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Wichita considered to be low risk for coronavirus at this time

Wichita considered to be low risk for coronavirus at this time

Wichita considered to be low risk for coronavirus at this time

The Sedgwick County health director said Tuesday there is a low risk of coronavirus for the Wichita community, and no cases have been reported in Kansas yet.

Health director Adrienne Byrne told the Wichita city council that she uses the word “yet” because the COVID-19 virus is coming.   She said she is more concerned about the flu because it is still active and will continue to be through March and April.   She said there have been more deaths from flu in the U.S. than the coronavirus, and people are more likely to get the flu.

Byrne said the coronavirus has a death rate of two percent.  She said it has been targeting the older populations, and symptoms have been very mild to severe.  Most affected people will have very mild symptoms like a cold, or they may not have symptoms.    Some can have severe symptoms like shortness of breath, and the virus can be most detrimental to people over 65 and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or cancer.

Byrne said there is no vaccine for the coronavirus and it may take a year to 18 months to develop one.   She said the best prevention steps are the same as for the flu, thorough hand washing with soap and water, don’t put your hands to your face, don’t share drinking cups or utensils, staying home if you’re ill.   She said masks will not prevent someone from catching COVID-19.  They may prevent someone from spreading the virus, but there is no best practice or recommendation at this point for people to go out and buy a mask, unless a doctor recommends it.

Byrne said there’s a myth that someone could catch the virus through a package received from China.  She said at this time it isn’t known how long the virus might remain on a surface, but the chances of it surviving on a package sent to the U.S. are slim to none.

Byrne said the Sedgwick County Health Department is working to get more information out on the coronavirus, and it is in contact with local health providers and first responders, as well as the state health department.   Information is being provided to the 211 information line operated by the United Way, and people can call that line to learn more about the coronavirus.

The latest numbers on coronavirus have more than 100 cases in 15 states, with nine deaths reported in Washington state.  California has the most cases at 20.

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