salina Regional will continue to remain in place including requirements for masking, screening all who enter hospital facilities for COVID-19 risk, limited visitation for patients, handwashing and social distancing. The numbers of hospitalizations from COVID-19 are expected to remain high through the winter months.“Receiving the vaccine is an important step in the battle against the pandemic and I’m pleased that we got as many doses as we did,” said Robert Freelove, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Salina Regional. “One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been staff shortages and staff members getting sick because of COVID. If this can prevent our staff from getting sick, so that we are well-staffed and can take care of more patients, it’s going to be really helpful for us.”

SRHC staff members receive first doses of COVID-19 vaccine

As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.

On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.

In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.

Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.

The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.

But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.

Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.

In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.

These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.

The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.

Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.

The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.

U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.

The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.

Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.

“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.

The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.

The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.

The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.

On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.

Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608072923749.png" alt="Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressAs COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER VACCINATION?Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.WHAT ABOUT SERIOUS RISKS?The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.WHAT IF OTHER RISKS CROP UP?The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.___

Health officials track safety as COVID-19 vaccines roll out

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday announced when the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available for population groups across the state. The framework begins this winter with high-risk Kansans such as health care personnel and long term care facility staff and residents, eventually reaching the general public in the summer of 2021.

“Through this framework, my administration upholds our commitment to maximizing benefits, minimizing harm, and striving for equity, justice, and fairness when it comes to when the vaccine will be made available to which Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We are committed to protecting the greatest number of Kansans, fostering economic recovery, and getting our kids back&nbsp;into&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;as quickly and safely as possible.”

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.lmsxg-4k5mMx0HGBotOgT-H4HOHyWm3xk2zl4uNvz78/s/1303160919/br/92005880953-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;CLICK here to see a visual representation of the distribution order&nbsp;</a>

An outline of the expected availability is as follows:

Adherence to this expected framework will be dependent on receipt of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the companies distributing them.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,551 to a total of 194,569 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,253 an increase of 144.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday announced when the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available for population groups across the state. The framework begins this winter with high-risk Kansans such as health care personnel and long term care facility staff and residents, eventually reaching the general public in the summer of 2021.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F155260669266933%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Through this framework, my administration upholds our commitment to maximizing benefits, minimizing harm, and striving for equity, justice, and fairness when it comes to when the vaccine will be made available to which Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We are committed to protecting the greatest number of Kansans, fostering economic recovery, and getting our kids back&nbsp;into&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;as quickly and safely as possible.”<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEyMTYuMzIxMzU3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAxLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnb3Zlcm5vci5rYW5zYXMuZ292JTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDIwJTJGMTIlMkZDaGFubmVsLVN0cmF0ZWd5LTEyLjE0LjIwMjAucGRmJmRhdGE9MDQlN0MwMSU3Q1JheW5hLkthcnN0JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDYjIxMTk0MWJmMGRjNDdiNDFkMTUwOGQ4YTIwZjEwODIlN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NDM3NTMyODY0MDY1NTIyJTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzEwMDAmc2RhdGE9bEtEUDVHd3VkdUFHaGNjd2EzQVFMYkZSN1NjVFJvR2RpbDN6cFNxQUtTdyUzRCZyZXNlcnZlZD0wIn0.lmsxg-4k5mMx0HGBotOgT-H4HOHyWm3xk2zl4uNvz78/s/1303160919/br/92005880953-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;CLICK here to see a visual representation of the distribution order&nbsp;</a>An outline of the expected availability is as follows:<ul>
 <li>The COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the winter, on a very limited basis, for health care personnel, long term care facility staff, long term care residents, and EMS/frontline public health workers;</li><li>The vaccine will become available in late winter, on a limited basis, for first responders, some public facing workers in essential and critical infrastructure, teachers, school staff, child care workers, and individuals at high risk for adverse health consequences;</li><li>The vaccine will become available in the spring, at an increased availability, for all other adults;</li><li>And finally, the vaccine will become generally available in the summer for all Kansans, including children.</li>
 </ul>Adherence to this expected framework will be dependent on receipt of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the companies distributing them.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,551 to a total of 194,569 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,253 an increase of 144.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608144161925.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. Kelly update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

If you were not among the 426 people who participated in the free COVID-19 testing this past Sunday, you have two more opportunities this weekend.

Salina Regional Health Center is hosting a free community COVID-19 testing event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at COMCARE, 2090 South Ohio Street. 

The screening will use saliva-based tests, which require electronic registration and spitting into a funnel. Participants do not have to be symptomatic to get tested.

Those planning to participate in the COMCARE testing are asked to:

• Not eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or chew gum 30 minutes before coming to be tested.

• Please bring a smart phone with texting and internet capability for kit registration.

There will be signage as well as staff members onsite directing traffic for the screening. Once participants have received a collection kit, they will be directed to park to complete the test using the instructions provided. A drop box will be provided for completed kits. 

SRHC will mail completed kits to a reference lab for analysis and participants can expect to be notified of test results before Dec. 24 via text message from the lab. Kits will be distributed while supplies last.

This event is coordinated in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in effort to expand COVID-19 testing in Kansas and is not a substitute for a doctor’s visit. 

Salina Family Healthcare Center also will be hosting a free community COVID-19 testing event at Bill Burke Park, 1501 East Crawford Street, on Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

Those interested in being tested should arrive at Bill Burke Park where they will be directed by SFHC staff members to pick up their test collection kit. Attendees should not eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or chew gum 30 minutes before the test.

Once attendees have grabbed their collection kits, they will be directed to park to complete the test. Instructions will be provided. Collection kits will be registered by attendees on their smart phones. 

Attendees without a smart phone will receive assistance to register their test.

Once the test is complete, there will be a drop box for completed kits. SFHC will send all completed kits to a lab for analysis. Attendees will receive the results of their test via text message to their phones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608047701809.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Health Center's COMCARE facility on South Ohio Street. Photo Courtesy SRHC" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Health Center's COMCARE facility on South Ohio Street. Photo Courtesy SRHC</figcaption>
 </figure>If you were not among the 426 people who participated in the free COVID-19 testing this past Sunday, you have two more opportunities this weekend.Salina Regional Health Center is hosting a free community COVID-19 testing event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at COMCARE, 2090 South Ohio Street. The screening will use saliva-based tests, which require electronic registration and spitting into a funnel. Participants do not have to be symptomatic to get tested.Those planning to participate in the COMCARE testing are asked to:• Not eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or chew gum 30 minutes before coming to be tested.• Please bring a smart phone with texting and internet capability for kit registration.• Wear a face mask.There will be signage as well as staff members onsite directing traffic for the screening. Once participants have received a collection kit, they will be directed to park to complete the test using the instructions provided. A drop box will be provided for completed kits. SRHC will mail completed kits to a reference lab for analysis and participants can expect to be notified of test results before Dec. 24 via text message from the lab. Kits will be distributed while supplies last.This event is coordinated in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in effort to expand COVID-19 testing in Kansas and is not a substitute for a doctor’s visit. Sunday testing as wellSalina Family Healthcare Center also will be hosting a free community COVID-19 testing event at Bill Burke Park, 1501 East Crawford Street, on Sunday from 1-3 p.m.Those interested in being tested should arrive at Bill Burke Park where they will be directed by SFHC staff members to pick up their test collection kit. Attendees should not eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or chew gum 30 minutes before the test.Once attendees have grabbed their collection kits, they will be directed to park to complete the test. Instructions will be provided. Collection kits will be registered by attendees on their smart phones. Attendees without a smart phone will receive assistance to register their test.Once the test is complete, there will be a drop box for completed kits. SFHC will send all completed kits to a lab for analysis. Attendees will receive the results of their test via text message to their phones.

More free COVID-19 testing opportunities this weekend

Sadly, we have been notified of two additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 11. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 45. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,369 with 1,394 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,930 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 36 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 190,018 cases and 2,109 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607987345281.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of two additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 11. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 45. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,369 with 1,394 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,930 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 36 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a> ●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 190,018 cases and 2,109 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 2 additional deaths, 112 new COVID-19 cases

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported five additional deaths and 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county death toll to 19 and total case total to 2,023.

Of that total, 1,187 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and 16 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

• New cases since last public release: 74

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 77

&nbsp; &nbsp;-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.

&nbsp; &nbsp;-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88

&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported five additional deaths and 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county death toll to 19 and total case total to 2,023.Of that total, 1,187 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and 16 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 74• Asymptomatic: 52• Cases with unknown exposure: 912• Cases 60 years old and above: 629• Cases 50-59 years old: 285• Cases 40-49 years old: 256• Cases 30-39 years old: 254• Cases 18-29 years old: 407• Cases under 18 years old: 192• Female cases: 1049• Male cases: 974• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 77&nbsp; &nbsp;-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 19 (1 pending)&nbsp; &nbsp;-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94

McPherson County reports 5 new deaths, 74 new COVID-19 cases

The largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.

“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.

Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.

Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.

For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.

“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.

Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.

Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.

More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.

Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.

“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.

A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.

The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.

“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”

Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.

The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.

While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607960673587.png" alt="Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot." />
 <figcaption>Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressThe largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch LIVE as the first person in New York gets vaccinated: <a href="https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w">https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w</a>&mdash; Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1338488030416388098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.___

 🎥 ICU nurse is first to get Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination

Salina Presbyterian Manor today reported three new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.

The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing and one round of outbreak testing for residents. One essential health care worker and two health care residents tested positive in testing this week.

The employee, who last worked Dec. 8, passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment as required. The employee will quarantine at home.

The residents have been placed in COVID-19 isolation and are being cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.

Presbyterian Manor noted that it is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and that its next round of testing is scheduled for today. The facility plans to continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.

The employee will not be allowed to work until he/she meets the CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

"We encourage all staff members and residents to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before employees have any direct contact with residents. We educate all staff to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well," Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release.

Salina Presbyterian Manor today reported three new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing and one round of outbreak testing for residents. One essential health care worker and two health care residents tested positive in testing this week.“As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Salina community, we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep COVID-19 out of our building,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist. “This virus is highly contagious, and it is vitally important that everyone in the surrounding communities do their part to reduce the spread.”The employee, who last worked Dec. 8, passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment as required. The employee will quarantine at home.The residents have been placed in COVID-19 isolation and are being cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.The residents will recover in isolation until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for leaving isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.Presbyterian Manor noted that it is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and that its next round of testing is scheduled for today. The facility plans to continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.The employee will not be allowed to work until he/she meets the CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions."We encourage all staff members and residents to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before employees have any direct contact with residents. We educate all staff to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well," Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release.

Salina Presbyterian Manor reports 3 new COVID-19 cases

PORTAGE, Michigan (AP) — The first of many freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials made their way to distribution sites across the United States on Sunday, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approached the horrifying new milestone of 300,000.

The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one that health officials hope the American public will embrace, even as some have voiced initial skepticism or worry. Shots are expected to be given to health care workers and nursing home residents beginning Monday.

Quick transport is key for the vaccine, especially since this one must be stored at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Early Sunday, workers at Pfizer — dressed in fluorescent yellow clothing, hard hats and gloves — wasted no time as they packed vials into boxes. They scanned the packages and then placed them into freezer cases with dry ice. The vaccines were then taken from Pfizer’s Portage, Michigan, facility to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, where the first cargo plane took off amid what airport officials called a “jubilant” mood.

“This is a historic day,” said Richard W. Smith, who oversees operations in the Americas for FedEx Express, which is delivering 630-some packages of vaccine to distribution sites across the country. United Parcel Service also is transporting a share of the vaccine.

Helping with the transport of the vaccine has special meaning to Bruce Smith, a FedEx package handler at the Grand Rapids airport, whose older sister, Queen, died after she contracted the coronavirus in May. She was hospitalized in Georgia one day after he saw her on a video chat, and they never spoke again.

“I think she would be ecstatic to know that something that has ravaged our family — that a family member is going to be part of such a big project,” said Smith, 58, whose nephew, Queen’s son, also got sick and is still undergoing therapy for stroke-like symptoms. “It is very, very important.”

Tracked with GPS-enabled sensors, the initial shipments were expected to contain about 3 million doses, with many more to come. Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with another 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. Doses of the vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, are given out based on each state’s adult population. Then the states decide where they go first.

In California, where health care workers will be among the first to be vaccinated, state health officials are prioritizing hospitals that have adequate storage capacity, serve high-risk populations and have the ability to vaccinate people quickly.

Initial surveys have found that even some health care workers don’t want to be first in line. Dr. Graham Snyder, who’s led the vaccine task force at Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC, estimates that about half of its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered.

But many health officials expect enthusiasm to grow.

“There’s that thought that maybe they don’t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune,” said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, medical director of hospital quality at the 40-hospital Oschner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi. Employees approved for the first round are getting texts and emails directing them to schedule their initial injection, she said. Enough vaccine is being saved so that each person who gets the first dose of vaccine can get a second required shot a few weeks later.

Senior U.S. government officials, including some White House officials who work in close proximity to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, are among those who will be offered coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-michael-pence-f5a759c9d597d0e458c5fc9d2a96ee6f">vaccines as soon as this week</a>, two people familiar with the matter confirmed.

A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of Americans want to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Another quarter aren’t sure, while the remaining quarter say they aren’t interested. Some simply oppose vaccines in general. Others are concerned that the vaccines have been rushed and want to see how the rollout goes.

Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, which approved the Pfizer vaccine Friday, has repeatedly insisted that the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to Operation Warp Speed, a U.S. effort to get vaccines developed quickly, also said he is “very concerned” about the skepticism about the vaccine in some circles.

“Unfortunately ... there’s been a confusion between how thorough and scientific and factual the work that has been done is, and the perception that people are thinking that we cut corners ...,” Slaoui said. “I can guarantee you that no such things have happened, that we follow the science.”

He called the development of vaccines from several pharmaceutical companies, including Moderna and AstraZeneca, “a remarkable achievement of science, academia, the industry ecosystem and the U.S. government, working together.”

The Moderna vaccine will be reviewed by an expert panel Thursday and soon afterward could be allowed for public use.

KALAMAZOO, Michigan (AP) — The first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States headed Sunday from Michigan to distribution centers across the country, with the first shots expected to be given in the coming week to health care workers and at nursing homes.

Shipments of the Pfizer vaccine will set in motion the biggest vaccination effort in American history at a critical juncture of the pandemic that has killed 1.6 million and sickened 71 million worldwide.

Initially, about 3 million doses were expected to be sent out, and the priority is health care workers and nursing home residents as infections, hospitalizations and deaths soar in the U.S. With numbers likely to get worse over the holidays, the vaccine is offering a bright spot in the fight against the pandemic that’s killed nearly 300,000 Americans.

Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with an additional 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. The vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, is being doled out based on each state’s adult population.

Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC has chosen staff who are critical to operating its facilities as among those getting the first round of vaccinations, said Dr. Graham Snyder, who led the center’s vaccine task force.

“It’s very exciting. I will be thrilled, that moment when we administer our first dose,” Snyder said Saturday. “That will clearly be a watershed moment for us.”

Snyder said the UPMC system estimates that half its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered to them.

Coronavirus Update