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Gov. Kelly directs flags be flown at half-staff to honor 6,024 Kansans who lost their lives to COVID-19
One new death reported in Barton County
Gov. Laura Kelly

TOPEKA – In honor of the more than 6,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately to sundown Wednesday, September 29. 

“It is with great sadness that, for the sixth time since the pandemic began, I am ordering flags to half-staff to honor the lives and memories of another 1,000 Kansans who have died from COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “We have the tools to stop the virus in its tracks and prevent further unnecessary deaths of our loved ones and neighbors. I urge all Kansans to get vaccinated, wear masks, and follow best health practices.” 


Kansas statistics

To date, Kansas has had 406,453 cases, resulting in 13,708 hospitalizations and 6,024 statewide deaths as of 9 a.m. Monday. There were 1,994 new cases, 48 new hospitalizations and 43 new deaths reported since Friday, Sept. 24.

Here are KDHE’s totals to date of positive and probable cases for area counties, followed by any change since Friday, Sept. 24, as of 9 a.m. Monday:

• Barton 3,452 (+31)

• Ellsworth 1,336 (+6)

• Pawnee 1,300 (+17)

• Rice 1,366 (+34)

• Rush 489 (+3)

• Russell 1,004 (+1)

• Stafford 516 (+4)

Here are the death totals for area counties:

• Barton 55 (+1 since Friday)

• Ellsworth 28

• Pawnee 15

• Rice 15

• Rush 15

• Russell 32

• Stafford 14


Rankings

Barton County’s at-risk ranking among Kansas counties continued to improve Monday, rising from 97th out of 105 counties on Friday (where 1 is the lowest-risk county and 105 is the highest-risk county) to 93rd. As of Monday, 44% of the eligible population (age 12+ years) in Barton County is fully vaccinated, an improvement of 1%.

Pawnee County’s ranking rose from 44th place to 36th place. Its vaccination rate was unchanged at 52%.

Great Bend USD 428

Great Bend USD 428 reports that as of Monday, the school district has 12 active cases and there have been 62 resolved cases this semester.

The total active and resolved cases for each building are:

GBHS 4 - 17

GBMS 2 - 7

Eisenhower 3 - 18

Little Panthers Preschool 2 - 1

Jefferson 1 - 7

Lincoln 0 - 8 

Park 0 - 1

Riley 0 - 2

District Education Center 0 - 1

Helping Hands 0 - 0