photo by: Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health

Douglas County has added 248 new COVID-19 cases in the past two days, bringing the total number of cases since March of 2020 to 24,459, according to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.

The county has 3,256 active cases as of Wednesday afternoon. The number of inpatients hospitalized for COVID at LMH Health has dropped slightly from 22 as of Monday to 20 Wednesday.

The county’s daily case count, based on a 14-day moving average, also remains about the same as Monday, dropping slightly from 144.71 to 143.71. However, LMH Health professionals called for continued caution.

“It’s important to remember that the rolling 14-day average of new cases in the county is still quite high — nearly twice the previous peak in 2020,” said Rebecca Smith, a spokeswoman for the hospital.

The relative drop in new cases coincides with the last day of an emergency public health order mandating face masks for anyone age 2 and older in indoor public spaces.

The county’s vaccination rates have increased only slightly in the past few weeks. As of Wednesday, 83,938 residents — or 73.5% of the eligible population of those age 5 and older — have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. The last time the Journal-World reported those numbers, Jan. 28, that percentage was 73.2%. The rate of those who have completed the two-dose series has increased more by comparison, going from 63.9% on Jan. 28 to 64.5% of the eligible population.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health continues to encourage community members to follow updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and also urges them to get vaccinated. The health department administers vaccinations and booster doses at the clinic on the first floor of the Community Health Building, 200 Maine St., for adults and for eligible children.

To register for an appointment, visit ldchealth.org/getmyvaccine. Those interested in an appointment can also call 785-843-0721 for help with registering or with additional questions. Shots are also widely available at various pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

The health department also offers information about where to go to get tested for COVID in Douglas County on its website.

Additionally, KDHE recently opened a new COVID testing site at the former Payless Shoe location at 1540 Wakarusa Drive. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.