Barton County reported two more positive COVID-19 cases Tuesday afternoon, bringing the county’s total to 79. These follow two reported Monday afternoon.

The two Monday cases are females, one from Great Bend and one from rural Barton County, Public Information Officer Donna Zimmerman said. The Tuesday cases are a male and a female, both from Great Bend.

In addition, “the Barton County Health Department is working in conjunction with the (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) to investigate a cluster of cases within the county to find a common source,” Zimmerman said.

Of the 79 cases, the number of active cases is now 22. There have been three deaths attributed to the virus.

There have also been 871 quarantine/isolation orders issued. Of those, 189 are still active. 

On Monday, the KDHE reported the total cases in Kansas were 23,334 with 1,497 hospitalizations and 307 deaths. There have been 238,197 negative tests.

The Barton County breakdown of gender is as follows:

• Male - 37 

• Female - 42 

The county breakdown of residence is as follows:

• Claflin - 3

• Ellinwood - 9

• Great Bend - 56

• Hoisington - 1

• Olmitz - 1

• Rural Barton County - 9

The Barton County Health Department continues to identify close contacts of the individuals of each positive case, Zimmerman said. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for a prolonged period (10 minutes or longer) or having direct contact with infectious secretions. 

“Barton County requests the wearing of masks in public spaces in all Barton County owned buildings,” she said. “Masks are encouraged when entering to vote, but not required.”

The BCHD will actively monitor the close contacts for 14 days for symptoms.