Dr. Joan Duwve with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has shared the agency’s plans to address the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Methods for monitoring will be like their approach with influenza using syndromic surveillance and death registration data. The agency has discontinued COVID-19 case investigations, with KDHE Epidemiology Hotline continuing to accept reports of outbreaks. The COVID-19 dashboard will be updated to reflect the new data from surveillance monitoring and the Kansas Vaccine Data Dashboard will continue to update monthly with datasets available upon request. The COVID-19 website will be decommissioned at a date to be determined and combined into the KDHE agency site. These plans are currently in effect with COVID dashboard updates commencing June 1st. Key highlights impacting members include:
- KDHE will continue to provide guidance on testing, isolation, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage and reporting requirements to healthcare facilities.
- KDHE will continue to assist Long-Term Care Facilities with emergency staffing if they are experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak with a future end date to be determined.
