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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: 

From all Communities in Barton County 

(Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Claflin)

SUBJECT: COVID-19 Protocols & Processes for First Responders & Health Care Providers 

April 4, 2020 – Local First responders & Healthcare providers are dealing with COVID-19 precautions while protecting the community. As the private and public sector are being told to stay home, it not an option for our first responders and health care providers. Our communities are dependent on our each of these sectors, so it's incumbent upon them to stay healthy, to take care of themselves, and their families.

A protocol is in place to help firefighters and EMS determine if the medical calls coming in are suspect for COVID-19 symptoms. Responders may reach out to the caller to assess the individual PRIOR to arrival. One paramedic or EMT will conduct a face to face personal assessment to determine the needs or risks of such individual. Other EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement Officers will remain outside or a minimum distance of 6 feet from the patient. Once an appropriate assessment has been done they will determine if the individual needs to go to the hospital or advise them to contact their primary care physician. 

Do not be alarmed because responders will likely be fully protected with eye wear, masks, gloves, and possibly gowns. The attached flyer shows the Personal Protective Equipment the First Responders may be wearing. We want the public to be aware of the equipment we are wearing does not mean that the Patient has COVID 19. It does mean that we are protecting ourselves so we can provide service to you.

Fire/EMS Chief Luke McCormick stated, “Threats aren't something new to us. These threats are something we deal with or we are concerned about daily. Together as a county we are urging all our First Responders and Health Care Providers to follow CDC and KDHE guidelines like hygiene and protecting themselves from getting sick.”

All emergency response teams are keeping the stations, equipment and ambulances clean and disinfecting regularly. All employees are instructed if they are sick to just stay home.  Barton County Health Department is asking all citizens to contact their primary health care provider if you feel you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Please also let dispatchers know their symptoms if they call 911.

It’s imperative that all citizens know that Responders are taking heightened precautions in our healthcare responses at this time. Inform dispatch and responders if you suspect COVID-19 symptoms, so we can keep our community safe. 

Press Release
For immediate release:
Date: March 25, 2020

Barton County WIC Program Now Available Without Physical Presence

Physical presence requirement waived effective Monday, March 23, 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Barton County WIC Program will continue to operate.

Current participants will continue to receive WIC benefits and new applicants will be assessed, certified and issued benefits.

Clinic operating hours and staff availability will be subject to local and state orders related to the pandemic. Currently, the Barton County WIC Program is in operation at the following days and times:

Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm

Normally, participants and applicants of the program must be physically present to receive services.

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the USDA and the Kansas State Agency waived the physical presence requirement. This waiver applies to areas in which WIC clinics have been closed to the public or in areas that are under a current stay at home order. The physical presence waiver will also be used for those persons who are under quarantine, whether voluntary or involuntary.

WIC appointments may now be conducted using telephone, computer and other technology. Clinic staff will assess and certify applicants for eligibility and will issue food benefits remotely to those determined eligible.

Applicants and current participants should contact the WIC clinic to find out what options are available. Clinic locations and phone numbers are as follows:

Barton County Health Dept

1300 Kansas Ave.

Great Bend, KS 67530

620-793-1909

Information about other clinics is available at: http://www.kansaswic.org/families/WIC_county_map.html

Food benefits are purchased at approved grocery stores using an e-WIC card. Cards and program information may be issued to participants through a controlled physical pick up, such as a curbside pick-up process or cards and information may be mailed directly to participants. Local clinics will determine the most appropriate way to issue materials based on staffing and logistical resources.

WIC services include providing supplemental food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.  

Currently, each woman and child receives healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables with a retail value of about $37 per month and about $41 per month respectively. Infants who are not breastfed and receive infant formula receive infant formula with a retail value of approximately $152 per month.

Important: If you or anyone in your family have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please call the local WIC office and reschedule your appointment. You may be able to complete your WIC appointment over the phone.

Additional details about the Kansas WIC Program can be found here: http://www.kansaswic.org/families/

Additional details about COVID-19 in the State of Kansas can be found here: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus

Contact information:

Barton County Health Department WIC Program

620-793-1909

PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19

April 3, 2020 – 5pm

WEEKLY SUMMARY

Three persons in Barton County have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) located in the City of Claflin.  
 

However, this does not mean that unidentified cases do not exist elsewhere in the county and precautions should be taken by all residents of the county in all cities and other parts of the county.  

Please refer to the KDHE (Kansas Department of Health & Environment) website for additional information and statewide statistics at:

​http://www.kdheks.gov/

We continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action, including the issuance of quarantine/isolation orders. To date, 23 quarantine/isolation orders have been served in various locations in Barton County. 

The number of affected individuals have grown exponentially. This is a very serious and sometimes deadly virus. We strongly encourage the public to take this pandemic seriously by practicing social distancing and staying home if at all possible.

Due to the demand for additional information, and in order to protect public safety, legal counsel has advised that only the city of residence will be provided on positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases going forward.  

We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available.

Happy Census Day!

Kansans care about health, education, safety and the state’s voice in Topeka and Washington D.C. Let’s make certain Kansas Counts. Take a few minutes today to complete your census questionnaire online if you haven’t already. Your feedback will help Kansas thrive over the next 10 years.

#KansasCounts #2020Census

Learn more now at kansascounts.org.

https://2020census.gov/en.html

March 12-20 begin receiving official mail

March 30-April 1 homeless count

April 1 – Census day counted by where you live on this day

May-July home visits to people who have not responded