LAWRENCE – Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is announcing one new case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Douglas County, bringing the county’s current total to four. Results were sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Laboratories, which identified the positive case.
The new case involves a man in his 50s who had recently traveled on an international cruise ship. The patient has been in isolation since returning to Douglas County, and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has identified one close contact, who we are monitoring for fever and respiratory symptoms.
We will not release further information about the patient. All four currently identified cases of COVID-19 in the county involve patients who had traveled internationally or domestically to places where the disease was present in large numbers. The KDHE has issued mandates recently for quarantine and isolation of travelers.
In an effort to stem the outbreak and promote social distancing, Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino has issued orders in recent days, including one to prohibit public gatherings of more than 10 people and close restaurants, dining facilities, bars, taverns, night clubs and movie theaters through April 1. Restaurants can offer carryout, drive-through and delivery services.
Marcellino has also strongly recommended:
- People avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent they can.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequently washing your hands, avoid touching your face and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow.
- Daycare centers close while schools are closed.
- Retirement communities and long-term care centers limit visitors.
- People avoid large gatherings including sports practices, games and tournaments and unnecessary social gatherings.
- If you do need to go out in public, work to ensure you maintain six feet from other people.
If you are exhibiting symptoms (fever and lower-respiratory symptoms) and you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, make every effort to call your healthcare provider. Do not visit a clinic without notifying the clinic first to ensure proper protocols are followed to contain the potential spread of disease.
Public Health has worked closely on these decisions with numerous community partners, including Douglas County Government, City of Lawrence, Douglas County Emergency Management, LMH Health and leadership of local public and private school districts.
Douglas County residents can also stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information visit LDCHealth.org/Coronavirus or douglascountyks.org/coronavirus.
For general information, call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463, email COVID-19@ks.gov or call Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health’s Coronavirus line, 785-856-4343 or the LMH Health Coronavirus Line, 785-505-2819.