County PHO Explains How COVID-19 Differs From Other Diseases

The Johnson County COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center held a media briefing Tuesday morning to give the latest information on the virus county-wide, touching on testing, numbers of cases, and the situation at the healthcare center.

County Health Officer Dr. Mark Schueler said there was a question about how COVID-19 is different than other illnesses, which he explained.

Dr. Schueler said the county has been working toward getting back to normal life, planning for events and happenings this summer, even though there may be changes to how they are presented due to health restraints.

He said he expects sporadic cases to continue but no rise in COVID-19 activity.

Trisha Thompson, with the County Public Health Office, said as of last week the county had three active cases, but all have since recovered.

Some are still on quarantine due to those active cases.

CEO Sean McCallister said the JCHC tested 24 people this past week, with 18 coming back negative and six pending.

They currently have 265 test kits on hand.

He said the facility has been notified that arrival of antibody test kits, which was expected this week, has been delayed due to backorder issues.

No date of arrival has been confirmed.

McCallister said the state has decided to better protect vulnerable citizens and that nursing homes will now be required to test both residents and caregivers.

At least 20 percent of staff and 20 percent of residents will be required to be tested every two weeks.

They are awaiting test supply materials from the state but expect to begin testing next week.

Should there be a positive test in the facility, then all staff and residents would need to be tested.

Universal masking policies are still in effect through the healthcare center campus and COVID-19 screening is still happening at the entrances.

The Amie Holt Care Center is still on lock-down at this time.