COVID-19 Resource Page
As the novel coronavirus has progressed from an unusual disease in a city in China to a WHO-declared pandemic, a flood of information has spread through broadcast media, social media and coffee-shop conversations. Trying to sort out fact from fiction -- or to identify what is really applicable here in Butler County, Kansas -- has become increasingly difficult. This page attempts to gather together some of the information that is most relevant in our corner of Kansas.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
All Butler County COVID-19 vaccine information is now centralized on a new COVID-19 Vaccine Page. This includes info on vaccine distribution statuses, vaccine administration priorities, and links to register for vaccination appointments.To access this new page, click on the web page image.
COVID-19 Vaccine Page
Local COVID-19 Testing Sites
Below are some of the local testing options that are available to Butler County residents. Some sites currently offer testing free of charge while others will bill insurance. For information on any associated fees or to learn about turn-around time on test results, please contact the site sponsor.
SPONSOR & LOCATION |
DAYS |
TO SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|
KDHE Mobile Testing Sites and Community Testing Partners |
Wide variety of locations and availability. Visit the KDHE website for specific details. |
|
SBA Hospital 720 W. Central, El Dorado |
Requires doctor's orders - schedule through primary care physician. |
|
SBA - Augusta Immediate Care Clinic 401 W. 7th St, Augusta |
Rapid testing, offered daily Call ahead to arrange sample collection |
(316) 558-5575 |
Augusta Family Practice 1306 State St, Augusta |
Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
(316) 775-9191 |
Xpress Wellness, 231 S. Andover Rd, Andover |
Limited daily time slots - preregistration required |
Link to website |
Butler County COVID-19 Statistics
The COVID-19 Dashboard can also be viewed in full-screen mode by clicking here. This may improve the experience on some mobile devices.
Butler County Data
| CATEGORY | COUNTS |
|---|---|
| Confirmed COVID-19 cases (see notes on data discrepancies below) |
6,445 |
| Negative test results | 62,044 |
| Recovered cases* (updated Mondays) | 6,438 |
| Fatalities from COVID-19 | 82 |
| 2018 estimated population (for reference) |
66,765 |
Recent Data Adjustments (UPDATED 2/8/2021):
Periodically there have been large jumps in county cases. While some of that is due to increased disease spread, some of those increases are also the result of corrections to the reported numbers. Due to data delays and issues with the state’s reporting system, occasionally lump-sum additions of historical cases have to be made to the county’s running total. This has caused inflated daily increases on 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/18, 12/23, 12/28, and 2/5/2021.
On 1/6/2021, the county reported a 10-count increase in COVID-19 fatalities. While reconciling data with KDHE, the county Health Department found that the state had stopped notifying them of local deaths. This increase represented a data correction to add in deaths that had occurred over an extended time period -- it did not represent 10 new deaths since the previous reporting period.
County/State Data Discrepancies (UPDATED 1/6/2021):
The county's COVID-19 case count tracks those cases that have been confirmed, investigated, and/or monitored by the county Health Department. This number differs considerably from the county total published by KDHE. Because KDHE staff are now working many of the cases for the counties, part of that discrepancy comes from delays in the local Health Department learning of these cases. However, a bulk of the difference comes from Department of Corrections inmate cases, which the county does not include in its reported numbers. Since inmate cases do not represent individuals out circulating in the community, the Health Department does not add them to the official county count. For data consistency, the county also does not include inmate fatalities in its COVID-19 fatality count.
Board of County Commissioners:
Public Access to Weekly Meetings
The Butler County Board of Commissioners meetings are once again open for public attendance. However, participants and attendees are still encouraged to maintain safe social distancing while in the meeting room. If you would like to watch from the safety of your home, Commission meetings will continue to be available through live-stream. To access the current meeting or archived videos of previous meetings, click here.
Kansas Data
| CATEGORY | COUNTS |
|---|---|
| KDHE Reported COVID-19 Cases | 304,719 |
| Total Counties with Confirmed Cases | 105 |
| Fatalities from COVID-19 | 4,930 |
| 2019 estimated population | 2,913,314 |
County Alerts and Closures
COUNTY OPERATIONS AS OF FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH:
With the ending of statewide gathering orders and the gradual reopening of many business sectors, county government buildings and services also gradually re-opened to in-person access. For the safety of both the public and our county employees, some modifications to operations remain in effect.
- Access to the Historic Courthouse will be through the west doors only. County staff will be monitoring the number of people entering, exiting and waiting in seating areas. They will be helping to ensure that safe social distancing can be maintained.
- Citizens visiting either of the two Motor Vehicle locations will be asked to check in using the QLess line management system -- this can either be completed online ahead of time or using a computer terminal on site. As space allows, patrons will be able to wait in designated seating areas. If seating becomes tight, some patrons may be encouraged to leave and return closer to their time to be served.
- Driver's License renewals are now available for Butler County residents at the Historic Courthouse. This office will utilize the QLess system, as well. For a full list of services this location can provide, visit here.
- The Butler County Health/Extension building is once again open for public access. Appointments are still recommended and masks are required in the building.
- Most District Court offices continue to conduct business through modified means. Please contact the court for further information.
COVID-19 EXPOSURES AT WORK:
The county has put together a reference sheet to help employers and business owners navigate a COVID-19 exposure in their workplaces. And even though it's targeted at employers, this information is useful for anyone who has been exposed and isn't sure what to do next. The document can be accessed here and discusses the following mitigation steps:
1. Identifying Close Contacts
2. Quarantining Exposed Individuals
3. Conducting COVID-19 Testing at the Appropriate Time
4. Returning to Work
Official Information Sources
One of your best defenses is to know the facts. To better protect yourself and your family, go straight to the source. Refer to these links for the most current guidelines, recommendations, and virus data:
- KDHE Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals (NEW 3/12/2021)
- Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine Information (*Updated 1/8/2021*)
- Kansas COVID-19 Response & Recovery
- KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Johns Hopkins University Interactive Map
- FEMA/CDC/White House Coronavirus Page
- CDC Guidance on Wearing Face Masks
- KDHE - Kansas Guidance on Wearing Masks
Fact Sheets for Individuals in Quarantine or Isolation
| FACT SHEET TOPIC | DOCUMENT LINK |
|---|---|
| Home Isolation Information for Patients | Click to view |
| Home Isolation Information for Household Members and Caregivers | Click to view |
| Releasing Cases and Contacts from Isolation and Quarantine - KDHE Graphic | Click to view |
| Isolation and Quarantine FAQ - KDHE Guidance (updated 3/12/2021) | Click to view |
Local sources of information:
| AGENCY | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|
| Butler Co. Health Dept | (316) 321-3400 | |
| Butler Co. Emergency Management | (316) 733-9796 | Contact Us |
| KDHE Hotline | (866) 534-3463 | |
| United Way Information Line | 2-1-1 | n/a |
| Kansas Dept of Labor: COVID-19 Unemployment Information |
(316) 383-9947 | Website |
Mental Health During COVID-19
COVID-19 is taking a toll on more than just physical and economic health. For many people, it is also causing a significant mental health impact. While a lot of the resources out there seem to be targeted toward protecting you physically, please know that a wealth of information and resources are available to support your mental health needs, too. Click here to access a resource list assembled by our local Health Department. Below are contact numbers for mental health services in Butler County:| RESOURCE NAME | FACILITY LOCATION | PHONE NUMBER |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Mental Health | Andover Office | (316) 733-5047 |
| Augusta Office | (316) 425-0073 | |
| El Dorado Office | (316) 321-6036 | |
| After-Hours Crisis Line | (855) 773-6686 | |
| Andover Family Counseling | Andover | (316) 247-3063 |
COVID-19 Declarations, Orders and Official Notices
For reference, below are links to many of the important documents that have been issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. For assistance finding other related materials, contact Butler County Emergency Management.
| NOTICE OR ORDER | EFFECTIVE or RELEASE DATE | DOCUMENT LINK |
|---|---|---|
| GOVERNOR'S OFFICE DOCUMENTS: | ||
| Governor's Plan to Reopen Kansas | Updated May 26, 2020 | Link to Website |
| Kansas Office of the Governor: All Executive Orders | Continually updated | Link to Website |
| KDHE DOCUMENTS: | ||
| KDHE: Travel Related Quarantine | Reviewed every 2 weeks | Link to Website |
| COUNTY DOCUMENTS: | ||
| Resolution 20-41: Repeal of November Mask Mandate | November 25, 2020 | Click to view |
| Resolution 20-21: Regarding Requirements on Schools | August 4, 2020 | Click to view |
| Resolution 20-17: Repeal of Masking Mandate | July 3, 2020 | Click to view |
| CITY DOCUMENTS: | ||
| City of El Dorado Ordinance G-1347: Repealing Mask Mandate | March 24, 2021 | Click to view |
| DECLARATIONS: | ||
| Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration | March 21, 2020 | Link to Application |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #11 | March 30, 2021 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #10 | January 26, 2021 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #9 | January 12, 2021 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #8 | December 15, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #7 | November 10, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #6 | October 13, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #5 | September 22, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #4 | June 14, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #3 | June 9, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #2 | June 2, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Declaration - Extension #1 | May 19, 2020 | Click to view |
| Butler County Public Health Emergency Declaration | March 19, 2020 | Click to view |
| State Emergency Declaration - Extension | January 6, 2021 | Click to view |
| Major Disaster Declaration for KS: FEMA-4504-DR | March 29, 2020 | Click to view |
For more information about the virus or about safety precautions you and your loved ones should be taking, visit the Butler County Kansas Health Department Facebook page. You can also find local updates on the Butler County, Kansas Government page or the Butler County, Kansas Emergency Management page.