More positive COVID-19 tests reported; one death

September 21, 2020

The death of a Barton Count resident due to complications from COVID-19 was announced on September 18. The resident was a male in his 60’s. He was hospitalized prior to his death.

It was also reported on September 17, by the Barton County Health Department (BCHD), that a student at Liberal Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on September 11 and was not symptomatic at that time.

On September 14, it was reported that a staff member at Lamar High School, one student at West Elementary and one student at East Elementary had also tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was last at school on September 4 and the students were last in class on September 9. All three were asymptomatic while at school. Also reported on September 17 was a Lamar High School student that tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last at school on September 11. The student was asymptomatic while at school.

The BCHD is working closely with the school district to identify all close contacts. Those who are identified as close contacts will be contacted by health department representatives and advised on how to proceed.

To protect the privacy of the individual and their family the health department will not release individually identifiable details. The individuals are quarantined and being monitored closely by the Barton County Health Department.

As of September 21, the CDC has reported a total number of 170 cases in the county to date, with no deaths. To view cases daily visit https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-map.