Kansas public health officials have identified the first known case of a coronavirus variant in the Wichita area. It’s the second case in the state of a more contagious strain of the virus that was first detected in the United Kingdom. The U.K. variant was identified in Sedgwick County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Monday afternoon. The first case of that particular strain of the virus was identified earlier this month in Ellis County. “A case investigation has been conducted and close contacts notified,” a news release from KDHE said. “The case investigation indicates that the person likely [...]

Frigid weather that has sent temperatures plunging across Middle America also had power and gas utilities urging customers to dial down the thermostat. Utility companies serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri issued pleas Sunday and Monday for customers to conserve power as temperatures plummeted and demand for energy soared across the Plains. “Much as it does in summer, high demand can put additional strain on our system," a message from Omaha Public Power District to customers read. “We are seeing similar effects now, only this time with record cold instead of heat.” Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

The Sedgwick County Health Department has opened its COVID-19 vaccination program to anyone 70 or older, a five-year reduction in age restrictions. Outside of health care workers, who were the first to receive the vaccine, the county has tied eligibility to age. It is scheduling appointments for walk-in or drive-through vaccines for people with mobility issues. Sedgwick County is offering first doses of the vaccine to anyone in the 70-and-up age group who lives or works in the county, according to a Friday morning news release. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

COVID-19 rules for schools are being relaxed and fewer students will have to stay home if they have close contact with infected classmates, Sedgwick County and most of the school districts serving Wichita-area children announced Friday. Dr. Garold Minns, the county health officer, said he’s approved two levels of close contact when it comes to school kids — high-risk and a new category for low-risk contacts. The low-risk category will include students who are exposed in the classroom setting where masks and social distancing are required. Those children will be allowed to stay in school and will no longer have to be [...]