There were 476 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Kansas this past week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Wednesday. However, the large increase is attributed to the Office of Vital Statistics’ death reconciliation process.

Area counties reported fewer new cases this week. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, Kansas has had 878,499 COVID-19 cases over the course of the pandemic, resulting in 9,555 deaths statewide. There were 2,645 new cases reported since Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The weekly cumulative incidence rate, also called the weekly new case rate, covers the period from Sept. 17-23. The most recent five days are not included as data is expected to be incomplete.

This week, only nine Kansas counties had a “high” new case rate, meaning 100 or more cases per 100,000 people. Area counties with a “substantial” rate (Ellsworth, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford) had 50-99 cases per 100,000 people and those with a “moderate” rate (Barton, Rice and Russell) saw 10-49 new cases per 100,000 people.

Here are the weekly new case totals reported for area counties:

• Barton 12

• Ellsworth 4

• Pawnee 5

• Rice 3

• Rush 3

• Russell 1

• Stafford 3

Twenty Kansas counties had no new cases: Cheyenne, Rawlins, Washington, Graham, Wallace, Gove, Trego, Lincoln, Greeley, Scott, Lane, Chase, Kearny, Edwards, Pratt, Woodson, Elk, Morton, Clark, Harper, and Chautauqua.

Less than 2% of those eligible to receive the updated vaccines have received them, even as cooler temperatures herald a potential uptick in cases, KDHE cautions.