UPDATED 1:30 03/17/20
GARDEN CITY, Kansas — The first western Kansas case of the new coronavirus has been confirmed in Ford County.
In a second news release on Tuesday, Ford County Administrator J.D. Gilbert said the person who tested positive for COVID-19 was visiting Ford County from another state and is being treated for the virus in the county.
The person is over 60 years old and is quarantined along with two others who came into contact with the person.
According to the statement, access to county offices and departments will be limited to “essential services only.” Before going to a county office, the statement said people should call ahead.
People who are sick are asked not to visit any Ford County government offices. The release stated county offices will not completely shut down.
Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive orderon Monday restricting gatherings of more than 50 people. Effective Tuesday, all mass gatherings are prohibited at movie theaters, gyms, conference rooms, bars and a number of other public spaces.
Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter@Corinne_boyer or email cboyer (at) hppr (dot) org.
The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.
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