Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:<figure>
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Saline County COVID by the Numbers for Wednesday

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Friday:

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Friday:<figure>
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Saline County COVID by the Numbers for Friday

The Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has announced multiple free, walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics beginning next week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinahealth">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a> Facebook page:

Not yet vaccinated? You still can be!The Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has announced multiple free, walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics beginning next week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinahealth">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a> Facebook page:<figure>
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Multiple walk-in vaccination clinics offered in June

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Monday:

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Monday:<figure>
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Saline County COVID by the Numbers for Monday

The Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has begun working with Saline County employers to host on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics for their employees. 

If you would like to host a vaccination clinic at your place of business, please&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlUfE-zAOR5SO315c4Ak2nbGITiSaQvO2Z8yy5m-K1RNCTmX2_kEvMm787yGWIGCpg9SKNEgIsyVQ26jQNGofF5PsYNpy0R3NV332eYggbDbwDPmpGblpKVifM35Wu25eQue9jYHVQFMvIVxueS1DFJCreqGjWl9&amp;c=ZdH0KYd5Sa7DTuXk34RnPX7TZg787Ht7G5uQjiRAq-wYySHDW-UNMg==&amp;ch=9Jix4TCgMqU7iu5OY3joPhVXzxQ9HWqhOixhoMkO5NsEOU1jyOQ5lQ==" target="_blank">complete the form here</a>.

Once the form is completed, a member of the collaboration will reach out to schedule your clinic and begin collecting names of employees who may be interested in being vaccinated.

If you have questions, the Saline County Health Department encourages you to contact&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlUfE-zAOR5SO315c4Ak2nbGITiSaQvO2Z8yy5m-K1RNCTmX2_kEvMm787yGWIGCLSMfJhwLHz5m_tVjv8AtBg9K4l85psI850Ybhi_d7IOPwD0wDDavxrAIyTW_wW7k3OB-J2z6vyGPoPfZvDaBzKXfoSN591rtUCDuodNscQokTi7V_kM8QshE9m6nG9Rl9z2ycC8VOAxuaasrxQQO_WsY04Fdf0auqKuy8iO5qR4xziqI0DtWdD1wNV3UBe055JxXyD5OoFvHPCnMjZkJO1p1Xmx1y18_tVuvrHrBNSczIKepn47KDydqO0HdcV6aN3RJ28GElVTbilRcTDg5fCrfdRIGlD7snufL49_jEv710x69ZZJUVCdNQadhTTJJbsUhd6_8qcaU413JsAcH5VriA6esNCn_nEx-YMPcNIs=&amp;c=ZdH0KYd5Sa7DTuXk34RnPX7TZg787Ht7G5uQjiRAq-wYySHDW-UNMg==&amp;ch=9Jix4TCgMqU7iu5OY3joPhVXzxQ9HWqhOixhoMkO5NsEOU1jyOQ5lQ==" target="_blank">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a>’s COVID-19 project manager at 785-825-7251 ext. 523 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gheimer@salinahealth.org" target="_blank">gheimer@salinahealth.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has begun working with Saline County employers to host on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics for their employees. If you would like to host a vaccination clinic at your place of business, please&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlUfE-zAOR5SO315c4Ak2nbGITiSaQvO2Z8yy5m-K1RNCTmX2_kEvMm787yGWIGCpg9SKNEgIsyVQ26jQNGofF5PsYNpy0R3NV332eYggbDbwDPmpGblpKVifM35Wu25eQue9jYHVQFMvIVxueS1DFJCreqGjWl9&amp;c=ZdH0KYd5Sa7DTuXk34RnPX7TZg787Ht7G5uQjiRAq-wYySHDW-UNMg==&amp;ch=9Jix4TCgMqU7iu5OY3joPhVXzxQ9HWqhOixhoMkO5NsEOU1jyOQ5lQ==" target="_blank">complete the form here</a>. Once the form is completed, a member of the collaboration will reach out to schedule your clinic and begin collecting names of employees who may be interested in being vaccinated. If you have questions, the Saline County Health Department encourages you to contact&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlUfE-zAOR5SO315c4Ak2nbGITiSaQvO2Z8yy5m-K1RNCTmX2_kEvMm787yGWIGCLSMfJhwLHz5m_tVjv8AtBg9K4l85psI850Ybhi_d7IOPwD0wDDavxrAIyTW_wW7k3OB-J2z6vyGPoPfZvDaBzKXfoSN591rtUCDuodNscQokTi7V_kM8QshE9m6nG9Rl9z2ycC8VOAxuaasrxQQO_WsY04Fdf0auqKuy8iO5qR4xziqI0DtWdD1wNV3UBe055JxXyD5OoFvHPCnMjZkJO1p1Xmx1y18_tVuvrHrBNSczIKepn47KDydqO0HdcV6aN3RJ28GElVTbilRcTDg5fCrfdRIGlD7snufL49_jEv710x69ZZJUVCdNQadhTTJJbsUhd6_8qcaU413JsAcH5VriA6esNCn_nEx-YMPcNIs=&amp;c=ZdH0KYd5Sa7DTuXk34RnPX7TZg787Ht7G5uQjiRAq-wYySHDW-UNMg==&amp;ch=9Jix4TCgMqU7iu5OY3joPhVXzxQ9HWqhOixhoMkO5NsEOU1jyOQ5lQ==" target="_blank">Salina Family Healthcare Center</a>’s COVID-19 project manager at 785-825-7251 ext. 523 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gheimer@salinahealth.org" target="_blank">gheimer@salinahealth.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vaccination clinics offered to local businesses

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Friday:<figure>
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CONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College began to ease its COVID-19 restrictions on Monday.

Following CDC guidelines, and state and local orders, the mandatory mask requirement at both the Concordia and Geary County campuses has been lifted. 

Masks will no longer be required to enter campus buildings, but temperature screening kiosks will remain in place, the college noted in a news release. At the Concordia campus, all employees, students and visitors are to enter at either entrance two or three and self-screen using the kiosks. At the Geary County campus, self-screening will take place at each building entrance.

Beginning June 1, social distancing guidelines will be eased in the classrooms at both campuses. Desks and seats will be three feet apart, rather than six feet. The screening kiosks will be removed from the entrances, and all faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be asked to self-screen prior to arriving on campus.

On Aug. 1, all COVID restrictions at Cloud County will be removed. When students arrive on campus to begin the fall 2021 semester, there will be no social distancing in the classrooms or mask requirements.

Nursing clinical sites may require students to wear a mask, and instructors may still ask students in lab classes to wear a mask if three feet of social distance cannot be maintained.

The college noted that this is a fluid plan, and is subject to change without notice, pending approval by the college Board of Trustees.

CONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College began to ease its COVID-19 restrictions on Monday.Following CDC guidelines, and state and local orders, the mandatory mask requirement at both the Concordia and Geary County campuses has been lifted. Masks will no longer be required to enter campus buildings, but temperature screening kiosks will remain in place, the college noted in a news release. At the Concordia campus, all employees, students and visitors are to enter at either entrance two or three and self-screen using the kiosks. At the Geary County campus, self-screening will take place at each building entrance.Beginning June 1, social distancing guidelines will be eased in the classrooms at both campuses. Desks and seats will be three feet apart, rather than six feet. The screening kiosks will be removed from the entrances, and all faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be asked to self-screen prior to arriving on campus.On Aug. 1, all COVID restrictions at Cloud County will be removed. When students arrive on campus to begin the fall 2021 semester, there will be no social distancing in the classrooms or mask requirements.Nursing clinical sites may require students to wear a mask, and instructors may still ask students in lab classes to wear a mask if three feet of social distance cannot be maintained.The college noted that this is a fluid plan, and is subject to change without notice, pending approval by the college Board of Trustees.

Cloud County Community College easing COVID restrictions

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:<figure>
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Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Monday:<figure>
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The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday defended the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines.

“I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals. And it evolved," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on FOX News Sunday. “I deliver it as soon as I can when we have that information available.”

Under the new guidelines released last week, fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — can quit wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.

However, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks, the agency said. The guidance also still calls for masks in crowded indoor settings including buses, airplanes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

The sudden change sparked praise from those eager to return to pre-pandemic life, particularly those who see the new guidelines as a way to reopen workplaces, schools and other venues that went dark during the pandemic.

Yet concerns have been raised from those who say there's no easy way for businesses and others to determine who is fully vaccinated and who is not. Instead, many will have to rely on an honor system as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots.

“I would imagine within a period of just a couple of weeks, you’re going to start to see significant clarification of some of the actually understandable and reasonable questions that people are asking,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of the U.S. government’s pandemic response, said on Face the Nation.

The timing of the change has also faced questions. Just days earlier, Walensky had defended the agency's strict mask guidance in front of a Senate committee where some Republicans on the panel described the CDC's guidance as “unworkable.”

When pressed about the quick turnaround on the agency's stance on mask wearing, Walensky said the agency was not giving in to pressure but instead needed time to review evolving science.

“I can tell you it certainly would have been easier if the science had evolved a week earlier and I didn’t have to go to Congress making those statements. But I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals,” she said.

To date more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated.

Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to “declare victory,” but added that she was “cautiously optimistic" about the pandemic.

“We have to remain humble. We’ve had way too many curveballs in this pandemic come to us. But I am really cautiously optimistic that we are in a good place right now, that cases continue to come down,” she said.

But, she added, even though the guidance has changed, “there’s no need for everybody to start ripping off their masks."

“There is no mandate to take it off. What we’re saying is, now this is safe," she said. “Work at your own speed, work with your own family and your own businesses to remove them when necessary."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621194714478.png" alt="Walensky during a White House briefing last week said, "We have all longed for this moment - when we can get back to some sense of normalcy – and that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated!"&nbsp; Photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Walensky during a White House briefing last week said, "We have all longed for this moment - when we can get back to some sense of normalcy – and that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated!"&nbsp; Photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIMBERLEE KRUESI, Associated PressThe head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday defended the decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stressing that increasing political pressure had nothing to do with the abrupt shift in guidelines.“I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals. And it evolved," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on FOX News Sunday. “I deliver it as soon as I can when we have that information available.”Under the new guidelines released last week, fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — can quit wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.However, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks, the agency said. The guidance also still calls for masks in crowded indoor settings including buses, airplanes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.The sudden change sparked praise from those eager to return to pre-pandemic life, particularly those who see the new guidelines as a way to reopen workplaces, schools and other venues that went dark during the pandemic.Yet concerns have been raised from those who say there's no easy way for businesses and others to determine who is fully vaccinated and who is not. Instead, many will have to rely on an honor system as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots.“I would imagine within a period of just a couple of weeks, you’re going to start to see significant clarification of some of the actually understandable and reasonable questions that people are asking,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of the U.S. government’s pandemic response, said on Face the Nation.The timing of the change has also faced questions. Just days earlier, Walensky had defended the agency's strict mask guidance in front of a Senate committee where some Republicans on the panel described the CDC's guidance as “unworkable.”When pressed about the quick turnaround on the agency's stance on mask wearing, Walensky said the agency was not giving in to pressure but instead needed time to review evolving science.“I can tell you it certainly would have been easier if the science had evolved a week earlier and I didn’t have to go to Congress making those statements. But I’m delivering the science as the science is delivered to the medical journals,” she said.To date more than 156 million Americans, or more than 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 121 million are fully vaccinated.Walensky cautioned that even with the new guidelines, it was still too early to “declare victory,” but added that she was “cautiously optimistic" about the pandemic.“We have to remain humble. We’ve had way too many curveballs in this pandemic come to us. But I am really cautiously optimistic that we are in a good place right now, that cases continue to come down,” she said.But, she added, even though the guidance has changed, “there’s no need for everybody to start ripping off their masks."“There is no mandate to take it off. What we’re saying is, now this is safe," she said. “Work at your own speed, work with your own family and your own businesses to remove them when necessary."

CDC director defends decision to ditch masks

Here's another way to get vaccinated. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Salina-Shares-771970029488109/">Salina Shares</a> Facebook page:

Here's another way to get vaccinated. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Salina-Shares-771970029488109/">Salina Shares</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D4196569540361457%26id%3D771970029488109&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="697" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Salina Family Healthcare to offer vaccinations at Laundry Love

Don't forget: If you got your first COVID-19 vaccination at one of the rural Saline County Clinics, the clinics will once again be open Wednesday for second shots.

Additionally, the three rural clinics also are scheduled to have single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine available for those who only want one shot.

Don't forget: If you got your first COVID-19 vaccination at one of the rural Saline County Clinics, the clinics will once again be open Wednesday for second shots.Additionally, the three rural clinics also are scheduled to have single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine available for those who only want one shot.Locations and times are as follows.<figure>
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Rural COVID clinics open for 2nd shots Wednesday; J&J also available

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Friday:<figure>
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Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620856594142.png" alt="Image courtesy Saline County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County Health Department</figcaption>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.

The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.

“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.

Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.

“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.

Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.

Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.

The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.

In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.

Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.

In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.

Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.

As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID shot for kids 12 and up

WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.

Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.

Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.

“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.

The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.

The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.

The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.

“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.

The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.

“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.

Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.

Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.

“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”

Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.___

US children age 12-15 can now get Pfizer COVID shot 

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Monday:<figure>
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Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Friday:<figure>
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MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced new gathering recomendations.

Beginning today, the following recommendations are in place.

●No gathering limit when all persons wear masks

●Practice 6-foot distancing where possible

●If all persons in a gathering have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks, masks and distancing may not be necessary

●Entities and businesses may continue to be more stringent in both private and public situations at their discretion

The health department developed the new guidelines after assessing vaccination rates and new case trends in McPherson County.

Currently, McPherson County is vaccinating anyone 16 years of age or older for COVID-19. The health department provided the following information concerning vaccinations in the county.

●As of May 5, 2021, according to the Kansas Immunization Registry, KSWebIZ, 14,757 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to McPherson County residents. The majority of doses administered have been Moderna (10,413), followed by Pfizer (3,798) and Johnson and Johnson/Janssen (546).

●As of May 5, 2021, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker (<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#countyview">https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#countyview</a>), 34.2% of McPherson County’s population has been fully vaccinated. 44.1% of the population 18 years old and above are vaccinated and 76.6% of the population 65 years old and above are vaccinated. More information can be found on their website.

COVID-19 data in McPherson County can be found on the home page of <a href="http://mcphersoncountyks.us">mcphersoncountyks.us</a>, under “McPherson County COVID-19 Dashboard.” This data will continue to be updated Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced new gathering recomendations.Beginning today, the following recommendations are in place.●No gathering limit when all persons wear masks●Practice 6-foot distancing where possible●If all persons in a gathering have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks, masks and distancing may not be necessary●Entities and businesses may continue to be more stringent in both private and public situations at their discretionThe health department developed the new guidelines after assessing vaccination rates and new case trends in McPherson County.Currently, McPherson County is vaccinating anyone 16 years of age or older for COVID-19. The health department provided the following information concerning vaccinations in the county.●As of May 5, 2021, according to the Kansas Immunization Registry, KSWebIZ, 14,757 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to McPherson County residents. The majority of doses administered have been Moderna (10,413), followed by Pfizer (3,798) and Johnson and Johnson/Janssen (546).●As of May 5, 2021, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker (<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#countyview">https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#countyview</a>), 34.2% of McPherson County’s population has been fully vaccinated. 44.1% of the population 18 years old and above are vaccinated and 76.6% of the population 65 years old and above are vaccinated. More information can be found on their website.COVID-19 data in McPherson County can be found on the home page of <a href="http://mcphersoncountyks.us">mcphersoncountyks.us</a>, under “McPherson County COVID-19 Dashboard.” This data will continue to be updated Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week.

McPherson Co. Health Dept.: New gathering recommendations

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620263808958.png" alt="" />
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Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has announced several upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Vaccinations will be given on a first come first serve basis. All vaccines are free.

From noon to 6 p.m. May 13, a second clinic will be conducted in the National Guard building at 2929 Scanlan Avenue. The Vaccination Collaboration will be giving second doses Moderna vaccinations to those who walked in during the initial National Guard clinic. There will also be Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations for those who prefer single dose vaccination.

This site will also be offering Kansas Department of Health and Environment free COVID-19 testing, generating results in one to two days. Central Kansas Mental Health Center will have information on its mission to provide mental health services, education, and integrated care to the Salina community. Additionally, free fresh produce courtesy of local grocers will be available for all attendees.

On May 19, the Vaccination Collaboration will be in Gypsum, Asssaria, and Brookville to give second Moderna doses to those who walked in during the initial clinic. Much like the National Guard clinic, single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson will be available for those who prefer single-dose COVID-19 vaccination. Here are the times and locations for the three clinics:

9-11 a.m., City Auditorium, 621 Maple Street

12:15-2:15 p.m., Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. First Street

3:45-5:15 p.m., City Hall, 301 N. Perry Street

Saline County Vaccination Collaboration has announced several upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics.Vaccinations will be given on a first come first serve basis. All vaccines are free.From noon to 6 p.m. May 13, a second clinic will be conducted in the National Guard building at 2929 Scanlan Avenue. The Vaccination Collaboration will be giving second doses Moderna vaccinations to those who walked in during the initial National Guard clinic. There will also be Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations for those who prefer single dose vaccination.This site will also be offering Kansas Department of Health and Environment free COVID-19 testing, generating results in one to two days. Central Kansas Mental Health Center will have information on its mission to provide mental health services, education, and integrated care to the Salina community. Additionally, free fresh produce courtesy of local grocers will be available for all attendees.On May 19, the Vaccination Collaboration will be in Gypsum, Asssaria, and Brookville to give second Moderna doses to those who walked in during the initial clinic. Much like the National Guard clinic, single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson will be available for those who prefer single-dose COVID-19 vaccination. Here are the times and locations for the three clinics:Gypsum9-11 a.m., City Auditorium, 621 Maple StreetAssaria12:15-2:15 p.m., Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. First StreetBrookville3:45-5:15 p.m., City Hall, 301 N. Perry Street

Second rural, National Guard vaccination clinics planned

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

We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since our update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have five patients hospitalized battling COVID-19.

There have been 14 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 28.The total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,216.

The UK variant, B.1.1.7, has been identified in one of the positive cases in Saline County.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 71 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,036 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_WuaN94qn2L-uvpXiAFe30hGmT4Sz1t4yj1JFJ2iEe6zGzekgSlDs-BFxni5BeO76X7Zna0SV_nXqlKDzsRC-wNF_934RDkCWs&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 309,130 cases and 4,982 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;

3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;

4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.

5. 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.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_WaADL6e8_Q2z-SHRvuKEfVcGRwJ6lzDpQ1nsQCRqMPb649dzZVgYKQeibOa2_veJZZMNamemEUboAFN9ECH2k87ZFPaR9ktqG&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_W8iWJl7Qst3OBsFDxVEfhZQDocoanCN32B2P_2T4PFuxD9UUwiCi5AJhS6w0tPgvIwzSEMWkYCrk=&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since our update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have five patients hospitalized battling COVID-19. There have been 14 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 28.The total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,216. The UK variant, B.1.1.7, has been identified in one of the positive cases in Saline County. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 71 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,036 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_WuaN94qn2L-uvpXiAFe30hGmT4Sz1t4yj1JFJ2iEe6zGzekgSlDs-BFxni5BeO76X7Zna0SV_nXqlKDzsRC-wNF_934RDkCWs&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 309,130 cases and 4,982 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.5. 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.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_WaADL6e8_Q2z-SHRvuKEfVcGRwJ6lzDpQ1nsQCRqMPb649dzZVgYKQeibOa2_veJZZMNamemEUboAFN9ECH2k87ZFPaR9ktqG&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RlCf-rJxD9mrKZjXfNji1YEh3Dc3Q5SE7CLKabIXYxQDIMuypd5RCWJxguNo42_W8iWJl7Qst3OBsFDxVEfhZQDocoanCN32B2P_2T4PFuxD9UUwiCi5AJhS6w0tPgvIwzSEMWkYCrk=&amp;c=k8SMQnX75ZVde3R9cQOfJn_Wz9Rcm-wrQANpqN3tjdcVATZDwZrJpA==&amp;ch=vpHPoumeONAfo7eMmfR8E1WHiTf_cP_EGzl4_cX74nHOeX0AI9kVhg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

UK variant ID'd in Saline County; 14 new COVID-19 cases

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

We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our last update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have five patients hospitalized battling COVID-19.

There have been 26 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 26. The Health Department is currently investigating two self-contained clusters which contributed to the increase in new positive cases. The total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,202.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 63 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,030 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdx9D5XQ5rqH02ltgYu0DlHJxJJNVDJA_4PLGlXMO0GrEu0rcyjNsFcIwz5xkF9Tg8dYf4DpN2wJ-xGtNrbzl4HWJPuhs5whWWP&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 308,510 cases and 4,978 deaths statewide.

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdxKNhtusTstAGVwUnayflw-bZnl0N8ITm1nxTvytqaEhrUCHoBUUl35fRPrJQxY8VslaC0M4UkFWJHp3IpPulD3FwmQE8m3pZo&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdx8oMfRceJLJsoNjoa4zapcSsmGKv0LV7iXCjlmkl1RajL1yr1fgf5TfVJ-WupFVMq3N3r6euL7_I=&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619645986865.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our last update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have five patients hospitalized battling COVID-19. There have been 26 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 26. The Health Department is currently investigating two self-contained clusters which contributed to the increase in new positive cases. The total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,202. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 63 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,030 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdx9D5XQ5rqH02ltgYu0DlHJxJJNVDJA_4PLGlXMO0GrEu0rcyjNsFcIwz5xkF9Tg8dYf4DpN2wJ-xGtNrbzl4HWJPuhs5whWWP&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 308,510 cases and 4,978 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.5. 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.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdxKNhtusTstAGVwUnayflw-bZnl0N8ITm1nxTvytqaEhrUCHoBUUl35fRPrJQxY8VslaC0M4UkFWJHp3IpPulD3FwmQE8m3pZo&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uQLljFUKK51WZ5Kfxr0mC1zV_iW51rWPX7YyyecZHZww5J5n8wBmoPwGQvQ0JHdx8oMfRceJLJsoNjoa4zapcSsmGKv0LV7iXCjlmkl1RajL1yr1fgf5TfVJ-WupFVMq3N3r6euL7_I=&amp;c=Rg5qsItGgYxb_eqPW2762VeBR_xSd1DVF8_gB84okzZMTbWvjnvE7A==&amp;ch=2cwyEc9z1PioToCv-O6jaBIH5v333bb5mdSWjj8PuMln19f53KHeNw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 26 new COVID-19 cases; 6,030 of 6,202 recovered

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

We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our last update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized battling COVID-19.

There have been seven new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 23, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,176.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,015 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZycRsn20zDFzOJdC6SlEL6k6pCoMcPb-13fwKsI0LUiV-PhcpEGm7bS68PQpg1PCY53IUfgWLIIvyghbmbDd9PDurg6wYTVqjaD&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 307,865 cases and 4,970 deaths statewide.

2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZyctXPgOxKYJIaB1CGVLX8eIoyuXIyjzlvit5Xhve0faB-fvADMXfCputcyTC-xdW92-nov4UQTMseC2pd-TBE9SX5bVjSOj7fT&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZyctaj_tA8Ym1iiaXESBo7axXQehO1EmIolTUmXQvoeSaqU5W4LvakXlJJTtEhw7YNfQyYedKlhgDg=&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619473506680.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our last update on April 23. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized battling COVID-19. There have been seven new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 23, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,176. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 6,015 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZycRsn20zDFzOJdC6SlEL6k6pCoMcPb-13fwKsI0LUiV-PhcpEGm7bS68PQpg1PCY53IUfgWLIIvyghbmbDd9PDurg6wYTVqjaD&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 307,865 cases and 4,970 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.5. 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.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZyctXPgOxKYJIaB1CGVLX8eIoyuXIyjzlvit5Xhve0faB-fvADMXfCputcyTC-xdW92-nov4UQTMseC2pd-TBE9SX5bVjSOj7fT&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EYR6BiG0hM-6azUugE74Jfw5jnRo1XXhpMdYGka6w4sXvHg1krzUtmf9BVbLPZyctaj_tA8Ym1iiaXESBo7axXQehO1EmIolTUmXQvoeSaqU5W4LvakXlJJTtEhw7YNfQyYedKlhgDg=&amp;c=h-X8IQ2KlteS0yna7zfXOdgRYl0C0qdnmwRtAhv-jkxt5vvkFBTotQ==&amp;ch=qDqyTsgL1axhr6o4ezAGdjlDULbBYgyojABbyqXzVmac_OfLc615tA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 7 new COVID-19 cases; 6,015 of 6,176 recovered

It is with great sadness that we share that one additional member of our community has lost their battle to COVID-19. This marks the first reported death due to COVID-19 reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have four patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been 15 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 21, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,169.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 64 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,996 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969aZzSWXyQc_38nLGC1g82JZivBysP82X0Ci0fsgBuEuxCyuQtvy-_4gzFkYmHgckZdQ91hSmuNV6OioUkiNv06pGmu-RBuiSY&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 306,883 cases and 4,961 deaths statewide.

* Beginning in May, we will no longer send daily updates and will move to a once a week newsletter. Our dashboard will be regularly updated and available at any time.

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.&nbsp;

3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969czH7SA1pZMPmkuqW7XewOBMHvYgmD4hLD7KYh1JxraKHuj4S0_bWOb1Emrgf5mjU-dgFnfBT3FLnXistTh8QpVlzzE6o37wT&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969qDHR3ckOFjvbKHsPJwc04M-wQKLxta-UyOq8IMswbRQdjrfthQVj8dMFyRmJ-dhXyFe_FMsJNVA=&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619214045830.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.It is with great sadness that we share that one additional member of our community has lost their battle to COVID-19. This marks the first reported death due to COVID-19 reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have four patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been 15 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 21, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,169.The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 64 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,996 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;109 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969aZzSWXyQc_38nLGC1g82JZivBysP82X0Ci0fsgBuEuxCyuQtvy-_4gzFkYmHgckZdQ91hSmuNV6OioUkiNv06pGmu-RBuiSY&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 306,883 cases and 4,961 deaths statewide. * Beginning in May, we will no longer send daily updates and will move to a once a week newsletter. Our dashboard will be regularly updated and available at any time.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.5. 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.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969czH7SA1pZMPmkuqW7XewOBMHvYgmD4hLD7KYh1JxraKHuj4S0_bWOb1Emrgf5mjU-dgFnfBT3FLnXistTh8QpVlzzE6o37wT&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c-_GKDL_Z_9Q6uDfFCEje71Hob7_tO1BLXaC3mJFLxxrtNyxHCoS4DFBfsnQL969qDHR3ckOFjvbKHsPJwc04M-wQKLxta-UyOq8IMswbRQdjrfthQVj8dMFyRmJ-dhXyFe_FMsJNVA=&amp;c=L-OtRJp7fI6gxazqBedSDa4bc-6nNWek9KFbeFlyPVtYvdKg2G_V3w==&amp;ch=GPEwCi0zWr7_nbrgV0mRIrnbQJpxtI_tIKAtA3Jn4f1g-M0YiZ_g-g==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Coronavirus Update