There have been three new COVID deaths in Saline County since Wednesday  and 196 new cases.

According to the Saline County Health Department, Saline County hit a grim milestone this week marking more than 10,000 people in Saline County who have tested positive for COVID-19. There are currently 959 active cases in the community.

Salina Regional Health Center reports that 22 patients require hospitalization related to COVID-19.

There now have been 187 COVID related deaths overall.

An additional 203 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 this week, an increase of .3 percent.

A total of 28,887 residents of Saline County have been vaccinated, accounting for 53.3 percent of the total population.

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get testedif you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID.

You can find testing centers at VaccinateSalineCountyKS.com/testing or contact your local medical provider.

• Get vaccinated.

You can find a vaccine at vaccines.gov or contact your local medical provider.

• Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when indoors in crowded spaces.
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.
• Do not travel to “hot spots.”

• If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contact