(Updated March 31, 2023)
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Symptoms can range from mild (or no) to severe, and may include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, or nausea or vomiting.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to people 6 months old and older.
The Harvey County Health Department is available to answer COVID-19-related questions during regular business hours by calling 316-283-1637.
Data on how COVID-19 is affecting Kansas communities can be found on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website. Local Harvey County statistics can be found on our website.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
Several health providers in Harvey County and surrounding counties have COVID-19 testing available. You can find a local testing site here.
A few free testing options in Harvey County include:
- Harvey Drug and Gifts: Free antigen testing. By appointment.
- Hesston Pharmacy: Free antigen testing. By appointment.
- Walgreens: Free PCR and antigen testing.
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Provides free, at-home, rapid antigen testing kits delivered by mail.
COVID-19 testing is not conducted by the Harvey County Health Department.
What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
An individual that tests positive for COVID-19 should generally begin to isolate for five days. Please notify other individuals that would be identified as close contacts to inform them they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should monitor for potential symptoms. More information on quarantine and isolation is available on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's website.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster?
COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are readily available through several health providers in Harvey County and surrounding counties, including at the Harvey County Health Department. You can find a health provider with the vaccine of your choosing here.
The Harvey County Health Department offers the Moderna vaccine and boosters for individuals 6 years old and older. To schedule an appointment, please call 316-283-1637. You can fill out the COVID-19 vaccination consent form prior to your appointment - the form is available in English or Spanish.
Side effects from a COVID-19 vaccination are generally and largely reported to be mild, if at all. Common side effects can include pain or swelling at the vaccine injection site. Fever, chills, fatigue and a headache are also possible. These side effects are normal. If side effects linger, contact your medical provider. If you experience any severe reaction, call 911.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The CDC identifies three ways that COVID-19 is most likely to spread:
- Breathing in air while close to a person infected with COVID-19 who is exhaling particles containing the virus
- Those particles containing the virus landing on a person's eyes, nose or mouth, especially through a cough or sneeze
- Touching one's eyes, nose or mouth with hands that have virus particles on them.
What steps should people take to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
COVID-19 is transmissible, but its spread can be mitigated through simple precautions:
- Receive a COVID-19 vaccine
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from people that do not live with you
- Wash your hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated indoor rooms
- Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others
- Taking a COVID-19 test can identify a positive case and prevent unknown spread to others.