This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19.
General
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The name COVID-19 is an abbreviation of (co)rona(vi)rus (d)isease 20(19). It is also known as a novel coronavirus. There are many types of human coronaviruses, but COVID-19 is novel because it had not previously been seen in humans. COVID-19 was first identified in an outbreak investigation in Wuhan, China in 2019. It has since been confirmed in countries around the world, including the United States, and has been declared a pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can have a wide range depending on the individual, from mild to severe. Symptoms can develop 2-14 days after exposure. Some individuals do not exhibit symptoms, and are considered asymptomatic. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle of body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. In the most severe cases, COVID-19 can create short-term and long-term
The Centers for Disease Controland Prevention says COVID-19 mainly spreads between people in close contact with each other. An infected individual can spread COVID-19 through coughing, sneezing, singing, talking or breathing. Not all individuals infected with COVID-19 display symptoms, but these individuals can still spread the virus. COVID-19 can also be airborne, and less commonly, spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Statistics local to Harvey County can be found on our website. For information on COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. information can be found through the CDC.
Testing
Several organizations in Harvey County provide COVID-19 testing. If you have one or more symptoms of COVID-19, please consult your medical provider. The KDHE, in partnership with WellHealth, has opened a drive-through COVID-19 test site at the Chisholm Trail Center in Newton. The site tests both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. More information about the testing site, as well as a link to schedule an appointment, can be found here. Testing is not conducted by the Harvey County Health Department.
A negative test result is simply that, negative. A positive - or confirmed - test result is found from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Probable test results have presumptive lab evidence (serology) with COVID-19 symptoms or epi-linked to a confirmed case, or no lab testing with COVID-19 symptoms and epi-linked to a confirmed case. Serology evidence includes a positive antigen result.
The KDHE includes both positive and probable cases in its COVID-19 case counts. After a COVID-19 test sample is collected, the sample is sent to either the KDHE or a private laboratory to be completed.
Quarantine and Isolation
Isolation separates someone with a contagious disease from the well population. Quarantine separates someone who was exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. Both directives are meant to reduce the spread of a contagious disease, and in this case, COVID-19. Those in home quarantine cannot attend school, work or any other setting where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Those tested for COVID-19 must quarantine until they receive a test result.
The CDC recently released new guidance allowing for shorter quarantine periods. The KDHE, and in turn the Harvey County Health Department, have adopted that guidance. The modified quarantines are:
- 7-Day Quarantine: After exposure, monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days. If you have no symptoms during this time frame, you may get a PCR test (antigen or antibody testing are not allowed for this purpose) on or after the sixth day. If the test is negative, and you remain symptom-free, you can be removed from quarantine on or after the eighth day. If test results remain pending, you must continue to wait until your result is received.
- 10-Day Quarantine: After exposure, monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days. If you have no symptoms through 10 days, you can be released from quarantine without a test.
Long-term care and assisted living residents, as well as offender populations in jails or prisons, are not eligible for shortened quarantines.
The incubation period for COVID-19 remains 14 days. Those that have completed the modified quarantine should continue to self-monitor for symptoms the entire 14-day period from exposure. If symptoms develop, consult your medical provider.
The KDHE mandates a 14-day quarantine for Kansans who have: Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out of state of 500 people or greater where individuals do not socially distance and wear masks. Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15. Been contacted by public health officials and have been noted as a close contact of a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case. Several states and some foreign countries have previously been included in the KDHE's travel quarantine guidance, but have since been removed.
An individual is considered recovered either after 10 days from the beginning of symptoms, or 72 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine (whichever criteria is longer). Individuals who are asymptomatic but have tested positive are recovered 10 days after the positive test result date.
Reducing The Spread
Taking proactive steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 helps keep not just you healthy, but your friends, your family, local businesses and your community. Here are some ways to help:
- Wash your hands frequently (or if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol).
- Avoid close contact. Social distancing recommendations are to be at least 6 feet away from another person, and no more than 10 minutes within 6 feet of someone if necessary.
- Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth when around others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- If you are sick with symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. Consult your medical provider for further guidance.
Yes. The following local health orders have been approved by the public health officer and the Harvey County Commission.
- Face Masks: The Commission voted Oct. 19 to extend a local health order requiring face masks be worn county-wide in public spaces where 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained between individuals. This health order is in effect until rescinded, superseded or amended.
- Mass Gatherings: The Commission voted Jan. 5 to extend a local health order limiting mass gatherings in Harvey County to 10 individuals. It does not limit the occupancy allowed in a facility or event if 6 feet of distance can be maintained between groups at all times. This health order is in until rescinded, superseded or amended.
Other counties may have local health orders that are more or less restrictive that best suit their specific outlooks and data. Please check with those specific counties for their local order.
Vaccine
Researchers have made tremendous strides in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been authorized and recommended for emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Janssen are in or plan to begin large-scale clinical trials in the United States. The CDC has additional information on how COVID-19 vaccines work. For facts about Pfizer's vaccine, click here.(en español) For facts about Moderna's vaccine, click here. (en español)
As vaccines gain necessary approval for use, their availability will be prioritized to specific groups. Currently, the KDHE is on Phase Two, which focuses on people 65 years old and older, congregate settings and high-contact critical workers. Those individuals included in Phase One that have not yet been vaccinated remain eligible to receive a vaccination. All vaccine allocated to the Harvey County Health Department at this time has been administered or is scheduled to be administered. Updates on availability can be found on our COVID-19 Vaccine page (link back). Additional information about the KDHE’s strategy can be found in the State of Kansas' COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
