LARNED — COVID-19 cases in Pawnee County continue to decline as the county continues to see fewer cases over the past months. Last week, the county was lowered to Level Green on the risk assessment matrix indicating no to minimal risk of spreading the coronavirus. 

The weekly report from the Pawnee County Health Department (PCHD) shows 1,333 cases (one active case) as of Tuesday, March 2, which is an increase of just one case from a week ago. Community case totals (excluding Larned State Hospital, individuals in long-term care and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility) show 597 cases, up by three from last week. 

Three cases have been identified in the past 14 days as well as three cases in the past seven days. The county death total from COVID-19 is 14, unchanged from the last two weeks. 

The health department continues to administer vaccine, receiving 100 doses a week, and remains in Phase II of the process, said PCHD Director Cheryl Hoberecht.

 “At the end of this week we will have given 960 doses of vaccine,” Hoberecht said, adding that PCHD maintains a list of individuals interested in receiving the vaccine. “Right now, we try to give vaccine to those living or working in Pawnee County,” she said. “If you are 65 years of age or older or feel you may qualify due to other reasons, contact us. Preferably message us on Facebook.” Hoberecht noted that date-of-birth and phone number are required when signing up for the vaccine. 

“If you have been added to our list, please  answer your phone or call back if you have a missed number,” she said. “Due to limited staff time, we attempt to call a few times and if there is no response we move on down the list.”