LARNED — The Pawnee County Health Department (PCHD) reported 19 more cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, April 27. As a result the county’s risk assessment matrix has been elevated to Level Yellow which represents a minimal to moderate risk of spreading COVID. Pawnee County has spent nearly the past two months at Level Green which signals no to minimal risk of spreading the virus.

The current county case total is 1,166 cases (8 active cases), up from 1,147 a week ago. Community case total (excluding Larned State Hospital, individuals in long-term care and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility) is 622, an increase of nine from last week. The county has identified 16 cases within the last 14 days and nine cases over the last seven days. The death total from COVID-19 in Pawnee County is 13, unchanged for almost a two-month period.

PCHD Director Cheryl Hoberecht posted the information on Facebook, where she noted the vaccine is still available and fully vaccinated people may gather outside without a mask as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

“While this is not a huge stride in getting back to normal, we are making progress,” said Hoberecht. “Johnson and Johnson vaccine is available now as the pause has been lifted.” She added that a sign-up list for vaccine is being made for people 16 years of age and older. “So if there is enough interest, we can order Pfizer vaccine as that is currently the only vaccine approved for that age range.” Hoberecht noted that the Pfizer vaccine could be approved for children 12 years and older in the near future.

To schedule an appointment for vaccine contact the Pawnee County Health Department, 620-285-6963.