NEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?

Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.

“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”

So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.

Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.

Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.

While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.

“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.

Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.

The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.

So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.

If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.

The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

By CANDICE CHOI, Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland.“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

Experts unsure how long protection from COVID vaccine lasts

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

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been 7 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 19, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,154.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 50 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,996 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07SkT-v8TRo3OEr7dpLWtaHrdXnI2re9cspdT8Cn34rolSV_9YuodGaEhV4sd1OGCa6ZowbLgYdAZ7qVWAOhXFHWJllbewR0THkS&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" 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=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07Sk9V9MHLBSbOhDjV4GyjOpqMhvkppjBTfv9EdiEDSVjjz-6IgKuKXAfZ8TNOcHF7wpP1YydCdVnP6V8W0JmZi1q-WOjyzO-QDS&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07SkXuG5uyJBuC5wsdx38HO9GUgkbO_GGWzM3WYVgxoOCB4jn-6R4KgUWPuXA_j9QSpLefwUuSKiONQ=&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043020002.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been 7 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 19, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,154. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 50 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,996 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07SkT-v8TRo3OEr7dpLWtaHrdXnI2re9cspdT8Cn34rolSV_9YuodGaEhV4sd1OGCa6ZowbLgYdAZ7qVWAOhXFHWJllbewR0THkS&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" 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=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07Sk9V9MHLBSbOhDjV4GyjOpqMhvkppjBTfv9EdiEDSVjjz-6IgKuKXAfZ8TNOcHF7wpP1YydCdVnP6V8W0JmZi1q-WOjyzO-QDS&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DHgnreZjDs3HMytPVpZt57S7_1nENL0HmaKgm1BfmH781DyDO5Xx03-pjlkD07SkXuG5uyJBuC5wsdx38HO9GUgkbO_GGWzM3WYVgxoOCB4jn-6R4KgUWPuXA_j9QSpLefwUuSKiONQ=&amp;c=Z9eokcJkTWdiZw13pW-eZOHe8Tc9wLzqdf8FuCAQLkjW-cJDGUKjiQ==&amp;ch=23NJ6AgURBHp3hpCYHj20lQIPNJRcG2yb4NUdi33oG_vNJ7t1knJ_Q==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 7 new COVID-19 cases, 5,996 of 6,154 recovered

By COLLEEN TRESSLER Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Scammers are doubling down on their efforts to scam people out of their money and personal information. That’s why the FTC and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) are teaming up to remind you: No matter what anyone tells you, you can’t buy COVID-19 vaccines online and there’s no out-of-pocket cost to get the shots.

Here are some ways to avoid a vaccine-related scam:

●Ignore online ads, social media posts, or phone calls from people offering to sell you the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;You can’t buy it — anywhere. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations.

 ●Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.

●Don’t pay out of pocket for a vaccine&nbsp;— not before, during, or after your appointment. That’s either a scam or a mistake. If you’re insured, the vaccination site might bill your insurance company for an administration fee. If you’re not insured, there’s a fund set up with the&nbsp;Health Resources &amp; Services Administration&nbsp;(HRSA — part of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) where sites can recover their administrative costs. Either way, though, they’re not supposed to bill you or charge a co-pay.

 ●Never share your personal, financial, or health information with people you don’t know.&nbsp;No one from a vaccine distribution site, health care provider’s office, pharmacy, or health care payer, like a private insurance company or Medicare, will call, text, or email you asking for your credit card or bank account number to sign you up to get the vaccine. And remember, you’re not required to give your Social Security number to a vaccination site. You shouldn’t be turned away.

●Contact a trusted source for information.&nbsp;Check with state or local health departments to learn when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also talk with your health care provider or pharmacist.

●Don’t post your vaccination card to your social media account. Your vaccination card has information on it including your full name, date of birth, where you got your vaccine, and the dates you got it. When you post it to Facebook, Instagram, or to some other social media platform, you may be handing valuable information over to someone who could use it for identity theft.

Please share these tips with others, and stay connected to stay informed. <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8">Subscribe to consumer alerts</a> from the FTC to get updates delivered right to your email inbox.

If you know about a COVID-19 vaccine scam, tell the FTC about it at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=B">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/">consumerresources.org</a>, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/04/covid-vaccines-are-free?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618928661422.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLLEEN TRESSLER Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTCScammers are doubling down on their efforts to scam people out of their money and personal information. That’s why the FTC and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) are teaming up to remind you: No matter what anyone tells you, you can’t buy COVID-19 vaccines online and there’s no out-of-pocket cost to get the shots.Here are some ways to avoid a vaccine-related scam:●Ignore online ads, social media posts, or phone calls from people offering to sell you the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;You can’t buy it — anywhere. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations. ●Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.●Don’t pay out of pocket for a vaccine&nbsp;— not before, during, or after your appointment. That’s either a scam or a mistake. If you’re insured, the vaccination site might bill your insurance company for an administration fee. If you’re not insured, there’s a fund set up with the&nbsp;Health Resources &amp; Services Administration&nbsp;(HRSA — part of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) where sites can recover their administrative costs. Either way, though, they’re not supposed to bill you or charge a co-pay. ●Never share your personal, financial, or health information with people you don’t know.&nbsp;No one from a vaccine distribution site, health care provider’s office, pharmacy, or health care payer, like a private insurance company or Medicare, will call, text, or email you asking for your credit card or bank account number to sign you up to get the vaccine. And remember, you’re not required to give your Social Security number to a vaccination site. You shouldn’t be turned away.●Contact a trusted source for information.&nbsp;Check with state or local health departments to learn when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also talk with your health care provider or pharmacist.●Don’t post your vaccination card to your social media account. Your vaccination card has information on it including your full name, date of birth, where you got your vaccine, and the dates you got it. When you post it to Facebook, Instagram, or to some other social media platform, you may be handing valuable information over to someone who could use it for identity theft.Please share these tips with others, and stay connected to stay informed. <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8">Subscribe to consumer alerts</a> from the FTC to get updates delivered right to your email inbox.If you know about a COVID-19 vaccine scam, tell the FTC about it at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=B">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/">consumerresources.org</a>, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/04/covid-vaccines-are-free?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Don't pay for COVID-19 vaccine; it's a scam!

Following is the Monday COVID-19 updated from Saline County.

There have been 7 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 16, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,145.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,985 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKfKsooepkGouQFySprtTSGujxcJIrN4ArZfz6Kf-7m6RDVUxwb2iEJK01b-93BZOzn208zeQ6Skl98LViVMhmzMuMv8ld2_1HQ&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 306,290 cases and 4,955 deaths statewide.

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKf-82Ch2nAsxSs7xryA8szIf1BlpOwiMJNK2HNdDAU2YMnZ8FWzedUcHBZMdrjPAC8j940nHMnZfYLahCRTuIA_rVxwRHPpgiW&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKfdBIN76Eej3kk3Id5cUjFG1xpuehDCNfkzCM27Lg7XpGAsi-wY155rJPz_ERghCjmgBeRGxalaZ8=&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618868998734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Monday COVID-19 updated from Saline County.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been 7 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 16, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,145. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,985 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKfKsooepkGouQFySprtTSGujxcJIrN4ArZfz6Kf-7m6RDVUxwb2iEJK01b-93BZOzn208zeQ6Skl98LViVMhmzMuMv8ld2_1HQ&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 306,290 cases and 4,955 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=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKf-82Ch2nAsxSs7xryA8szIf1BlpOwiMJNK2HNdDAU2YMnZ8FWzedUcHBZMdrjPAC8j940nHMnZfYLahCRTuIA_rVxwRHPpgiW&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hZgoUC7cPqAiPO3HfZCoEL4hAWaV0MMhqRfmDSiap5CqRw_8TauByjYxM4gu-KKfdBIN76Eej3kk3Id5cUjFG1xpuehDCNfkzCM27Lg7XpGAsi-wY155rJPz_ERghCjmgBeRGxalaZ8=&amp;c=Tv9xGdLjAg3sixRCoLJYg7ZET5JeuQvRwm7pFDuB9SgUuQY0YK28QQ==&amp;ch=gOgipEc7FbfLLDthoypWxnLDY1VZiqmFuucMuiJVz7L85hnKFP74gA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 7 new COVID-19 cases; 5,985 of 6,145 recovered

After being postponed because of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine pause, the rural Saline County COVID-19 vaccination clinics have been rescheduled.

The two-shot Moderna vaccine will now be used at the clinics hosted by the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration. Second doses will be given on May 19 at the same times and locations.

The clinics are scheduled as follows on Wednesday for rural Saline County residents. Vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gypsum 9-11 a.m., city auditorium, 621 Maple Street

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

Brookville 3:45-5:15 p.m., city hall, 301 N. Perry Street.

By SALINA POSTAfter being postponed because of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine pause, the rural Saline County COVID-19 vaccination clinics have been rescheduled.The two-shot Moderna vaccine will now be used at the clinics hosted by the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration. Second doses will be given on May 19 at the same times and locations.The clinics are scheduled as follows on Wednesday for rural Saline County residents. Vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.Gypsum 9-11 a.m., city auditorium, 621 Maple StreetAssaria 12:15-2:15 p.m., Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. First StreetBrookville 3:45-5:15 p.m., city hall, 301 N. Perry Street.

Rural Saline County COVID-19 vaccination clinics rescheduled

WASHINGTON (AP) — The global death toll from the coronavirus topped a staggering 3 million people Saturday amid repeated setbacks in the worldwide vaccination campaign and a deepening crisis in places such as Brazil, India and France.

The number of lives lost, <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">as compiled by Johns Hopkins University</a>, is about equal to the population of Kyiv, Ukraine; Caracas, Venezuela; or metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal. It is bigger than Chicago (2.7 million) and equivalent to Philadelphia and Dallas combined.

And the true number is believed to be significantly higher because of possible government concealment and the many cases overlooked in the early stages of the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.

When the world back in January passed the bleak threshold of 2 million deaths, immunization drives had just started in Europe and the United States. Today, they are underway in more than 190 countries, though progress in bringing the virus under control varies widely.

While the campaigns in the U.S. and Britain have hit their stride and people and businesses there are beginning to contemplate life after the pandemic, other places, mostly poorer countries but some rich ones as well, are lagging behind in putting shots in arms and have imposed new lockdowns and other restrictions as virus cases soar.

Worldwide, deaths are on the rise again, running at around 12,000 per day on average, and new cases are climbing too, eclipsing 700,000 a day.

“This is not the situation we want to be in 16 months into a pandemic, where we have proven control measures,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, one of the World Health Organization’s leaders on COVID-19.

In Brazil, where deaths are running at about 3,000 per day, accounting for one-quarter of the lives lost worldwide in recent weeks, the crisis has been likened to a “raging inferno” by one WHO official. A more contagious variant of the virus has been rampaging across the country.

As cases surge, hospitals are running out of critical sedatives. As a result, there have been reports of some doctors diluting what supplies remain and even tying patients to their beds while breathing tubes are pushed down their throats.

The slow vaccine rollout has crushed Brazilians’ pride in their own history of carrying out huge immunization campaigns that were the envy of the developing world.

Taking cues from President Jair Bolsonaro, who has likened the virus to little more than a flu, his Health Ministry for months bet big on a single vaccine, ignoring other producers. When bottlenecks emerged, it was too late to get large quantities in time.

Watching so many patients suffer and die alone at her Rio de Janeiro hospital impelled nurse Lidiane Melo to take desperate measures.

In the early days of the pandemic, as sufferers were calling out for comfort that she was too busy to provide, Melo filled two rubber gloves with warm water, knotted them shut, and sandwiched them around a patient’s hand to simulate a loving touch.

Some have christened the practice the “hand of God,” and it is now the searing image of a nation roiled by a medical emergency with no end in sight.

“Patients can’t receive visitors. Sadly, there’s no way. So it’s a way to provide psychological support, to be there together with the patient holding their hand,” Melo said. She added: “And this year it’s worse, the seriousness of patients is 1,000 times greater.”

This situation is similarly dire in India, where cases spiked in February after weeks of steady decline, taking authorities by surprise. In a surge driven by variants of the virus, India saw over 180,000 new infections in one 24-hour span during the past week, bringing the total number of cases to over 13.9 million.

Problems that India had overcome last year are coming back to haunt health officials. Only 178 ventilators were free Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi, a city of 29 million, where 13,000 new infections were reported the previous day.

The challenges facing India reverberate beyond its borders since the country is the biggest supplier of shots to COVAX, the U.N.-sponsored program to distribute vaccines to poorer parts of the world. Last month, India said it would suspend vaccine exports until the virus’s spread inside the country slows.

The WHO recently described the supply situation as precarious. Up to 60 countries might not receive any more shots until June, by one estimate. To date, COVAX has delivered about 40 million doses to more than 100 countries, enough to cover barely 0.25% of the world’s population.

Globally, about 87% of the 700 million doses dispensed have been given out in rich countries. While 1 in 4 people in wealthy nations have received a vaccine, in poor countries the figure is 1 in more than 500.

In recent days, the U.S. and some European countries put the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine on hold while authorities investigate extremely rare but dangerous blood clots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine has likewise been hit with delays and restrictions because of a clotting scare.

Another concern: Poorer countries are relying on vaccines made by China and Russia, which some scientists believe provide less protection than those made by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Last week, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the country’s vaccines offer low protection and said officials are considering mixing them with other shots to improve their effectiveness.

In the U.S., where over 560,000 lives have been lost, accounting for more than 1 in 6 of the world’s COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped, businesses are reopening, and life is beginning to return to something approaching normalcy in several states. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to 576,000, a post-COVID-19 low.

But progress has been patchy, and new hot spots — most notably Michigan — have flared up in recent weeks. Still, deaths in the U.S. are down to about 700 per day on average, plummeting from a mid-January peak of about 3,400.

In Europe, countries are feeling the brunt of a more contagious variant that first ravaged Britain and has pushed the continent’s COVID-19-related death toll beyond 1 million.

Close to 6,000 gravely ill patients are being treated in French critical care units, numbers not seen since the first wave a year ago.

Dr. Marc Leone, head of intensive care at the North Hospital in Marseille, said exhausted front-line staff members who were feted as heroes at the start of the pandemic now feel alone and are clinging to hope that renewed school closings and other restrictions will help curb the virus in the coming weeks.

“There’s exhaustion, more bad tempers. You have to tread carefully because there are a lot of conflicts,” he said. “We’ll give everything we have to get through these 15 days as best we can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618692413792.png" alt="John Hopkins -Number of Daily Deaths" />
 <figcaption>John Hopkins -Number of Daily Deaths</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The global death toll from the coronavirus topped a staggering 3 million people Saturday amid repeated setbacks in the worldwide vaccination campaign and a deepening crisis in places such as Brazil, India and France.The number of lives lost, <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">as compiled by Johns Hopkins University</a>, is about equal to the population of Kyiv, Ukraine; Caracas, Venezuela; or metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal. It is bigger than Chicago (2.7 million) and equivalent to Philadelphia and Dallas combined.And the true number is believed to be significantly higher because of possible government concealment and the many cases overlooked in the early stages of the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.When the world back in January passed the bleak threshold of 2 million deaths, immunization drives had just started in Europe and the United States. Today, they are underway in more than 190 countries, though progress in bringing the virus under control varies widely.While the campaigns in the U.S. and Britain have hit their stride and people and businesses there are beginning to contemplate life after the pandemic, other places, mostly poorer countries but some rich ones as well, are lagging behind in putting shots in arms and have imposed new lockdowns and other restrictions as virus cases soar.Worldwide, deaths are on the rise again, running at around 12,000 per day on average, and new cases are climbing too, eclipsing 700,000 a day.“This is not the situation we want to be in 16 months into a pandemic, where we have proven control measures,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, one of the World Health Organization’s leaders on COVID-19.In Brazil, where deaths are running at about 3,000 per day, accounting for one-quarter of the lives lost worldwide in recent weeks, the crisis has been likened to a “raging inferno” by one WHO official. A more contagious variant of the virus has been rampaging across the country.As cases surge, hospitals are running out of critical sedatives. As a result, there have been reports of some doctors diluting what supplies remain and even tying patients to their beds while breathing tubes are pushed down their throats.The slow vaccine rollout has crushed Brazilians’ pride in their own history of carrying out huge immunization campaigns that were the envy of the developing world.Taking cues from President Jair Bolsonaro, who has likened the virus to little more than a flu, his Health Ministry for months bet big on a single vaccine, ignoring other producers. When bottlenecks emerged, it was too late to get large quantities in time.Watching so many patients suffer and die alone at her Rio de Janeiro hospital impelled nurse Lidiane Melo to take desperate measures.In the early days of the pandemic, as sufferers were calling out for comfort that she was too busy to provide, Melo filled two rubber gloves with warm water, knotted them shut, and sandwiched them around a patient’s hand to simulate a loving touch.Some have christened the practice the “hand of God,” and it is now the searing image of a nation roiled by a medical emergency with no end in sight.“Patients can’t receive visitors. Sadly, there’s no way. So it’s a way to provide psychological support, to be there together with the patient holding their hand,” Melo said. She added: “And this year it’s worse, the seriousness of patients is 1,000 times greater.”This situation is similarly dire in India, where cases spiked in February after weeks of steady decline, taking authorities by surprise. In a surge driven by variants of the virus, India saw over 180,000 new infections in one 24-hour span during the past week, bringing the total number of cases to over 13.9 million.Problems that India had overcome last year are coming back to haunt health officials. Only 178 ventilators were free Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi, a city of 29 million, where 13,000 new infections were reported the previous day.The challenges facing India reverberate beyond its borders since the country is the biggest supplier of shots to COVAX, the U.N.-sponsored program to distribute vaccines to poorer parts of the world. Last month, India said it would suspend vaccine exports until the virus’s spread inside the country slows.The WHO recently described the supply situation as precarious. Up to 60 countries might not receive any more shots until June, by one estimate. To date, COVAX has delivered about 40 million doses to more than 100 countries, enough to cover barely 0.25% of the world’s population.Globally, about 87% of the 700 million doses dispensed have been given out in rich countries. While 1 in 4 people in wealthy nations have received a vaccine, in poor countries the figure is 1 in more than 500.In recent days, the U.S. and some European countries put the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine on hold while authorities investigate extremely rare but dangerous blood clots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine has likewise been hit with delays and restrictions because of a clotting scare.Another concern: Poorer countries are relying on vaccines made by China and Russia, which some scientists believe provide less protection than those made by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.Last week, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the country’s vaccines offer low protection and said officials are considering mixing them with other shots to improve their effectiveness.In the U.S., where over 560,000 lives have been lost, accounting for more than 1 in 6 of the world’s COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped, businesses are reopening, and life is beginning to return to something approaching normalcy in several states. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to 576,000, a post-COVID-19 low.But progress has been patchy, and new hot spots — most notably Michigan — have flared up in recent weeks. Still, deaths in the U.S. are down to about 700 per day on average, plummeting from a mid-January peak of about 3,400.In Europe, countries are feeling the brunt of a more contagious variant that first ravaged Britain and has pushed the continent’s COVID-19-related death toll beyond 1 million.Close to 6,000 gravely ill patients are being treated in French critical care units, numbers not seen since the first wave a year ago.Dr. Marc Leone, head of intensive care at the North Hospital in Marseille, said exhausted front-line staff members who were feted as heroes at the start of the pandemic now feel alone and are clinging to hope that renewed school closings and other restrictions will help curb the virus in the coming weeks.“There’s exhaustion, more bad tempers. You have to tread carefully because there are a lot of conflicts,” he said. “We’ll give everything we have to get through these 15 days as best we can.”

Global COVID deaths on the rise again, top 3 million

By MAJOR MARGARET ZIFFER Kansas Army National Guard

The auditorium at the Kansas Army National Guard’s regional training institute in Salina buzzed with activity Thursday as the Salina Family Healthcare Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic prepared to open its doors.

“The organization reached out to us to see if the Kansas Army National Guard would have facilities to support a Salina community COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and we did,” said Maj. Michael Billings, Kansas Training Center battalion executive officer. “We still have Kansas Army National Guard training here, but we were able to de-conflict and work everything out for them to use our auditorium and hopefully get some more people access to the COVID vaccine.”

“We have 500 doses of Moderna,” said Hayley Samford, marketing and community outreach associate with the Salina Family Healthcare Center. “So it would be wonderful if we could go through all that today.”

Samford said that most of their vaccine clinics up until this point have been hosted on the east side of town, which has been problematic for those who may lack transportation, time off work to get across town or available childcare options. So when they decided to do an outreach clinic in the hopes of making the vaccine more accessible to residents and employees on the west side, location was everything. The Kansas Army National Guard training facility, it turned out, was perfectly situated to host a clinic that could address many of those issues.

“For this clinic, we were thinking especially about Schwann’s, since they are the largest employer in Salina,” Samford said. “We wanted to make it as convenient as possible to vaccinate their workforce - those who would like a vaccine – so, by stationing ourselves right here, then we are as close as possible to their workforce and we’ll go through two of their shift changes while we’re here.”

To help simplify the process even more, Samford said they decided not to require appointments. Additionally, advertisements and vaccine literature was put into different languages in order to ensure more people were receiving the information.

“We want to make sure that everyone can understand the messaging and what resources are available in order to make a decision and complete the paperwork in a language they feel comfortable with,” said Samford.

“I think they’ve done a great job in communicating with the community, getting the information out,” Billings said, adding that the KSARNG was happy to have been able to contribute to the efforts to help keep the Salina community safe and open. 

“This is an industrial part of town,” Billings said. “So these are the individuals who are working hard and keeping the economy going.”

The above story is republished from the <a href="https://www.army.mil/">U.S. Army website</a> with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618702327010.jpeg" alt="Hayley Samford, marketing and community outreach associate with the Salina Family Healthcare Center, and Major Michael Billings, Kansas Training Center battalion executive officer pose with a sign advertising the COVID-19 vaccine clinic held at the Kansas National Guard Training Center Thursday. Photo by Major Margaret Ziffer courtesy Kansas Army National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Hayley Samford, marketing and community outreach associate with the Salina Family Healthcare Center, and Major Michael Billings, Kansas Training Center battalion executive officer pose with a sign advertising the COVID-19 vaccine clinic held at the Kansas National Guard Training Center Thursday. Photo by Major Margaret Ziffer courtesy Kansas Army National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>By MAJOR MARGARET ZIFFER Kansas Army National GuardThe auditorium at the Kansas Army National Guard’s regional training institute in Salina buzzed with activity Thursday as the Salina Family Healthcare Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic prepared to open its doors.“The organization reached out to us to see if the Kansas Army National Guard would have facilities to support a Salina community COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and we did,” said Maj. Michael Billings, Kansas Training Center battalion executive officer. “We still have Kansas Army National Guard training here, but we were able to de-conflict and work everything out for them to use our auditorium and hopefully get some more people access to the COVID vaccine.”“We have 500 doses of Moderna,” said Hayley Samford, marketing and community outreach associate with the Salina Family Healthcare Center. “So it would be wonderful if we could go through all that today.”Samford said that most of their vaccine clinics up until this point have been hosted on the east side of town, which has been problematic for those who may lack transportation, time off work to get across town or available childcare options. So when they decided to do an outreach clinic in the hopes of making the vaccine more accessible to residents and employees on the west side, location was everything. The Kansas Army National Guard training facility, it turned out, was perfectly situated to host a clinic that could address many of those issues.“For this clinic, we were thinking especially about Schwann’s, since they are the largest employer in Salina,” Samford said. “We wanted to make it as convenient as possible to vaccinate their workforce - those who would like a vaccine – so, by stationing ourselves right here, then we are as close as possible to their workforce and we’ll go through two of their shift changes while we’re here.”To help simplify the process even more, Samford said they decided not to require appointments. Additionally, advertisements and vaccine literature was put into different languages in order to ensure more people were receiving the information.“We want to make sure that everyone can understand the messaging and what resources are available in order to make a decision and complete the paperwork in a language they feel comfortable with,” said Samford.“I think they’ve done a great job in communicating with the community, getting the information out,” Billings said, adding that the KSARNG was happy to have been able to contribute to the efforts to help keep the Salina community safe and open. “This is an industrial part of town,” Billings said. “So these are the individuals who are working hard and keeping the economy going.”The above story is republished from the <a href="https://www.army.mil/">U.S. Army website</a> with permission.

SFHC teams up with National Guard to make COVID-19 vaccine more accessible

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

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been 19 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 14, which marks the highest number of new cases in our community in over a month and brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,138.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,978 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhpsPX1LZdNdmYhvXfERhVwsf_1OF3CwHAdEylITFx1WzxmGWYwAiJplHX5-VpjXHFQ9CiNc5W8JolrWYAA-2uTYwnkdazlLGIB&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,861 cases and 4,953 deaths statewide.

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.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhp9UsmJ2CZD5LsVg34orf08U7j6Y5f4Uzo1BAsi7BdsjNkUpIYPmbYWgLIrBAefr93kRDz4u8SXXFk_GcCcG5yvd30M3S_n99B&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhpSoXWnMLe6nhjwUsuDQjKtl2FtE4Vf4Sc6Dp2JZhJhDJSGhaIrJ8htxuszI02-WmyKkdd0FZBbJ8=&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618609801752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19.There have been 19 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 14, which marks the highest number of new cases in our community in over a month and brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,138. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 52 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,978 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhpsPX1LZdNdmYhvXfERhVwsf_1OF3CwHAdEylITFx1WzxmGWYwAiJplHX5-VpjXHFQ9CiNc5W8JolrWYAA-2uTYwnkdazlLGIB&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,861 cases and 4,953 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.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=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhp9UsmJ2CZD5LsVg34orf08U7j6Y5f4Uzo1BAsi7BdsjNkUpIYPmbYWgLIrBAefr93kRDz4u8SXXFk_GcCcG5yvd30M3S_n99B&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RogKN-pU9RMO8uBt8WDopxy80zGAFpBcQNHwAmV2RS3X-dDaRlDDRHfiMBJ8bJhpSoXWnMLe6nhjwUsuDQjKtl2FtE4Vf4Sc6Dp2JZhJhDJSGhaIrJ8htxuszI02-WmyKkdd0FZBbJ8=&amp;c=2zvmsQPKoGt0BBEw0WqmT0ryZ_Y-avXBvKio6JGyqc33GvphEOwKzg==&amp;ch=s0RMbUUR4v_EgCOTnTiHO19XLeYeWkM3Vvfcd3QGIMxd_htyQoipxQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 19 new COVID-19 cases; 5,978 of 6,138 recovered

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have one patient hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 12, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,119.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,976 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGJjd38fBaqmlctq9S8yu26UPe1VN3E1V6hUMaA4MzQDR_OLQDCCRLW2l3pTu7-FCrIHgP48lA-wtxJorIz63bOCr8V9dNOfNe&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,320 cases and 4,944 deaths statewide.

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCG-ajgRkBZQNYNqWK3uCklYWgPTraFIDX9ciR1vVlZov5Yl3_03oP2FNO1mb3a2KIsgM23r3pVUgtnQWs96MdEmYVH2aT6H0Nx&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGkw1OsphAW-BmUUnTZ36MLfkR7hZTT-bSvTrSuk2dsSHxPFJXyqJCCzAW8PXh3Y6fIJk5xz7Qf6o=&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618436475623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have one patient hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 12, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,119. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,976 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGJjd38fBaqmlctq9S8yu26UPe1VN3E1V6hUMaA4MzQDR_OLQDCCRLW2l3pTu7-FCrIHgP48lA-wtxJorIz63bOCr8V9dNOfNe&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,320 cases and 4,944 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=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCG-ajgRkBZQNYNqWK3uCklYWgPTraFIDX9ciR1vVlZov5Yl3_03oP2FNO1mb3a2KIsgM23r3pVUgtnQWs96MdEmYVH2aT6H0Nx&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGkw1OsphAW-BmUUnTZ36MLfkR7hZTT-bSvTrSuk2dsSHxPFJXyqJCCzAW8PXh3Y6fIJk5xz7Qf6o=&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 8 new COVID-19 cases; 5,976 of 6,119 recovered

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. 

A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. 

This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.

“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618343095662.png" alt="Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

Brazilian COVID variant identified in Kansas

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic that was scheduled for Thursday at the National Guard building is still a go...just with a different vaccine.

According to information from the Salina Family Healthcare Center, a part of the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration, Moderna vaccine will be available at the clinic, which is scheduled for noon-6 p.m. at the National Guard building, 2929 Scanlan Avenue.

Walk-ins must be available for a second dose in four weeks. A limited supply of the vaccine is available.

Originally, the clinic was scheduled to use the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, however, earlier today, the federal government recommended a "pause" in the administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine because of reported potentially dangerous blood clots, according to the Associated Press.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said they were investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts.

Shortly after, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine in the state would be paused.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic that was scheduled for Thursday at the National Guard building is still a go...just with a different vaccine.According to information from the Salina Family Healthcare Center, a part of the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration, Moderna vaccine will be available at the clinic, which is scheduled for noon-6 p.m. at the National Guard building, 2929 Scanlan Avenue.Walk-ins must be available for a second dose in four weeks. A limited supply of the vaccine is available.Originally, the clinic was scheduled to use the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, however, earlier today, the federal government recommended a "pause" in the administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine because of reported potentially dangerous blood clots, according to the Associated Press.In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said they were investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts.Shortly after, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine in the state would be paused.

Vaccination clinic at National Guard still on, but with Moderna

Three single-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinics set for rural Saline County have been canceled.

Salina Family Healthcare Center, a part of the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration, issued the following statement shortly after 7:30 this morning.

Out of an abundance of caution, we will be cancelling today’s vaccination clinics at Gypsum, Assaria, and Brookville.

All three clinics were billed as providing the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday, the federal government recommended a "pause" in the administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine because of reported potentially dangerous blood clots, according to the Associated Press.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said they were investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S., the Associated Press reported. 

Salina Post is attempting to find out how many Johnson &amp; Johnson doses have been administered in Saline County. We will have that information for readers if and when it becomes available.

Three single-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinics set for rural Saline County have been canceled.Salina Family Healthcare Center, a part of the Saline County Vaccination Collaboration, issued the following statement shortly after 7:30 this morning.Out of an abundance of caution, we will be cancelling today’s vaccination clinics at Gypsum, Assaria, and Brookville.All three clinics were billed as providing the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday, the federal government recommended a "pause" in the administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine because of reported potentially dangerous blood clots, according to the Associated Press.In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said they were investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S., the Associated Press reported. Salina Post is attempting to find out how many Johnson &amp; Johnson doses have been administered in Saline County. We will have that information for readers if and when it becomes available.

Single-dose vaccine rural clinics in county canceled

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.

“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

US recommends 'pause' of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 

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

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been 11 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 9, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,111.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,968 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrINPf4h0R_ie5ch6eXejT3CbvEIIKrGuOeu-lKmbT4iiar-VFlHIVlzzzuT_buker5QhYOOSciUNHbI3jA0i2d6ZBuVBVaw9VT&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 304,719 cases and 4,930 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;

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=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrInTlGCe0HWD1xlZMrMmzKr2KILwx1kUsOxvZX-NwS_mjCeYhHOUhsajV0813uf8azKGf-CKKkChFv2LCoXjEK4oFjnEnPVv9Q&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrIY9qMyEwTR5eiQeKs7CRXJbPnbNHJLdDzkJlW_bBSFs1oiZO6161lRT0pRCZUzlYG_ir_D3cAl2A=&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618263440400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been 11 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 9, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,111. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,968 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrINPf4h0R_ie5ch6eXejT3CbvEIIKrGuOeu-lKmbT4iiar-VFlHIVlzzzuT_buker5QhYOOSciUNHbI3jA0i2d6ZBuVBVaw9VT&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 304,719 cases and 4,930 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=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrInTlGCe0HWD1xlZMrMmzKr2KILwx1kUsOxvZX-NwS_mjCeYhHOUhsajV0813uf8azKGf-CKKkChFv2LCoXjEK4oFjnEnPVv9Q&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00181nWc0r0E-uD4DGHuZrXMgTUBZplJDuIk7g8KEm2FhCW41yPvmypM6zrPiQEaXrIY9qMyEwTR5eiQeKs7CRXJbPnbNHJLdDzkJlW_bBSFs1oiZO6161lRT0pRCZUzlYG_ir_D3cAl2A=&amp;c=jLxqB07QFOd5fbZjYmBe4n3Tr7IVfCKF9NB3rfu84r7fpGqzQWcCoA==&amp;ch=eQcIDLONyAyJ1ratOnCVf-sFwFHppZIBF2fYEiGguJoCjk3UCZZWsg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 11 new COVID-19 cases; 5,968 of 6,111 recovered

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been seven new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 7, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,100.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 51 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,941 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SdPecbtdQzWalWotaaskLElXBbWt0T3xjqZZ4W8JEmCcbLzm_Rw2qkkhZx1_AZmBSgwsD7ryk72jRKXr43zcoFVMG70K4IKDR&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 304,236 cases and 4,938 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=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SnPKx7ucu7lvFBmUplvi6RbLU2bRrpE7HNhkQMq22_iX_gtnJxXwhXfQ6gGYRzRbIxWXwRfNo0Q2RhcWPyR7N_KJYwdWmECoZ&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SXbMbB6MH2zEM0ukFnZAFLTgnGmkr8RB6FWqts2799j9fa5MsyjFh8fj0EtLpddoD-HBlWYNOtbQ=&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618005979142.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been seven new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 7, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,100. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 51 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,941 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SdPecbtdQzWalWotaaskLElXBbWt0T3xjqZZ4W8JEmCcbLzm_Rw2qkkhZx1_AZmBSgwsD7ryk72jRKXr43zcoFVMG70K4IKDR&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 304,236 cases and 4,938 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=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SnPKx7ucu7lvFBmUplvi6RbLU2bRrpE7HNhkQMq22_iX_gtnJxXwhXfQ6gGYRzRbIxWXwRfNo0Q2RhcWPyR7N_KJYwdWmECoZ&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rWYSjZ5CN6LjlwwGfxYUvjTXBY0360IzecJ6wV3Kk_jZQ8YaXxjKraJSEBuSNu9SXbMbB6MH2zEM0ukFnZAFLTgnGmkr8RB6FWqts2799j9fa5MsyjFh8fj0EtLpddoD-HBlWYNOtbQ=&amp;c=FaqV7kE8UeAulUyIRCn7yoqrtArUxqj8vLSdhd2qhaD9NPu_et0Aqg==&amp;ch=TTKkOxEP4lT5w0wLkmCbitMraLv7V7EXOa82uUTGtEvpH_tEnvfgzw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 7 new COVID-19 cases; 5,941 of 6,100 recovered

Salina Regional Health Center is modifying its COVID-19 visitor restrictions due to the sustained low numbers of COVID-19 infection in the community.

Effective Monday, inpatients may have two designated visitors per day instead of one designated visitor for each day of a patient’s hospital stay. Labor and Delivery patients may also have two support persons for a newborn delivery. Pediatric patients will be permitted two parents/guardians per day. In situations where a patient requires an overnight visitor, only one visitor will be allowed to stay through the night.

Emergency Department patients will continue to have only one visitor accompany them for their care. Outpatients also will still be allowed just one assistant/visitor to accompany them for tests and procedures.

“We’re cautiously optimistic that these trends will continue,” said Bethanie McDowell, infection prevention director at Salina Regional Health Center. “However, as surges of COVID-19 activity are occurring around the country, we must continue to monitor local infection rates and adjust our visitation rules following guidelines set forth by the CDC and KDHE for health care providers based on community activity for COVID-19.”

All other COVID-19 guidelines will remain in place:

• All who enter the facility will be screened for COVID-19 infection risk.

• Visitors will be given a Visitor Identification Bracelet, which will be replaced daily.

• All who visit will be asked to wear a mask throughout the visit including in hallways, public areas and the patient’s room.

• Visitors should remain in the patient’s room as much as possible.

• Patients who are COVID-19 positive, or who are being tested for COVID-19, will not be allowed to have visitors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618002897348.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Regional Health Center is modifying its COVID-19 visitor restrictions due to the sustained low numbers of COVID-19 infection in the community.Effective Monday, inpatients may have two designated visitors per day instead of one designated visitor for each day of a patient’s hospital stay. Labor and Delivery patients may also have two support persons for a newborn delivery. Pediatric patients will be permitted two parents/guardians per day. In situations where a patient requires an overnight visitor, only one visitor will be allowed to stay through the night.Emergency Department patients will continue to have only one visitor accompany them for their care. Outpatients also will still be allowed just one assistant/visitor to accompany them for tests and procedures.“We’re cautiously optimistic that these trends will continue,” said Bethanie McDowell, infection prevention director at Salina Regional Health Center. “However, as surges of COVID-19 activity are occurring around the country, we must continue to monitor local infection rates and adjust our visitation rules following guidelines set forth by the CDC and KDHE for health care providers based on community activity for COVID-19.”All other COVID-19 guidelines will remain in place:• All who enter the facility will be screened for COVID-19 infection risk.• Visitors will be given a Visitor Identification Bracelet, which will be replaced daily.• Visitors must be age 18 or older.• All who visit will be asked to wear a mask throughout the visit including in hallways, public areas and the patient’s room.• Visitors should remain in the patient’s room as much as possible.• Patients who are COVID-19 positive, or who are being tested for COVID-19, will not be allowed to have visitors.

SRHC modifying visitor guidelines for COVID-19 effective Monday

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

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have two patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 5, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,093.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 45 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,940 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVO61L_nLPad-W_YdVQlEy253qvDdJwO02pzk3cD_eNbGy-BVFK-p-JowE7Xu5T5lHd31lElkrM3MFRcGAIh092YvxIZxPx4FN&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 303,767 cases and 4,932 deaths statewide.

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.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVqSdzLrnkgaHaov7uxjTx-2qd3qwjIbfoyr1eYJ6fiZRccjUOUSop7k_8BcM6fWEsbkj-jNnrH5JIWg3jPCsN5lPpLrYSBPoq&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVmqPjnamXNSV2_lbwZ56JaKMMAvLrM8UG_OYkGxFSZsq3RH8oY349Ojv13DI-26MNGUSN0eOIITI=&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617831937550.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday:We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have two patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 5, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,093. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 45 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,940 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 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=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVO61L_nLPad-W_YdVQlEy253qvDdJwO02pzk3cD_eNbGy-BVFK-p-JowE7Xu5T5lHd31lElkrM3MFRcGAIh092YvxIZxPx4FN&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 303,767 cases and 4,932 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 as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. 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=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVqSdzLrnkgaHaov7uxjTx-2qd3qwjIbfoyr1eYJ6fiZRccjUOUSop7k_8BcM6fWEsbkj-jNnrH5JIWg3jPCsN5lPpLrYSBPoq&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001aq2eU8RbxcyUuHL23InIU08qpzdGhoRAAsChleURiN5TrNKUIHuRk47iipmqqcPVmqPjnamXNSV2_lbwZ56JaKMMAvLrM8UG_OYkGxFSZsq3RH8oY349Ojv13DI-26MNGUSN0eOIITI=&amp;c=tpA4JU74mNtxYVhTVSwaoK1NeiYoIevE6mKcMprkOGfC6xw8XEG5EQ==&amp;ch=VwncZ7WY6AtdkqCaUDJHIZ61EpF5b9OqbGCXXgJFVqzW2TBa2VWntg==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 8 new COVID-19 cases; 5,940 of 6,093 recovered

BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests the protection the Moderna vaccine gives against COVID-19 lasts for at least six months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests the protection the Moderna vaccine gives against COVID-19 lasts for at least six months.The report Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine echoes what Pfizer said last week about its vaccine, which works in a similar way.Both reports were based on follow-up tests in dozens of people who received the shots during studies that led to the vaccines’ use. Those studies were done before troubling new variants, or versions of the coronavirus, had emerged and started to spread.A separate report in the medical journal adds to concern about the variants. Scientists measured antibodies that can block the virus in 50 people who had been given the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines that were developed in China. Many showed total or partial loss of effectiveness against a virus variant first detected in South Africa.The vaccines still seemed to protect against a variant first found in the United Kingdom that is now rapidly spreading in the United States and elsewhere.Pfizer and Moderna have said they are working to update their vaccines, or possibly design a booster shot, in case they’re needed against variants.___

Coronavirus Update