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Mellow in the Yellow
Pawnee County moves to Level Yellow on COVID matrix
Covid risk matrix Pawnee County
In early December, the Pawnee County Commission approved this risk assessment tool for the county. School districts in the county will refer to it when determining on a district-by-district basis how school will function week to week this year.

LARNED — Some good news is coming out of Pawnee County in relation to the COVID-19 risk assessment. This past week, the county has dropped to Level Yellow, which is a step below Level Orange on the COVID matrix. Of the four stages on the matrix, Level Yellow represents a minimal to moderate risk of the spread of COVID-19. County health officials hope to move to the next and lowest level on the matrix (Level Green) which represents no to minimal risk of spread. 

Level Orange represents a substantial controlled risk category while the highest level (Level Red) is classified as a substantial uncontrolled risk. Up until late January, the county has spent the past several months at Level Red.

While the step down on the risk assessment is encouraging, Pawnee County did see a jump in cases with a total of 1,125 (as of Feb. 9), an increase of 16 cases from a week ago. That figure includes 16 cases within the past two weeks and eight within the past seven days. 

Community case totals (excluding Larned State Hospital, individuals in long-term care and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility) are 590 which is an increase of 21 cases from a week ago. Currently there are eight active cases, an increase of one from last week. The health department also reported 13 deaths, an increase of two from a week ago.

According to County Health Director Cheryl Hoberecht, 360 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered, including 30 second doses.

“The preliminary doses are given the same week they are received in accordance with Phase 2 guidelines,” Hoberecht said. “If you would like to be on the vaccine list please contact us.” Hoberecht added individuals should message the health department’s Facebook page to be put on the list. 

She said the county is supplied with 100 doses a week. “Please be patient and do not call once you have been put on the list as this slows the process,” she said. “You will be called once we have a vaccine for you.” In the meantime, Hoberecht said people should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing and good hygiene.

“Folks should do all they can to prevent transmission,” she said. “Even if you have had COVID or the vaccine, everyone’s immune system is unique, so the prevention measures are still recommended.”