Second survey shows 167 residents with COVID-19 symptoms

The total number of Douglas County patients who were tested for COVID-19 through May 6. Data from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health shows nearly half of coronavirus tests are received by people identifying as white. However, the race and ethnicity of 43 percent of the individuals tested to date were not recorded.

BY SYDNEY HOOVER

In the most recent public health survey, 167 Douglas County residents reported experiencing two or more unresolved symptoms consistent with the coronavirus over the last two weeks.

More than 8,500 residents participated in the second wave of the survey. Those reporting symptoms live in all areas of the county, including Eudora, Baldwin City, Lawrence, Lecompton and unincorporated areas.

Furthermore, 46 people reported experiencing symptoms that began in early April and are still unresolved.

“With a number of people still reporting they are symptomatic in our community, it’s important for people to follow the recommendations to stay at home as much as possible except for essential trips and to wear a mask or cloth face covering if they do go out in public,” said Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Senior Analyst Dee Vernberg in a news release.

A third wave of the survey is set to go out next week. The Eudora Times will provide a link to the survey when it is made available.

Douglas County has reported 56 positive cases of the coronavirus, with 44 of those recovered, as of Friday.

Data from the health department shows people identifying as white are receiving the highest rate of testing, followed by Hispanic and Native American. Of the 56 cases, the only racial group with more than five cases is those identifying as white. Data was not released for groups with fewer than five cases due to privacy concerns.

Asian Americans are at the lowest rate of testing, with only around three out of every 1,000 people tested.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has recently made efforts to increase accessibility of testing, according to a news release, including opening a testing location in East Lawrence.

Any resident experiencing coronavirus symptoms is encouraged to call a primary care doctor. Residents can also call the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Coronavirus hotline at 785-856-4343.

Reach reporter Sydney Hoover at eudoratimes@gmail.com.

We rely on donations to be able to cover the city of Eudora. Please email us at eudoratimes@gmail.com if you are willing to show your support to continue our journalism.