County commission removes local health orders
The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously to remove local health orders concerning COVID-19 that limited the size of mass gatherings and required face masks in Harvey County.
Both orders were removed effective immediately.
The Commission cited potential actions of the Kansas Legislature that would impact the ability of counties to implement local health orders.
"Our state legislators are making decisions that hinder local government and the local boards of health," said Harvey County Commission Chairman George 'Chip' Westfall. "We'll continue to support and encourage our residents and businesses to make sound health decisions to reduce the spread of COVID-19."
Face masks will continue to be required inside county government facilities.
"It is imperative that people continue to take personal responsibility and take common sense precautions, because COVID-19 has not gone away," said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. "The Health Department will continue to recommend individuals wear a face mask, social distance, and to get a COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to you."
The Commission had previously kept in place some gathering limit since Nov. 11. On Feb. 9, the Commission revised its local health order to increase the gathering limit size from 10 to 50 people.
A local health order requiring individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth when 6 feet of distance could not be maintained had previously been approved Oct. 19.
Local Harvey County data on COVID-19 can be found here.
Information on local vaccine availability can be found here.
Road and Bridge beginning 2021 asphalt patching
Harvey County Road and Bridge will begin its 2021 asphalt patching program in March.
The work will begin in the City of Sedgwick on Monday, March 8 on Commercial Avenue from First to Eighth streets, followed by Washington Avenue from First to Eighth. Patching on these streets is estimated to take two weeks, contingent on weather.
After that is completed, the patching schedule will next continue to Ridge Road from U.S. Highway 50 to the Harvey/McPherson county line.
Locations included in the 2021 patching schedule are:
- Commercial Avenue from First to Eighth streets in Sedgwick
- Washington Avenue from First to Eighth streets in Sedgwick
- Ridge Road from U.S. Highway 50 to the Harvey/McPherson county line
- West Dutch Avenue from Hesston Road to K-15
- Northeast 60th Street from the City of Walton to the Harvey/Butler county line
- Hoover Road from U.S. Highway 50 to West First Street
- West First Street from Hoover Road to West Road
- Southwest 24th Street from Cow Palace to the Harvey County Solid Waste facility
- Old Trail Road from Northeast 12th Street to U.S. Highway 50
- Cow Palace Road from U.S. Highway 50 to Southwest 24th Street
Residents along those routes will always have access to their properties, though there may be delays at times. 
Appraiser's Office publishes 2021 market study analysis
A summary of the results of the analysis can be found by clicking here.
County commission updates mass gathering limits
The Harvey County Commission has loosened the requirements of a local health order that limits mass gatherings in Harvey County. The health order increases the gathering limit size from 10 to 50 people.
The Commission, which serves as the Local Board of Health, and in consultation with Public Health Officer Dr. Doyle Detweiler, voted to revise the order at its Feb. 9 meeting.
The order requires gatherings be limited to 50 individuals where 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. It does not limit the occupancy in a facility or event if 6 feet of distance can be maintained between groups at all times.
The order remains in effect until rescinded, superseded or amended.
In its decision, commissioners cited a decrease in known active COVID-19 cases, reduced strain on regional healthcare systems, and continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations.
"We are quite pleased with how the people of Harvey County have made a conscious effort to help us significantly improve our numbers," Detweiler said. "This does not mean the very real threat of COVID-19 has been erased - people should continue taking sensible precautions - but we are in a much better place than we were the previous few months."
The Commission previously implemented a gathering limit of 10 in Harvey County as of Nov. 24, and as of Jan. 5, had extended that order until rescinded, superseded or amended.
A local health order remains in effect that requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained. That order was approved Oct. 19, and also remains in effect until rescinded, superseded or amended.
Local Harvey County data on COVID-19 can be found here.
Local information on vaccine availability in Harvey County can be found here.
Harvey County, Health Ministries partner for COVID-19 vaccinations
The Harvey County Health Department and Health Ministries have partnered to begin scheduling and conducting COVID-19 vaccinations for Harvey County residents 65 years old and older.
The organizations will operate a local call center to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments for those in the 65-and-older demographic.
Call takers will be available to receive phone calls beginning Thursday, Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. The phone number for the call center is 316-836-4990.
The call center will schedule appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine point of dispensing (POD) to be held Thursday, Feb. 4. Vaccinations at the POD will be by appointment only. Additional PODs will be scheduled in the future.
"This is an exciting opportunity to work together to coordinate vaccine delivery to an important, at-risk demographic," said Health Ministries CEO Matt Schmidt. "These vaccinations are an important step toward protecting the health of our senior citizens in Harvey County."
After appointments have been filled for Feb. 4, call takers will continue to receive calls to establish a waiting list for those 65 and older. Health representatives will call individuals on the waiting list to schedule future appointments as additional vaccine becomes available.
The call center will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the immediate future.
"The State's Phase Two COVID-19 Vaccination Plan encompasses a large population. Right now, our focus is on life safety professionals and vulnerable populations," said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. "Every vaccination is monumental in fighting COVID-19."
Individuals that have scheduled an appointment with the Health Department for a COVID-19 vaccination can fill out the following COVID-19 vaccine consent form to bring to your appointment. The forms will also be available at your appointment:
Additional information on COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.
(Updated Jan. 27, 2021)
