On March 18, Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) learned there is a nationwide shortage of supplies for testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There is currently no time frame for when these supplies will be available from the CDC and commercial suppliers.

We will continue to collect and send specimens to be processed by LabCorp as we are able. There may be a temporary delay in getting results. BCMH also has limited supplies to collect specimens for COVID-19.

BCMH has set up High Street Family Care Clinic as a designated testing site for evaluation and testing of individuals with respiratory symptoms. You must call ahead before entering: 660-200-3627.

During this shortage, we are using strict criteria to determine who will be tested for COVID-19 based on patient priority of need. Individuals suspected of having COVID-19 should self-isolate at home until COVID-19 testing has been completed or release from isolation according to the following:

·                Individuals suspected of having COVID-19 self-isolate at home until COVID-19 testing has been completed

·                OR the patient who is sick with respiratory symptoms should remain isolated until they no longer have a fever, without the aid of fever-reducing medications, for at least 72 hours (3 days) AND the patient has improvement in respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath AND at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

BCMH strongly encourages the community to practice social distancing as much as possible. Avoid discretionary travel, non-essential shopping trips, and social visits. If you are an older person or have a chronic illness, stay home and away from other people. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities. For example, the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America in “15 Days to Slow the Spread” include this statement:

“Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

If you are sick, please stay home and monitor your symptoms. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. If you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, OR if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing), call your health care provider. They will tell you what to do.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough or shortness of breath, and sometimes a sore throat.

To contact your healthcare provider at Family Care Clinics, please call 660-200-3627. Please consult the hospital’s website for the latest updates on our status. www.bcmhospital.com

CDC Guidance for caring for yourself at home: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/caring-for-yourself-at-home.html

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf

NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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COMMUNITY

Local family offers drawing lessons for kids in online broadcast

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After he and his family relocated to the Pleasanton area from Denver, Colo., Eddie Nouri began working from home as a graphic artist. “I am blessed to be able to work from home,” said Eddie of his position, noting the many different things he has designed over the... [More]

First aid safety with Joe Stellwagon

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I recently met one of Linn County’s EMS paramedics to talk about first aid and why it’s important. The paramedic’s name is Joe Stellwagon, and before we talked about first aid, I wanted to learn a little bit about him and why he became a paramedic. Joe works... [More]

Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe open in Mound City

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Walking into Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe gives those who can’t wait to partake of old-fashioned ice cream a vision of what an old-time ice cream parlor would have been like. Now, that ice cream parlor is open at 510 W. Main in Mound City. Brady and Leslie Wolfe,... [More]

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