Garden City s face covering ordinance was extended again.
The Garden City Commission approved another 30-day extension to its face covering ordinance at its regular commission meeting Tuesday.
It was approved with by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Manny Ortiz and Roy Cessna dissenting.
The ordinance was originally approved at the city s Nov. 17 regular meeting and was designed to expire after 30 days unless extended by a majority vote of the commission prior to its expiration.
It has since been extended at the commission s December, January and now February meetings.
Colleen Drees, Finney County Health Department director, spoke in favor of the extension. She said data shows that the requirement has helped reduce the increase of COVID-19 cases.
By The Telegram staff
Finney County added 23 new positive confirmed COVID-19 cases for an overall total of 5,863 as of Tuesday, with 296 active positive cases being monitored.
Of the Finney County cases, there are four individuals currently hospitalized as of Tuesday, and there has been one additional death, bringing the total to 48 deaths. A total of 9,637 cases have tested negative for COVID-19. There are 56 cases pending as of Tuesday. The positivity rate for this week has decreased to 14 percent.
Local health officials have determined there is evidence of community spread of the disease. The Finney County Health Department defines community spread as “five or more positive cases where the source is unable to be traced.”
SWKS COVID-19 update
By The Telegram staff
Finney County added seven new positive confirmed COVID-19 cases for an overall total of 5,840 as of Monday, with an increase to 296 active positive cases being monitored.
Of the Finney County cases, there are six individuals currently hospitalized as of Monday, and there has been two additional deaths, bringing the total to 47 deaths. A total of 9,616 cases have tested negative for COVID-19. There are 71 cases pending as of Monday. The positivity rate for this week has decreased to 14 percent.
Local health officials have determined there is evidence of community spread of the disease. The Finney County Health Department defines community spread as “five or more positive cases where the source is unable to be traced.”
Vaccinations move to Phase 2
FCHD release
With the receipt of additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the state of Kansas has moved into Phase 2 of the vaccination plan. The eligible populations will be announced as the Finney County Health receives additional doses and navigate through the phase.
Vaccine enrollment is currently open to the following population groups:
- Those from Phase 1 not yet vaccinated (healthcare personnel; long-term care facility employees and residents) - First responders (law enforcement, firefighters, corrections)
- Licensed clergy
- People age 65 and older Finney County residents and businesses can fill out a vaccination enrollment form to register and receive notification of vaccine availability for their phase.