Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• What We Know
• Walk With a Doc: Join Dr. Muhammad Salamat; See the Inflatable Colon
• Current Status at Stormont Vail Health

What We Know

• COVID-19 cases are rising in the northeastern part of the United States, partly fueled by BA.2, which is a subvariant of the original omicron variant. Public health officials say they are monitoring the case count. Individuals still needing a COVID-19 vaccine booster are encouraged to get one, and those who eligible for a second booster (age 50 or older or immunocompromised) should consider it.
• Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, says the recommendation that expanded eligibility on a second COVID-19 booster is based on concern of another surge and the characteristics of BA.2, which is 30% to 50% more transmissible than omicron. So what’s the best timing to get benefit of the booster? Dr. Poland says to talk to your health care provider to understand your specific situation.

Walk With a Doc: Join Dr. Muhammad Salamat; See the Inflatable Colon

Come meet new friends and exercise at the same time this Saturday during Walk With a Doc from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Dr. Muhammad Salamat. This doctor-led walking group is a fun, free, safe place to get some steps and learn about health! The event starts on the east side of Lee Arena at Washburn University.

Not only is a great walk planned, the inflatable colon will also be at this month’s walk to promote colon health education. Dr. Salamat will have a brief discussion about cancer care before the walk gets started.

The walk is open to the community, free, and pre-registration is not required. See you there!

Current Status at Stormont Vail Health

• 3 inpatients are COVID-19 positive.
• 76% of recent COVID-19 admissions are unvaccinated or had last dose/booster more than 6 months ago.
• COVID-19 inpatient discharges (previous week): 6. Deaths: 0.
• 1 COVID-19 positive patient in the outpatient Enhanced Primary Care program.

• 4.0% of people tested for COVID-19 at Stormont Vail facilities the past seven days were positive.
• 4 team members and 1 providers on contact leave for COVID-19.

• 102,663 vaccinations (included boosters) administered.
• To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
  • Use online scheduling assistant at stormontvail.org/covid19/vaccine
  • Call (785) 270-4786.
• Go to Vaccines.gov:  English or Spanish.

We together,
Dr. Kenagy