HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1376 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 48.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 192 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 87 active cases, but has been responsible for 16 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

Out of 4,656 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,201 cases in the community at large. 3,232 people have recovered thus far.

Forty-two people are in the hospital. Two hundred total have been hospitalized. Seventy have been admitted to the ICU and 24 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.90%. 26.55% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1376 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 48.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 192 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 87 active cases, but has been responsible for 16 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.Out of 4,656 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,201 cases in the community at large. 3,232 people have recovered thus far.Forty-two people are in the hospital. Two hundred total have been hospitalized. Seventy have been admitted to the ICU and 24 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.90%. 26.55% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1376, with 1201 in community as of Friday evening

Though COVID-19 has an effect on the nation and world, we know that what's happening here has much more impact. That's why COVID-19: My Story was born.

We'll hear from real people who have had the virus and delve further into their personal experiences.&nbsp; We'll also spend time with experts from here trying to keep you safe.

Episode 13 is with Pastor Kent Pedersen

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0d2f9ab9-f305-4b4a-8fa6-f14f6246336b">There's no perfect answers. I just wish more people, during all of this, on the news and places of leadership, I wish more people would just say the words, "I don't know. We're doing the best we can." Let's do the best we can to be respectful of others. I don't know if the mask works or not. I got it. I wore the mask a lot but the reason I wear a mask is to be polite. It's because they're asking us to do it and it doesn't hurt us. It doesn't hurt me to do that.</a>

Episode 12 is with Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b652e27c-dc7a-4fc7-8293-539abb1b6000">Someone could be just fine, and the next thing, they're in the ER and having complications. But you have to remember those that maybe have infections, they're more prone to infections. They just had surgery. They have COPD.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e119410a-e0cc-41f3-b369-6be80c275ed6">I had a sister that had COVID and she was in the hospital for eight days, had the COVID pneumonia. She has since been good. She's still recovering. You don't just get over COVID very quickly. Most people don't.</a>

Episode 10 is with ICU Nurse Jon Miller

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cfff89cd-2ca6-4b87-8e05-47a161413d59">It's no respecter of age or how healthy you were before. The virus has been very opportunistic. And if you have any kind of co-morbidities, either diabetes or high blood pressure, it finds a weakness in some way and can have its effect.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5977c715-a50f-49de-8cdd-2d5226651a00">Since that time at the end of September to when we are talking now, there's been 600 cases in the community. So we have equaled our amount for six months in one month.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ef2e02c-cfeb-4a69-9846-8d0fc7215ecb">You don't have the energy level. A conversation with your wife or another loved one lasts about one to two minutes, so that takes its toll on you as you are in isolation from everybody for a week.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/11dfda85-80f7-490a-8fe8-beb31907a1cd">I am confident in telling you if we would have even more participation in community testing, we would have less cases in the hospital. We would have less cases in the nursing home. We would catch patient zero earlier and not be dealing with patient 55, 56.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/216ee459-b55d-458b-a14c-eef3f0cda9e1">The cough, the chest pain and of course the fever. The extreme fatigue was what really got me too, I would get up to let's say, make lunch or something. And I felt like I ran a marathon. It felt like the flu times ten.</a>

Episode 5 is with Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87141264-20ce-4239-81b7-fafa56c8bf22">We're taking a bit of a different approach to the podcast this week, as I had the chance to interview Reno County epidemiologist, Elliot Koester. Here is our conversation...</a>

Episode 4 is with Linda and Tony Ojeda

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4e74580-da1e-43c3-ae97-753adb54ce95">On August 29, I had opened a jar of Vicks for Tony and I couldn't smell it. And I thought, uh-oh...</a>

Episode 3 is with Cathy Kilpatrick

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/681d8c7c-9987-4ddb-a013-375e3c2d5f97">Now, I was there for 11 days and of those 11 days, seven of them, I was in ICU and that was not fun. </a>

Episode 2 is with Hutchinson resident Susan Puls.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/93792258-bf02-427c-823e-968358d705dd">I'm usually very healthy. And the next thing I know, I'm on the floor and the EMT's helped him get me to the testing center. So, it is unlike...everybody thinks it's the flu or a bad cold, or a sinus infection. In my lifetime, I've never experienced anything like this...(Click for full transcript)</a>

Episode 1 is with Dr. Rex Degner from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/914b38af-8fc5-4ac1-b32d-064c31c08e52">I found out mostly through news sources, commercial news sources, before it started coming out in the professional literature. The COVID virus was first recognized back in late 2019 and gets its name COVID for Coronavirus 2019. So that's when it was first truly discovered as a new entity...(Click for full transcript)</a>

Join us here on HutchPost.com for Covid-19: My Story, with new stories every Saturday. Supported by Reno County Health Care Collaborative.

Are you a COVID-19 patient and want to tell your story on this podcast? Email your contact info and a few sentences about your experience to&nbsp;HutchPost@eagleradio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599141808019.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Though COVID-19 has an effect on the nation and world, we know that what's happening here has much more impact. That's why COVID-19: My Story was born.We'll hear from real people who have had the virus and delve further into their personal experiences.&nbsp; We'll also spend time with experts from here trying to keep you safe.Episode 13 is with Pastor Kent Pedersen<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 13-Pastor Kent Pedersen" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ptjks-f379fa?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Kent Pedersen:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0d2f9ab9-f305-4b4a-8fa6-f14f6246336b">There's no perfect answers. I just wish more people, during all of this, on the news and places of leadership, I wish more people would just say the words, "I don't know. We're doing the best we can." Let's do the best we can to be respectful of others. I don't know if the mask works or not. I got it. I wore the mask a lot but the reason I wear a mask is to be polite. It's because they're asking us to do it and it doesn't hurt us. It doesn't hurt me to do that.</a>Episode 12 is with Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 12-Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jkxat-f2d6bc?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Rebeka Jones:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b652e27c-dc7a-4fc7-8293-539abb1b6000">Someone could be just fine, and the next thing, they're in the ER and having complications. But you have to remember those that maybe have infections, they're more prone to infections. They just had surgery. They have COPD.</a>Episode 11 is with Peggy Ramos<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 11-Peggy Ramos" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/n9atr-f2391d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Peggy Ramos:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e119410a-e0cc-41f3-b369-6be80c275ed6">I had a sister that had COVID and she was in the hospital for eight days, had the COVID pneumonia. She has since been good. She's still recovering. You don't just get over COVID very quickly. Most people don't.</a>Episode 10 is with ICU Nurse Jon Miller<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 10-ICU Nurse Jon Miller" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6m6jr-f19011?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Jon Miller:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cfff89cd-2ca6-4b87-8e05-47a161413d59">It's no respecter of age or how healthy you were before. The virus has been very opportunistic. And if you have any kind of co-morbidities, either diabetes or high blood pressure, it finds a weakness in some way and can have its effect.</a>&nbsp;Episode 9 is with DJ Gering<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 9-DJ Gering" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/297jb-f0e6be?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>DJ Gering:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5977c715-a50f-49de-8cdd-2d5226651a00">Since that time at the end of September to when we are talking now, there's been 600 cases in the community. So we have equaled our amount for six months in one month.</a>Episode 8 is with Cory Griffith's<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 8-Cory Griffith's" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8uhq5-f03c07?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Cory Griffith's:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ef2e02c-cfeb-4a69-9846-8d0fc7215ecb">You don't have the energy level. A conversation with your wife or another loved one lasts about one to two minutes, so that takes its toll on you as you are in isolation from everybody for a week.</a>Episode 7 is with Dr. Scott Pauly<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 7-Dr. Scott Pauly" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/33i6j-ef95c6?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Dr. Scott Pauly:&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/11dfda85-80f7-490a-8fe8-beb31907a1cd">I am confident in telling you if we would have even more participation in community testing, we would have less cases in the hospital. We would have less cases in the nursing home. We would catch patient zero earlier and not be dealing with patient 55, 56.</a>Episode 6 is with Seth Dewey<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 6-Seth Dewey" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vp7mb-eee04f?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Seth Dewey: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/216ee459-b55d-458b-a14c-eef3f0cda9e1">The cough, the chest pain and of course the fever. The extreme fatigue was what really got me too, I would get up to let's say, make lunch or something. And I felt like I ran a marathon. It felt like the flu times ten.</a>Episode 5 is with Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 5-Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/i2rze-ee0bc3?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Nick Gosnell: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87141264-20ce-4239-81b7-fafa56c8bf22">We're taking a bit of a different approach to the podcast this week, as I had the chance to interview Reno County epidemiologist, Elliot Koester. Here is our conversation...</a>Episode 4 is with Linda and Tony Ojeda<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 4-Linda and Tony Ojeda" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/bjs5w-ed2bdb?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Linda Ojeda: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4e74580-da1e-43c3-ae97-753adb54ce95">On August 29, I had opened a jar of Vicks for Tony and I couldn't smell it. And I thought, uh-oh...</a>Episode 3 is with Cathy Kilpatrick<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 3-Cathy Kilpatrick" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gz5hc-ec1f49?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Cathy Kilpatrick: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/681d8c7c-9987-4ddb-a013-375e3c2d5f97">Now, I was there for 11 days and of those 11 days, seven of them, I was in ICU and that was not fun. </a>Episode 2 is with Hutchinson resident Susan Puls.<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 2-Susan Puls" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/g2mas-eb2b24?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Susan Puls:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/93792258-bf02-427c-823e-968358d705dd">I'm usually very healthy. And the next thing I know, I'm on the floor and the EMT's helped him get me to the testing center. So, it is unlike...everybody thinks it's the flu or a bad cold, or a sinus infection. In my lifetime, I've never experienced anything like this...(Click for full transcript)</a>Episode 1 is with Dr. Rex Degner from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 1-Dr. Rex Degner" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/g5vzv-ea334e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Dr. Rex Degner:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/914b38af-8fc5-4ac1-b32d-064c31c08e52">I found out mostly through news sources, commercial news sources, before it started coming out in the professional literature. The COVID virus was first recognized back in late 2019 and gets its name COVID for Coronavirus 2019. So that's when it was first truly discovered as a new entity...(Click for full transcript)</a>Join us here on HutchPost.com for Covid-19: My Story, with new stories every Saturday. Supported by Reno County Health Care Collaborative.Are you a COVID-19 patient and want to tell your story on this podcast? Email your contact info and a few sentences about your experience to&nbsp;HutchPost@eagleradio.net.

Covid-19: My Story - Weekly Podcast

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Due to a report to Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman of six cases of COVID-19 among staff at Union Valley Elementary, with two others with tests pending,&nbsp; that single attendance center will be going to the flex learning model beginning Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11.

The plan is to return to in person learning on Monday, December 14th.

USD 313 administration will host a Zoom parent meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.  Parents and guardians of all Union Valley students will receive an email from the school with the Zoom link to join the meeting.  For any parents or guardians unable to join the Zoom meeting,  it will be recorded and emailed out after the meeting.

Lunches and Breakfasts are still available for drive through pickup at Union Valley from 11:30-12:30 daily. Please sign up by Monday morning at 7:30 using <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FopPYEfRLFUpzfc877%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3MYqdM2FsnwnFKC1O3KQxoJM9TCsm0Y3vdqM3aL_jLse9_IIlwwAAUyr0&amp;h=AT0T8Fs4rbWOBgQjlwf6WPO7N1v_UuVEvrmz1oavAKeZVyFQQewuHxEmss6FdEREzPdMTM638ftWLACtrdNAs0Rc6Ubtg-CVDmmx6nwroAlrgcr5FT0r6BYqi_WeV6gv-Q&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XuxQjJPUGLQU2cTVqteBhCuB1UG7Cb2oExM_tQdEw9fZ1xZgroD5VhnvBYR1NrbvPP0HMwLUuhx5ZkGJzZ84jPEZjZgLXyXCo6imM36A9uOTA43D8lwxeMIbzqEMRnnVLwvA-X9omBnDNdc8DazmFAMjgYrQ8xVo0Tynzy45WdVM">this link</a>.

Monday:  Turkey Sandwich, Salad, Fruit, Milk

Tuesday:  Pizza, Baby Carrots, Fruit, Milk

Wednesday:  Corn Dog, Cucumbers, Fruit, Milk

Thursday:  Steak Sandwich, Broccoli, Fruit, Milk

Friday:  Chicken Nuggets, Cauliflower w/dip, Fruit, Milk

Breakfasts will be assorted grains (cereal, pop tart, honey bun, donut, or bagel, etc.) with Fruit or Juice, and Milk.

Please follow the USD 313 Buhler Facebook page or the Union Valley Elementary  Facebook page to monitor updates and further information as it becomes available. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Due to a report to Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman of six cases of COVID-19 among staff at Union Valley Elementary, with two others with tests pending,&nbsp; that single attendance center will be going to the flex learning model beginning Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11.The plan is to return to in person learning on Monday, December 14th.USD 313 administration will host a Zoom parent meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Parents and guardians of all Union Valley students will receive an email from the school with the Zoom link to join the meeting. For any parents or guardians unable to join the Zoom meeting, it will be recorded and emailed out after the meeting.Lunches and Breakfasts are still available for drive through pickup at Union Valley from 11:30-12:30 daily. Please sign up by Monday morning at 7:30 using <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FopPYEfRLFUpzfc877%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3MYqdM2FsnwnFKC1O3KQxoJM9TCsm0Y3vdqM3aL_jLse9_IIlwwAAUyr0&amp;h=AT0T8Fs4rbWOBgQjlwf6WPO7N1v_UuVEvrmz1oavAKeZVyFQQewuHxEmss6FdEREzPdMTM638ftWLACtrdNAs0Rc6Ubtg-CVDmmx6nwroAlrgcr5FT0r6BYqi_WeV6gv-Q&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XuxQjJPUGLQU2cTVqteBhCuB1UG7Cb2oExM_tQdEw9fZ1xZgroD5VhnvBYR1NrbvPP0HMwLUuhx5ZkGJzZ84jPEZjZgLXyXCo6imM36A9uOTA43D8lwxeMIbzqEMRnnVLwvA-X9omBnDNdc8DazmFAMjgYrQ8xVo0Tynzy45WdVM">this link</a>.Menu:Monday: Turkey Sandwich, Salad, Fruit, MilkTuesday: Pizza, Baby Carrots, Fruit, MilkWednesday: Corn Dog, Cucumbers, Fruit, MilkThursday: Steak Sandwich, Broccoli, Fruit, MilkFriday: Chicken Nuggets, Cauliflower w/dip, Fruit, MilkBreakfasts will be assorted grains (cereal, pop tart, honey bun, donut, or bagel, etc.) with Fruit or Juice, and Milk.Please follow the USD 313 Buhler Facebook page or the Union Valley Elementary Facebook page to monitor updates and further information as it becomes available.

Union Valley Elementary to go to flex learning beginning Monday


PRETTY PRAIRIE — Pretty Prairie schools will be going to remote learning after the holiday break. 

According to a Friday Facebook post from the district, as of that date, there are 10 positive cases involving students and staff.  The district says they are waiting on numerous test results for students and staff as well, with over 80 students in quarantine.  

Because of those numbers, USD 311 will be moving to remote learning for the next three weeks and plan to return to on site and in person instruction on January 5, 2021. 

The district says, "We realize remote learning is not the preferred choice of educational delivery for the majority of our families, but after consulting with the Reno County Health Department, we feel this is the safest method at this point for our students and staff."  

The district will be sending information and materials home to families.  On Monday, drivers and staff members will deliver materials home.  Teachers will be in contact with students on Monday.  Activities will follow KSHSAA guidelines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598374070179.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
PRETTY PRAIRIE — Pretty Prairie schools will be going to remote learning after the holiday break. According to a Friday Facebook post from the district, as of that date, there are 10 positive cases involving students and staff. The district says they are waiting on numerous test results for students and staff as well, with over 80 students in quarantine. Because of those numbers, USD 311 will be moving to remote learning for the next three weeks and plan to return to on site and in person instruction on January 5, 2021. The district says, "We realize remote learning is not the preferred choice of educational delivery for the majority of our families, but after consulting with the Reno County Health Department, we feel this is the safest method at this point for our students and staff." The district will be sending information and materials home to families. On Monday, drivers and staff members will deliver materials home. Teachers will be in contact with students on Monday. Activities will follow KSHSAA guidelines.

USD 311 dealing with large number of COVID cases, will go remote

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1278 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 47.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 85 active cases, but has been responsible for 15 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

Out of 4,549 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,105 cases in the community at large. 3,224 people have recovered thus far.

Forty-five people are in the hospital. One hundred ninety-three total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.54%. 26.28% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1278 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 47.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 85 active cases, but has been responsible for 15 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.Out of 4,549 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,105 cases in the community at large. 3,224 people have recovered thus far.Forty-five people are in the hospital. One hundred ninety-three total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.54%. 26.28% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1278, with 1105 in community as of Thursday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic had hoped earlier in the pandemic to catch asymptomatic patients through widespread community testing, but at this point, there is much more of a danger of presymptomatic spread within the community.

"The presymptomatic patients, meaning those who have already been exposed, but do not yet know they are infected, meaning they don't have symptoms as of yet, are likely the primary drivers of the transmission in the community at this time," Pauly said. 

The danger is, with as widespread as the disease is now, you're likely to have been exposed and not know it.

"Because they're presymptomatic, they're going about their daily business, maybe celebrating the holidays," Pauly said. "Unbeknownst to them, they're spreading that virus to their friends, family and colleagues. Once they do develop symptoms, you look backwards and say, where was I, who did I expose myself to, prior to me realizing I was infected."

That's one of the reasons why you would wear a mask in public, so that if you are an unknown spreader, you can minimize that effect.

"When somebody's presymptomatic, they're not necessarily cognizant of where they are going or who they are around," Pauly said. "Those things are easy to forget in the moment. It also highlights why it's so important, though, for contact tracing for this virus. When we do have somebody who becomes diagnosed, we look backwards 48 hours prior to their diagnosis and or prior to their symptoms, because we know that the people they were around during that time are just as at risk as the people they were around at the time of symptom onset or shortly thereafter."

According to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard, as of Wednesday at 11:44 a.m., there were 1,022 active cases of COVID-19 in the community.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic had hoped earlier in the pandemic to catch asymptomatic patients through widespread community testing, but at this point, there is much more of a danger of presymptomatic spread within the community."The presymptomatic patients, meaning those who have already been exposed, but do not yet know they are infected, meaning they don't have symptoms as of yet, are likely the primary drivers of the transmission in the community at this time," Pauly said. The danger is, with as widespread as the disease is now, you're likely to have been exposed and not know it."Because they're presymptomatic, they're going about their daily business, maybe celebrating the holidays," Pauly said. "Unbeknownst to them, they're spreading that virus to their friends, family and colleagues. Once they do develop symptoms, you look backwards and say, where was I, who did I expose myself to, prior to me realizing I was infected."That's one of the reasons why you would wear a mask in public, so that if you are an unknown spreader, you can minimize that effect."When somebody's presymptomatic, they're not necessarily cognizant of where they are going or who they are around," Pauly said. "Those things are easy to forget in the moment. It also highlights why it's so important, though, for contact tracing for this virus. When we do have somebody who becomes diagnosed, we look backwards 48 hours prior to their diagnosis and or prior to their symptoms, because we know that the people they were around during that time are just as at risk as the people they were around at the time of symptom onset or shortly thereafter."According to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard, as of Wednesday at 11:44 a.m., there were 1,022 active cases of COVID-19 in the community.

Hutchinson doctor sees potential for presymptomatic COVID-19 spread

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?

Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.

While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.

China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.

A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:

Packaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.

Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.

Trading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.

The virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.

Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.

Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.

Virus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.

“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”

A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:CHINA’S CRACKDOWNPackaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.OVERSEAS COMPLAINTSTrading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.SURFACE TRANSMISSIONThe virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.WHAT EXPERTS SAYVirus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.___

China claims coronavirus found on frozen foods

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1066 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 46.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 182 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 14 deaths. There are 43 active clusters in the county.

There are 901 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.64%. 25.57% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1066 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 46.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 182 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 14 deaths. There are 43 active clusters in the county.There are 901 cases in the community at large.Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.64%. 25.57% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1066, with 901 in community as of Tuesday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There was serious discussion over how to distribute the remaining CARES funding at the Board of Reno County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen wanted to be sure that smaller entities that need the money most are able to get it.

"I want to feel confident that we are using those dollars to keep as many entities afloat as possible," Steffen said. 

The big number among the latest round of CARES allocations was due to go to the Cosmosphere. It was originally supposed to be an additional $200,000, but County Commission chair Ron Sellers wanted to be sure all the entities got what they could while they could still use it and to be sure to use up all that the county was entitled to and not leave money on the table.

"Approve $150,000 for the Cosmosphere and put that $50,000 down to the nonprofits, because there's 27 of them and give that $164,329 to the nonprofits via the percentage that they received before."

The State Fair will have $45,918 eligible for reimbursement for wages. The Fairgrounds Foundation will get an additional $77,670. BrightHouse will get $7000.

"The nonprofits were very appreciative of this opportunity to receive money and it's helped a lot of them," Meagher said. "I can't say it has made them 100%, but I can tell you that we've had a lot of appreciation expressed."

This is all reimbursement funds for qualified losses.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There was serious discussion over how to distribute the remaining CARES funding at the Board of Reno County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen wanted to be sure that smaller entities that need the money most are able to get it."I want to feel confident that we are using those dollars to keep as many entities afloat as possible," Steffen said. The big number among the latest round of CARES allocations was due to go to the Cosmosphere. It was originally supposed to be an additional $200,000, but County Commission chair Ron Sellers wanted to be sure all the entities got what they could while they could still use it and to be sure to use up all that the county was entitled to and not leave money on the table."Approve $150,000 for the Cosmosphere and put that $50,000 down to the nonprofits, because there's 27 of them and give that $164,329 to the nonprofits via the percentage that they received before."The State Fair will have $45,918 eligible for reimbursement for wages. The Fairgrounds Foundation will get an additional $77,670. BrightHouse will get $7000."The nonprofits were very appreciative of this opportunity to receive money and it's helped a lot of them," Meagher said. "I can't say it has made them 100%, but I can tell you that we've had a lot of appreciation expressed."This is all reimbursement funds for qualified losses.

Reno County Commission distributes CARES funding Tuesday

UPDATE: Due to the rainy weather, Tuesday's site has been changed to the DairyLand Building.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Headed into the Tuesday November 24 testing date at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, nearly 2,000 people have already been tested through the county's free testing program.

A total of 1,983 tests have been administered on 14 testing dates thus far, the date on the 24th will be the 15th opportunity. The largest single testing date was this past Saturday at the Fairgrounds. 

Three hundred thirteen samples were collected this past weekend.

Testing will take place on Tuesdays at the fairgrounds for the rest of the year and on Saturdays on December 5 and December 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242242524.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Due to the rainy weather, Tuesday's site has been changed to the DairyLand Building.
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Headed into the Tuesday November 24 testing date at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, nearly 2,000 people have already been tested through the county's free testing program.A total of 1,983 tests have been administered on 14 testing dates thus far, the date on the 24th will be the 15th opportunity. The largest single testing date was this past Saturday at the Fairgrounds. Three hundred thirteen samples were collected this past weekend.Testing will take place on Tuesdays at the fairgrounds for the rest of the year and on Saturdays on December 5 and December 19.

Nearly 2,000 people have taken advantage of county tests


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith reiterated the message calling for no large gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Thanksgiving this year really should look different," Hammersmith said. "When we talk about keeping in small cohorts, it is because we always know that in times like this, holidays, people travel. They want to be with their family. You know, you have the sniffles or something. You don't feel too bad. This year, that could be COVID."

After the holidays is usually a problem even with less contagious illnesses like the flu.

Most viruses, whether it be cold or flu season, it's the weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas that really spike things up and turn things around," Hammersmith said. "Not in a good way."

"Anytime that you have family gatherings, it's a very close situation, very personal," Hammersmith said. "People are generally speaking, hugging, sitting in the same room for many hours. You feel very comfortable and safe in family and close friends enviroments. It doesn't mean that the family and friends are not safe people. It's just that right now, anybody could be carrying the virus."

The 14-day positive test rate used by the schools for their gating criteria is at 46.5%, which is the highest it has been throughout the pandemic.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith reiterated the message calling for no large gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday."Thanksgiving this year really should look different," Hammersmith said. "When we talk about keeping in small cohorts, it is because we always know that in times like this, holidays, people travel. They want to be with their family. You know, you have the sniffles or something. You don't feel too bad. This year, that could be COVID."After the holidays is usually a problem even with less contagious illnesses like the flu.Most viruses, whether it be cold or flu season, it's the weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas that really spike things up and turn things around," Hammersmith said. "Not in a good way."If you are sick, stay at home."Anytime that you have family gatherings, it's a very close situation, very personal," Hammersmith said. "People are generally speaking, hugging, sitting in the same room for many hours. You feel very comfortable and safe in family and close friends enviroments. It doesn't mean that the family and friends are not safe people. It's just that right now, anybody could be carrying the virus."The 14-day positive test rate used by the schools for their gating criteria is at 46.5%, which is the highest it has been throughout the pandemic.

Hammersmith: Thanksgiving should look different, if not, weeks after could be worse

USD 313: Staffing issues key to keeping kids in school

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1078 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 44.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 234 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 13 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

There are 862 cases in the community at large.

Thirty-eight people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 21 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.30%. 25.41% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1078 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 44.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 234 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 13 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.There are 862 cases in the community at large.Thirty-eight people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 21 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.30%. 25.41% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1078, with 862 in community as of Monday evening

Stop the Spread Kansas is a public awareness campaign urging Kansans to do their part in slowing the rate of COVID-19 infections across the state. Stakeholders are encouraging Kansans to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, avoid mass gatherings, use face coverings and other measures to preserve precious health care resources.

Campaign partners include the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Medical Society. Additional organizations are likely to join the statewide effort that will begin before Thanksgiving.

“Hospitals across the state are facing significant capacity and staffing constraints because of increased COVID-19 spread, and this campaign will help ensure the normal standards of care Kansans expect will be preserved,” said KHA President and CEO Chad Austin. “All mitigation efforts taken over these next several weeks will be critical to keeping Kansas businesses, schools and other services safely open.”

Kansans can access campaign resources, industry-specific toolkits and guidance from the CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at www.StoptheSpreadKansas.org. The landing page will provide numerous communications resources over the next few weeks to help Kansans spread the word, not the virus.

“The Kansas business community is committed to the health and safety of employees and customers. Companies small and large across the state have requirements and protocols in place regarding facemasks and other measures that allow for social distancing and additional cleaning. However, we need all Kansans taking these voluntary actions. It will make a tremendous difference and reduce the pressure on our health care system. We encourage all Kansans to do their part to stop the spread of this virus,” said Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the Kansas Chamber.

Stop the Spread Kansas hopes to ignite a sense of unity, community and responsibility. The campaign will employ grassroots outreach and advertising to encourage all Kansans 18 and older to make the changes necessary to save lives. The most important aspect is educating citizens on the four tools they can use to stop the spread of COVID-19:

“It’s imperative we use every tool at our disposal to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas. We must act quickly to alleviate strain on our hospital systems so our schools, businesses and communities can continue safely operating. I encourage all Kansans to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing. When that’s not possible, please wear a mask to help keep Kansas open,” said Rich Felts, Kansas Farm Bureau president.

By using these measures, especially during the holiday season, Kansans can show they are taking responsibility for protecting their communities. These small sacrifices will ensure our health care system and hospitals have the staff and resources necessary to provide live-saving care when needed. Slowing the spread also allows our schools, businesses and communities to safely remain open.

“Clearly COVID-19 is now infecting more Kansans than ever. Physicians and other frontline health care workers across the state are working tirelessly to help those who contract the virus get well again—all while they continue to care for patients with other needs. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Kansas physicians encourage everyone to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing,” said Rachelle Colombo, Kansas Medical Society executive director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606149781765.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Kansas Farm BureauStop the Spread Kansas is a public awareness campaign urging Kansans to do their part in slowing the rate of COVID-19 infections across the state. Stakeholders are encouraging Kansans to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, avoid mass gatherings, use face coverings and other measures to preserve precious health care resources.Campaign partners include the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Medical Society. Additional organizations are likely to join the statewide effort that will begin before Thanksgiving.“Hospitals across the state are facing significant capacity and staffing constraints because of increased COVID-19 spread, and this campaign will help ensure the normal standards of care Kansans expect will be preserved,” said KHA President and CEO Chad Austin. “All mitigation efforts taken over these next several weeks will be critical to keeping Kansas businesses, schools and other services safely open.”Kansans can access campaign resources, industry-specific toolkits and guidance from the CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at www.StoptheSpreadKansas.org. The landing page will provide numerous communications resources over the next few weeks to help Kansans spread the word, not the virus.“The Kansas business community is committed to the health and safety of employees and customers. Companies small and large across the state have requirements and protocols in place regarding facemasks and other measures that allow for social distancing and additional cleaning. However, we need all Kansans taking these voluntary actions. It will make a tremendous difference and reduce the pressure on our health care system. We encourage all Kansans to do their part to stop the spread of this virus,” said Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the Kansas Chamber.Stop the Spread Kansas hopes to ignite a sense of unity, community and responsibility. The campaign will employ grassroots outreach and advertising to encourage all Kansans 18 and older to make the changes necessary to save lives. The most important aspect is educating citizens on the four tools they can use to stop the spread of COVID-19:Wearing a maskWashing your hands oftenKeeping a safe distanceAvoiding large gatherings“It’s imperative we use every tool at our disposal to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas. We must act quickly to alleviate strain on our hospital systems so our schools, businesses and communities can continue safely operating. I encourage all Kansans to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing. When that’s not possible, please wear a mask to help keep Kansas open,” said Rich Felts, Kansas Farm Bureau president.By using these measures, especially during the holiday season, Kansans can show they are taking responsibility for protecting their communities. These small sacrifices will ensure our health care system and hospitals have the staff and resources necessary to provide live-saving care when needed. Slowing the spread also allows our schools, businesses and communities to safely remain open.“Clearly COVID-19 is now infecting more Kansans than ever. Physicians and other frontline health care workers across the state are working tirelessly to help those who contract the virus get well again—all while they continue to care for patients with other needs. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Kansas physicians encourage everyone to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing,” said Rachelle Colombo, Kansas Medical Society executive director.

Kansas Organizations Launch Effort to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Kansas

LONDON (AP) — Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals.

The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine.

AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world anxiously waits for scientific breakthroughs that will bring an end to a pandemic that has wrought economic devastation and resulted in nearly 1.4 million confirmed deaths.

Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95% effective. But, unlike its rivals, the AstraZeneca vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, making it easier to distribute, especially in developing countries.

“I think these are really exciting results,” Dr. Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said during a news conference. “Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we’ve actually managed to do that.”

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper. AstraZeneca, which has pledged it won’t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $2.50 a dose. Pfizer’s vaccine costs about $20 a dose, while Moderna’s is $15 to $25, based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government.

All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed.

Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed that they aren’t competing with other projects, and that multiple vaccines will be needed to reach enough of the world’s population and end the pandemic.

“We’re not thinking about vaccinations working in terms of one person at a time. We have to think about vaccinating communities, populations, reducing transmission within those populations, so that we really get on top of this pandemic,″ said Sarah Gilbert, a leader of the Oxford research team. “And that’s what it now looks like we’re going to have the ability to contribute to in a really big way.″

The results come as a second wave of COVID-19 hits many countries, once again shutting businesses, restricting social interaction and pummeling the world economy.

AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible, and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization, so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries.

The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90% effective. Another approach, giving patients two full doses one month apart, was 62% effective. The combined results showed an average efficacy rate of 70%.

The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19. After vaccination, the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body.

The vaccine can be transported under “normal refrigerated conditions” of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), AstraZeneca said. By comparison, Pfizer plans to distribute its vaccine using specially designed “thermal shippers” that use dry ice to maintain temperatures of minus-70 degrees Celsius (minus-94 degrees Fahrenheit).

Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated.

“The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs: With drugs, we expect that higher doses have bigger effects, and more side-effects,” he said. “But the immune system does not work like that.”

The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people. Late-stage trials are also underway in the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Africa, Kenya and Latin America, with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries.

AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity, so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January, Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month.

Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine’s simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca’s commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world.

“This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,” Soriot said.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt “a great sense of relief” at the news from AstraZeneca.

Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators.

Just months ago, “the idea that by November we would have three vaccines, all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for,” Hancock said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals.The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine.AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world anxiously waits for scientific breakthroughs that will bring an end to a pandemic that has wrought economic devastation and resulted in nearly 1.4 million confirmed deaths.Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95% effective. But, unlike its rivals, the AstraZeneca vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, making it easier to distribute, especially in developing countries.“I think these are really exciting results,” Dr. Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said during a news conference. “Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we’ve actually managed to do that.”The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper. AstraZeneca, which has pledged it won’t make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $2.50 a dose. Pfizer’s vaccine costs about $20 a dose, while Moderna’s is $15 to $25, based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government.All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed.Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed that they aren’t competing with other projects, and that multiple vaccines will be needed to reach enough of the world’s population and end the pandemic.“We’re not thinking about vaccinations working in terms of one person at a time. We have to think about vaccinating communities, populations, reducing transmission within those populations, so that we really get on top of this pandemic,″ said Sarah Gilbert, a leader of the Oxford research team. “And that’s what it now looks like we’re going to have the ability to contribute to in a really big way.″The results come as a second wave of COVID-19 hits many countries, once again shutting businesses, restricting social interaction and pummeling the world economy.AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible, and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization, so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries.The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90% effective. Another approach, giving patients two full doses one month apart, was 62% effective. The combined results showed an average efficacy rate of 70%.The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19. After vaccination, the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body.The vaccine can be transported under “normal refrigerated conditions” of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), AstraZeneca said. By comparison, Pfizer plans to distribute its vaccine using specially designed “thermal shippers” that use dry ice to maintain temperatures of minus-70 degrees Celsius (minus-94 degrees Fahrenheit).Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated.“The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs: With drugs, we expect that higher doses have bigger effects, and more side-effects,” he said. “But the immune system does not work like that.”The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people. Late-stage trials are also underway in the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Africa, Kenya and Latin America, with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries.AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity, so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January, Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month.Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine’s simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca’s commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world.“This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,” Soriot said.British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt “a great sense of relief” at the news from AstraZeneca.Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators.Just months ago, “the idea that by November we would have three vaccines, all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for,” Hancock said.___

Cheaper COVID-19 vaccine headed for approval


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The chair of the Board of Reno County Commissioners is encouraging citizens to support their healthcare workers first by wearing a mask and socially distancing and following proper respiratory etiquette.

"We can argue about whether masks are 40% effective or 50% effective or what percentage effective, but its just common sense to think that if people are using masks and then social distancing and staying in smaller groups, that we're going to have less spread of the virus," Sellers said. "That's the important thing, is to cut down on spread."

Sellers is asking the community to hear the cries of the healthcare workers to give them a hand by keeping up the mitigating measures.

"We should be listening to the people that are trying to keep us safe," Sellers said. "They know the medications to use. We've had other medications brought up to the public and so forth, but I think about that the doctors know best for us. I have total confidence in the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and their executive staff and their organization for this crisis."

It's time to continue to encourage them, as well, as long as you can do so safely.

"If you have a friend in the medical service in Reno County, send them a thank you note," Sellers said. "Make them a family dinner. This is the time for the best of our community to come out. We need to see the community taking care of our dedicated medical providers. Friday, staff at the hospital was telling me that they had at least 57 people out and 23 under observation. Obviously, they are short of staff, just as every other business is. The better job that we can do staying apart from each other to cut down on the number of cases helps the hospital and helps our medical care be better."

Hutchinson Regional has around 900 employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606142712734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The chair of the Board of Reno County Commissioners is encouraging citizens to support their healthcare workers first by wearing a mask and socially distancing and following proper respiratory etiquette."We can argue about whether masks are 40% effective or 50% effective or what percentage effective, but its just common sense to think that if people are using masks and then social distancing and staying in smaller groups, that we're going to have less spread of the virus," Sellers said. "That's the important thing, is to cut down on spread."Sellers is asking the community to hear the cries of the healthcare workers to give them a hand by keeping up the mitigating measures."We should be listening to the people that are trying to keep us safe," Sellers said. "They know the medications to use. We've had other medications brought up to the public and so forth, but I think about that the doctors know best for us. I have total confidence in the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and their executive staff and their organization for this crisis."It's time to continue to encourage them, as well, as long as you can do so safely."If you have a friend in the medical service in Reno County, send them a thank you note," Sellers said. "Make them a family dinner. This is the time for the best of our community to come out. We need to see the community taking care of our dedicated medical providers. Friday, staff at the hospital was telling me that they had at least 57 people out and 23 under observation. Obviously, they are short of staff, just as every other business is. The better job that we can do staying apart from each other to cut down on the number of cases helps the hospital and helps our medical care be better."Hutchinson Regional has around 900 employees.

Sellers: Support healthcare workers, wear your mask

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1027 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 43.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 231 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 45 active cases, but has been responsible for 13 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

There are 814 cases in the community at large.

Thirty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-five total have been hospitalized. Sixty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 21 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is holding at 18.57%, with the overall positive test rate at 25.85%. 25.09% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1027 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 43.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 231 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 45 active cases, but has been responsible for 13 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.There are 814 cases in the community at large.Thirty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-five total have been hospitalized. Sixty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 21 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is holding at 18.57%, with the overall positive test rate at 25.85%. 25.09% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1027, with 814 in community as of Sunday evening

U.S. health officials agreed to allow emergency use of a second antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental medicine that President Donald Trump was given when he was sickened last month.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized use of the <a href="https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/press-room/press-releases/2020/10/us-food-and-drug-administration-approves-gileads-antiviral-veklury-remdesivir-for-treatment-of-covid19">Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. drug to </a>try to prevent hospitalization and worsening disease from developing in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms.

The drug is given as a one-time treatment through an IV. The FDA allowed its use in adults and children 12 and over who weigh at least 88 pounds and who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 because of age or certain other medical conditions.

Emergency authorization allows use of the drug to start while studies are continuing to establish safety and effectiveness. Early results suggest the drug may reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression, the FDA said.

Regeneron said that initial doses will be made available to roughly 300,000 patients through a federal government allocation program. Those patients will not be charged for the drug but may have to pay part of the cost of giving the IV.

Initial supplies will likely be vastly outstripped by demand as the U.S. has surged past 12 million reported cases, with the country facing what health experts say will be a dark winter due to uncontrolled spread of the virus.

Antibodies are proteins the body makes to target and help eliminate viruses, but it can take weeks for the best ones to form after an infection occurs. The drugs are concentrated versions of ones that proved best able to do this in lab and animal tests, and in theory help the body start to fight the virus right away.

The Regeneron drug is a combo of two antibodies to enhance the chances it will prove effective. Earlier this month, the FDA gave emergency authorization to a single-antibody drug from Eli Lilly that also is still being studied.

There’s no way to know whether the Regeneron drug helped Trump recover; he received a host of treatments and most COVID-19 patients recover on their own.

FDA regulators authorized the Regeneron drug using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental drugs and other medical products during public health crises.

In normal times the FDA requires “substantial evidence” to show that a drug is safe and effective, usually through one or more large, rigorously controlled patient studies. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards and require only that an experimental treatment’s potential benefits outweigh its risks.

The emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To win full approval, Regeneron will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug’s safety and benefit for patients.

The White House cast the decision as a victory for Trump’s efforts “to deliver cutting-edge treatments with highly promising results to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable Americans,” according to a statement from spokesman Michael Bars.

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE, Associated PressU.S. health officials agreed to allow emergency use of a second antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental medicine that President Donald Trump was given when he was sickened last month.The Food and Drug Administration authorized use of the <a href="https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/press-room/press-releases/2020/10/us-food-and-drug-administration-approves-gileads-antiviral-veklury-remdesivir-for-treatment-of-covid19">Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. drug to </a>try to prevent hospitalization and worsening disease from developing in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms.The drug is given as a one-time treatment through an IV. The FDA allowed its use in adults and children 12 and over who weigh at least 88 pounds and who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 because of age or certain other medical conditions.Emergency authorization allows use of the drug to start while studies are continuing to establish safety and effectiveness. Early results suggest the drug may reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression, the FDA said.Regeneron said that initial doses will be made available to roughly 300,000 patients through a federal government allocation program. Those patients will not be charged for the drug but may have to pay part of the cost of giving the IV.Initial supplies will likely be vastly outstripped by demand as the U.S. has surged past 12 million reported cases, with the country facing what health experts say will be a dark winter due to uncontrolled spread of the virus.Antibodies are proteins the body makes to target and help eliminate viruses, but it can take weeks for the best ones to form after an infection occurs. The drugs are concentrated versions of ones that proved best able to do this in lab and animal tests, and in theory help the body start to fight the virus right away.The Regeneron drug is a combo of two antibodies to enhance the chances it will prove effective. Earlier this month, the FDA gave emergency authorization to a single-antibody drug from Eli Lilly that also is still being studied.There’s no way to know whether the Regeneron drug helped Trump recover; he received a host of treatments and most COVID-19 patients recover on their own.FDA regulators authorized the Regeneron drug using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental drugs and other medical products during public health crises.In normal times the FDA requires “substantial evidence” to show that a drug is safe and effective, usually through one or more large, rigorously controlled patient studies. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards and require only that an experimental treatment’s potential benefits outweigh its risks.The emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To win full approval, Regeneron will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug’s safety and benefit for patients.The White House cast the decision as a victory for Trump’s efforts “to deliver cutting-edge treatments with highly promising results to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable Americans,” according to a statement from spokesman Michael Bars.___

2nd emergency use of a COVID-19 antibody drug approved

Even if all Kansans immediately mask
 up and avoid crowded places, it will likely take weeks to ease the 
burden on hospitals packed with COVID-19 patients.

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-20/mask-rules-helped-kansas-counties-slow-the-march-of-coronavirus-new-cdc-report-suggests">Kansas News Service</a>

In Kansas counties that adopted mask rules last summer, the spread of COVID-19 slowed, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6947e2.htm?s_cid=mm6947e2_w" target="_blank">new research</a> from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.

The
 study by federal and state epidemiologists suggests that if more 
counties follow suit, it could help stem a disastrous groundswell that 
has hospitals in Kansas and across the Midwest reeling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605897184989.png" alt=" Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption> Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Even if all Kansans immediately mask
 up and avoid crowded places, it will likely take weeks to ease the 
burden on hospitals packed with COVID-19 patients.</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-20/mask-rules-helped-kansas-counties-slow-the-march-of-coronavirus-new-cdc-report-suggests">Kansas News Service</a>In Kansas counties that adopted mask rules last summer, the spread of COVID-19 slowed, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6947e2.htm?s_cid=mm6947e2_w" target="_blank">new research</a> from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.The
 study by federal and state epidemiologists suggests that if more 
counties follow suit, it could help stem a disastrous groundswell that 
has hospitals in Kansas and across the Midwest reeling.The 
release of the new CDC publication comes just two days after Kansas Gov.
 Laura Kelly made her second attempt to get Kansans across the state to <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-18/with-hospitals-reeling-kansas-gov-kelly-makes-second-push-to-tame-coronavirus-with-masks" target="_blank">mask up</a>. Most counties overrode her first statewide mask order, and they could do the same to this one.Physicians
 at the University of Kansas Health System say taking masks and social 
distancing seriously saves lives and eases the rush on hospital beds.Even if all Kansans followed their advice fastidiously and immediately, incubation periods mean the record surge across the state would likely intensify before it gets better.“This (pandemic) is very quick to get worse,” anesthesiologist David Wild said, “and very slow to get better.”“People
 are in the hospital for four, five, seven days, if they're not in the 
ICU,” he said. “If they’re in the ICU, it may be 15 or 20 or 30. And so 
it will take some time before we see the benefits of those behaviors 
changing.”That means it would likely take three weeks or more of 
very conscientious efforts by Kansans before hospitals start to get some
 of the respite — and freed up beds — that they desperately need.Doctors fear COVID-19’s record surge across the state could worsen over Thanksgiving and Christmas instead.Already, hospital officials say they’re <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-16/kansas-hospitals-seek-help-from-nearby-states-but-the-whole-midwest-is-struggling-with-a-covid-surge" target="_blank">spending hours calling intensive care units</a>
 in other cities and neighboring states to see who can fit more people. 
They’re postponing kidney stone surgeries just to free up a few extra 
beds, or treating patients in hallways and waiting rooms.This 
summer, the Republican-led Legislature passed a law that blocks Kelly 
from requiring masks. The most she can do is issue rules that county 
commissions can then reject.She did so in July, but 80 of the 
state’s 105 counties blocked the effort. Some have since changed their 
tunes. Sixty-five still have no mask rules.Kelly said Republican leaders and others have signaled to her that more county commissions are ready this time to come on board.“We have reached a new stage in our fight with this virus,” she said, and mask-wearing would help “turn the tide.”County
 commissions have until Wednesday to act before Kelly’s rules take 
effect. They can tweak her version as they see fit — or can again buck 
her effort entirely.But the harsh new reality could force their 
hands. In rural parts of the state, critically ill patients can wait for
 hours for admission to intensive care units in cities hours away.<div><iframe title="Does your county require masks in public?" aria-label="Map" id="datawrapper-chart-wZcb4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wZcb4/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="447"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var e in a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-"+e)||document.querySelector("iframe[src*='"+e+"']");t&&(t.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][e]+"px")}}))}();
</script></div>Editor's note: While Ellis County in northwest Kansas does not have a countywide mask mandate in place, the city of Hays does.<h2>Mask rules in Kansas</h2>The
 CDC and Kansas researchers — which included state epidemiologist Farah 
Ahmed and former state epidemiologist Charles Hunt — compared the spread
 of the virus in counties with mask rules to those without them over 
nearly three months this summer.The disease’s march — calculated 
as seven-day rolling averages of new cases — slowed in counties with mask 
orders. Face coverings appear to have helped, though the authors say 
extra local limits on public gatherings — things like caps on restaurant
 capacity — may have boosted the effect in some of those counties.“COVID-19
 incidence rates reversed course,” the authors wrote, but not in the 
counties without mask rules. There, the pace of new cases kept climbing.(Researchers
 at the Kansas Health Institute also contributed to the study. The 
institute receives funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, one of the
 Kansas News Service’s financial supporters.)<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html" target="_blank">The CDC</a> and the <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> both recommend wearing masks in public and around people you don’t live with.The
 CDC recommends masks for children as young as two years old, though the
 WHO recommends against requiring it for those under age five because 
such young children may not wear it properly.Kelly’s order asks 
Kansans over the age of five (except those with medical conditions that 
would make it difficult) to wear masks in public. That includes outdoor 
spaces where people can’t keep six feet away from each other.Businesses must also instruct employees to wear masks, and require it of customers.<h2>The swift increase</h2>The
 epidemiological price of weddings, parties and packed bars and 
restaurants spiraled rapidly out of control across the Midwest once cold
 weather pushed socializing indoors.In just two weeks, Kansas has confirmed 36,000 new cases of the coronavirus that has killed <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/" target="_blank">more than 250,000</a> people in the U.S.Minnesota’s governor ordered <a href="https://www.startribune.com/walz-to-close-bars-restaurants-and-fitness-centers-for-4-weeks/573114521/" target="_blank">restaurants and bars</a> closed again this week, even as the state said the federal government would send it dozens of <a href="https://www.startribune.com/fema-ambulances-deployed-to-help-transfer-minn-patients/573127151/" target="_blank">staffed ambulances</a> to transport a flood of COVID patients to hospitals.The governors of <a href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2020-11-17/iowa-governor-reverses-course-issues-mask-mandate-as-covid-19-cases-rise" target="_blank">Iowa</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bismarck-north-dakota-coronavirus-pandemic-45788d9dfaae23c1db8125088dfa242b" target="_blank">North Dakota</a>, previously opposed to face-covering orders, broke down over the past week and ordered people to mask up statewide.Scientists
 say masks help by filtering some of the droplets that pass into the air
 from an infected person’s nose and mouth. The CDC summarized the 
research to date in a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html" target="_blank">recent online summary</a>.More than 30 states now have rules requiring masks.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank"> @celialj_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Coronavirus Update