Editor’s note: The Osage County Health Department issued the following press release Wednesday evening.
LYNDON, Kan. – The Osage County Health Department would like to make the community aware that there have been positive cases identified in individuals who have recently attended the Osage County Senior Center, in Osage City, Kan. There are currently three active positive cases possibly associated with attendance at the senior center, of which two were hospitalized. We are asking people who have attended the senior center anytime between July 20 and July 27, 2020, to self-quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms.
Osage County Health Department staff are in the process of contacting individuals who had direct contact with any positive cases; however, we recommend anyone in attendance on those days to self-quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days from the date of their last visit. Symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your health care provider or local health department for guidance on testing. In an emergency, please call 911 and notify first responders that you were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and, if possible, wear a cloth face mask before they arrive.
Health Department staff recommends all citizens take precautions to protect themselves and others from contracting the COVID-19 virus. Preventative measures include social distancing, wearing a mask when in public settings, washing hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick or have a weakened immune system. In addition, staying away from large public gatherings, larger cities or travelling to areas that have a high rate of transmission (currently Florida, cruise ships, or international travel) is advised.
Osage County residents can stay informed by visiting:
Osage County Health Department Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/osagecohealthdept/
Osage County, COVID-19 Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Osage-County-Covid-19-110249017270887/
KDHE: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus or CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Contact the Osage County Health Department at 785-828-3117 or osagecohealth@gmail.com.
