Testing is Strongly Encouraged to Stop Recent Spike in COVID-19

Published on January 03, 2022

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Throughout Wyandotte County, UGPHD epidemiologists say that COVID-19 cases continue to rise at a rapid pace previously not seen during the pandemic. Here are some of the latest statistics:

  • Currently the 7-day average for number of new cases a day is 206. By comparison, on October 30, the 7-day average in Wyandotte County was 20 cases/day. That is a 930% increase in 2 months, and it is the highest daily average to-date during the pandemic.
  • 287  cases diagnosed in Wyandotte residents on 12/29—the most in any single day during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Currently percent positivity is 48%--the highest it has ever been at any point during the pandemic
  • 409 deaths total—16 deaths just in the month of December
  • Hospitalization numbers very high— 107  patients currently hospitalized at KU for COVID
  • Demand for testing is very high and currently exceeds availability in Wyandotte County. Kmart tested 555 people on 12/29.

Get Tested

With the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases in Wyandotte County, the Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) strongly encourages anyone to get tested if they have had any of the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Muscle Aches
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Runny Nose
  • Sore Throat
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

Or get tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 through:

  • Close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (close contact means within 6 feet for at least 10 minutes)
  • Association with a known outbreak of COVID-19

EMERGENCY COVID Care:

IMPORTANT: If you experience any of the symptoms below, you should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department for immediate medical attention.

  • Blue lips or face
  • Confusion
  • Coughing up blood
  • Extreme difficulty breathing, including the inability to speak a full sentence
  • Seizure
  • Severe or constant chest pain/pressure
  • Slurred speech
  • Temperature ≥ 103.0 F
  • Too weak to stand

Where to Get Tested

The UGPHD offers free COVID PCR oral rinse tests (“swish and spit”) and nasal swabs at the former Kmart site. PCR Testing is also available at the Armory, provided by KDHE. )! Make sure you do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum (nothing by mouth) for at least 30 minutes prior to the test. The turnaround time for results from the spit test is approximately 48-72 hours.

Former Kmart Site

UG Public Health Department’s site at the Former Kmart: 7836 State Ave, KCK 66112

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - No appointment necessary.

Both PCR saliva tests and nasopharyngeal swab tests are offered at this site.

PCR saliva (Lab result turnaround time 48-72 hours). A PCR test is sent off to a lab for testing and takes a couple days for results. PCR tests are generally more accurate and may be required for traveling.

Nasopharyngeal swab (not rapid) You will receive your test results directly.

 

The Armory

The Armory: 100 S 20th St. Kansas City, KS 66102

Monday - Friday, 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

No appointment needed.

This site offers the PCR Saliva test. A PCR test is sent off to a lab for testing and takes a couple days for results. PCR tests are generally more accurate and may be required for traveling.

Results are available in about 2 days. Your result will be sent via voicemail, text message or email using the number and email on file. If you do not receive your result in 3 days, call 785-322-9195 or email KDHE.MyTestResults@ks.gov.

COVID-19 testing at the Armory is provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

 

Vibrant Health

Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 9301 Parallel Parkway, KCK

Vibrant Health offers COVID-19 testing (no appointment required) at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church.

Hours:   Monday              8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

               Tuesday              8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

               Wednesday        8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

               Thursday             8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Cross-Lines Community Outreach

Cross-Lines Community Outreach, 736 Shawnee Avenue, KCK

Cross-Lines Community Outreach offers free testing AND vaccines at 736 Shawnee Avenue in KCK.

Testing (both saliva and rapid testing kits) and vaccinations are available without an appointment, every Monday in January, 2022

  • January 3
  • January 10
  • January 17
  • January 24
  • January 31

Get $50 with your first COVID vaccination, provided by the UGPHD. 

 

 

Other locations in Wyandotte County, such as pharmacies, may also offer free COVID-19 tests for those who qualify. Check with your local pharmacy for more information on eligibility and scheduling.  You can also Make an appointment: DoINeedaCOVID19test.com  

Additional COVID-19 Testing Locations

Know Before You Go KS

Additionally, some pharmacies and other retailers have at-home COVID-19 tests available for purchase. Check with locations such as CVS or Walgreens for availability. 

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