
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 632 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 399 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 9 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 22 active clusters in the county.

There are 241 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-four people are in the hospital. One hundred eleven total have been hospitalized. Forty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 15 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 12.50%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.55%. 20.44% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date with appointments available is Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Journey at Yoder Church just north of Yoder. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

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 <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 632 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 399 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 9 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 22 active clusters in the county.There are 241 cases in the community at large.Twenty-four people are in the hospital. One hundred eleven total have been hospitalized. Forty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 15 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 12.50%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.55%. 20.44% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date with appointments available is Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Journey at Yoder Church just north of Yoder. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Reno County cases at 632, with 241 in community, 24 in hospital Tuesday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 708 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 409 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 13 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 21 active clusters in the county.

There are 318 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-two people are in the hospital. One hundred seven total have been hospitalized. Forty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 14 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 12.04%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.43%. 20.37% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date with appointments available is Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Journey at Yoder Church just north of Yoder. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ea09c567-2db0-4b65-ba74-cbe34301ce8c">Appointment times for Tuesday's event at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds are full, but they will be there again Saturday.</a> 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 708 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 409 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 13 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 21 active clusters in the county.There are 318 cases in the community at large.Twenty-two people are in the hospital. One hundred seven total have been hospitalized. Forty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 14 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 12.04%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.43%. 20.37% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date with appointments available is Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Journey at Yoder Church just north of Yoder. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ea09c567-2db0-4b65-ba74-cbe34301ce8c">Appointment times for Tuesday's event at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds are full, but they will be there again Saturday.</a> To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 708, with 318 in community as of Monday evening

The Reno County overall case count is at 659 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 410 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. Two Correctional Facility residents have died. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 12 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 268 cases in the community at large.

Eighteen people are in the hospital. Ninety-nine total have been hospitalized. Forty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.85%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.12%. 20.17% 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>The Reno County overall case count is at 659 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 410 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. Two Correctional Facility residents have died. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 12 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 268 cases in the community at large.Eighteen people are in the hospital. Ninety-nine total have been hospitalized. Forty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.85%, with the overall positive test rate at 18.12%. 20.17% 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 659, with 268 in community as of Sunday evening

By ANNE CHRISTIANSEN-BULLERS KUMC News

KANSAS CITY - The struggle to breathe is well-documented symptom for those battling COVID-19, so how is the disease best treated for those with existing respiratory problems, such as asthma?

A study to address that question, along with other research related to lung issues, is being supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/" target="_blank">American Lung Association</a>&nbsp;and its research arm, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/airways-clinical-research-centers" target="_blank">Airways Clinical Research Centers Network&nbsp;</a>(ACRC).

The University of Kansas Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/acrc-expands">recently expanded its position&nbsp;</a>in the ACRC from member to consortium hub, which gives KU Medical Center the responsibility to mentor and lead other universities in its group.

<a href="http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/internal-medicine/clinical-divisions/pulmonary-critical-care-and-sleep-medicine/faculty/mario-castro-md.html" target="_blank">Mario Castro</a>, MD, MPH, division chief for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will act as principal investigator. He brings this role with him from a previous position at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

The ACRC is the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers focused on lung disease. Its member centers have advanced research in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"The ACRC Network is an incredibly valuable resource in pulmonology research," Castro said. "The network has answered some of the most important clinical questions we need to manage our patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. Now we are leveraging this expertise to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic."

KU Medical Center will be one of nine hub leaders for the ACRC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/about-our-research/covid19-action-initiative" target="_blank">COVID-19 Action Initiative</a>, a $25 million project from the American Lung Association. The initiative's goals are to:

American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer said the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the importance of ongoing lung disease research championed by the ACRC. "Clinical research allows us to advance scientific knowledge from the lab to the patient's bedside swiftly, directly impacting patient care," he said.

A second major ACRC initiative, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/lung-health-study" target="_blank">Lung Health Cohort Study</a>&nbsp;of millennials (ages 25-35 years old), will examine the effect of environmental exposures on respiratory health in young people. These environmental exposures will include urgent, timely and relevant factors, such as COVID-19 and vaping.

Castro said KU Medical Center is honored to play a role in the initiative, which is funded by a $24.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

"Often, when we think of breathing problems, we focus on the very young or the very old," Castro said. "The Lung Health Cohort Study provides an opportunity to research exposure risk within a young person's environment, so that all generations can benefit moving forward."

"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence."

Locally, KU Medical Center is teaming up with Children's Mercy Kansas City for a clinical trial to be conducted by the ACRC. The trial, called "Improving&nbsp;Medication&nbsp;Adherence with&nbsp;Telehealthcare Medication Therapy Management to&nbsp;Change&nbsp;Health Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Asthma," goes by the acronym MATCH and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Participants will include 300 adolescents and young adults (ages 14-30) who have a difficult time controlling their asthma.

All participants in the clinical trial will receive sensors that attach to their corticosteroid inhalers and a software application for their smartphone or computer.

When the medication is taken, the sensors relay information to the software so the clinical trial participant and the trial administrator can review it. With that data, both can see how well the participant is sticking to the medication plan.

Some participants will get extra support to adhere to their medication plan. In addition to the sensors and software, these participants will have video consultations with a pharmacist trained in medication therapy management. These telehealth visits will offer the participant periodic feedback and encouragement.

The clinical trial will measure which group has fewer asthma flare-ups. It also will figure out the cost-benefit analysis of the telehealth consultations.

"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence," Castro said. "Being able to test that hypothesis as well as measure its costs - especially against the costs associated with an emergency-room visit or hospitalization - could provide insight into a new approach to this common chronic disease, especially in these days of the pandemic where telehealth provides definite advantages to patient care."

In April 2020, the number of member institutions within ACRC nearly doubled, from 22 sites to 39. Universities within the current KU Medical Center consortium hub include the university itself as well as:

"As our nation faces the COVID-19 public health crisis, this framework of the ACRC is needed today more than ever," ALA's Wimmer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603750350464.jpeg" alt="The University of Kansas Medical Center will take a leadership role in the Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC), the research arm of the American Lung Association." />
 <figcaption>The University of Kansas Medical Center will take a leadership role in the Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC), the research arm of the American Lung Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNE CHRISTIANSEN-BULLERS KUMC NewsKANSAS CITY - The struggle to breathe is well-documented symptom for those battling COVID-19, so how is the disease best treated for those with existing respiratory problems, such as asthma?A study to address that question, along with other research related to lung issues, is being supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/" target="_blank">American Lung Association</a>&nbsp;and its research arm, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/airways-clinical-research-centers" target="_blank">Airways Clinical Research Centers Network&nbsp;</a>(ACRC).The University of Kansas Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/acrc-expands">recently expanded its position&nbsp;</a>in the ACRC from member to consortium hub, which gives KU Medical Center the responsibility to mentor and lead other universities in its group.<h2>Importance of ACRC Network</h2><a href="http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/internal-medicine/clinical-divisions/pulmonary-critical-care-and-sleep-medicine/faculty/mario-castro-md.html" target="_blank">Mario Castro</a>, MD, MPH, division chief for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will act as principal investigator. He brings this role with him from a previous position at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.The ACRC is the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers focused on lung disease. Its member centers have advanced research in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."The ACRC Network is an incredibly valuable resource in pulmonology research," Castro said. "The network has answered some of the most important clinical questions we need to manage our patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. Now we are leveraging this expertise to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic."<h2>COVID-19 Action Initiative</h2>KU Medical Center will be one of nine hub leaders for the ACRC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/about-our-research/covid19-action-initiative" target="_blank">COVID-19 Action Initiative</a>, a $25 million project from the American Lung Association. The initiative's goals are to:<ul>
 <li>Expand respiratory research</li><li>Fund grants for coronavirus vaccines and other prevention measures</li><li>Provide additional grants for research evaluating the effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic lung disease</li><li>Enhance key public health measures through education and advocacy</li>
 </ul>American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer said the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the importance of ongoing lung disease research championed by the ACRC. "Clinical research allows us to advance scientific knowledge from the lab to the patient's bedside swiftly, directly impacting patient care," he said.<h2>Millennial Lung Health Cohort Study</h2>A second major ACRC initiative, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/lung-health-study" target="_blank">Lung Health Cohort Study</a>&nbsp;of millennials (ages 25-35 years old), will examine the effect of environmental exposures on respiratory health in young people. These environmental exposures will include urgent, timely and relevant factors, such as COVID-19 and vaping.Castro said KU Medical Center is honored to play a role in the initiative, which is funded by a $24.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health."Often, when we think of breathing problems, we focus on the very young or the very old," Castro said. "The Lung Health Cohort Study provides an opportunity to research exposure risk within a young person's environment, so that all generations can benefit moving forward."<h2>Clinical trial for those with asthma</h2><figure>
 <img src="http://www.kumc.edu/Images/news/Castro,%20M%20Pulmonary%20Disease.jpg" alt="Mario Castro" />
 <figcaption>Mario Castro</figcaption>
 </figure>"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence."Locally, KU Medical Center is teaming up with Children's Mercy Kansas City for a clinical trial to be conducted by the ACRC. The trial, called "Improving&nbsp;Medication&nbsp;Adherence with&nbsp;Telehealthcare Medication Therapy Management to&nbsp;Change&nbsp;Health Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Asthma," goes by the acronym MATCH and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.Participants will include 300 adolescents and young adults (ages 14-30) who have a difficult time controlling their asthma.All participants in the clinical trial will receive sensors that attach to their corticosteroid inhalers and a software application for their smartphone or computer.When the medication is taken, the sensors relay information to the software so the clinical trial participant and the trial administrator can review it. With that data, both can see how well the participant is sticking to the medication plan.Some participants will get extra support to adhere to their medication plan. In addition to the sensors and software, these participants will have video consultations with a pharmacist trained in medication therapy management. These telehealth visits will offer the participant periodic feedback and encouragement.The clinical trial will measure which group has fewer asthma flare-ups. It also will figure out the cost-benefit analysis of the telehealth consultations."We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence," Castro said. "Being able to test that hypothesis as well as measure its costs - especially against the costs associated with an emergency-room visit or hospitalization - could provide insight into a new approach to this common chronic disease, especially in these days of the pandemic where telehealth provides definite advantages to patient care."<h2>About the ACRC expansion</h2>In April 2020, the number of member institutions within ACRC nearly doubled, from 22 sites to 39. Universities within the current KU Medical Center consortium hub include the university itself as well as:<ul>
 <li>Vanderbilt University</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Madison</li><li>Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina</li>
 </ul>"As our nation faces the COVID-19 public health crisis, this framework of the ACRC is needed today more than ever," ALA's Wimmer said.

KUMC selected for COVID-19, lung health research

The Reno County overall case count is at 640 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 416 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for six deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 243 cases in the community at large.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.72%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.99%. 19.99% of the population has been tested.

The school gating criteria will remain in the red for the upcoming week. 14-Day Positive Test Rate as of 10/26 is 21.1%. 14-Day New Case Total as of 10/26 is 339.

Depending on the week, 40 to 50% of people who test positive have no idea where they were exposed. In Hutchinson, when measuring by home address, the area extending southwest of the fairgrounds has been an ongoing area of greater concentration of those unknown cases for several months. The area north of 30th from Severance to Monroe has emerged more recently with a greater concentration of positive cases with unknown exposure. South Hutchinson also has a concentrated area of unknown exposures and Buhler and Partridge are also having those issues.

Widespread community testing is how you find those unknown cases before they can continue to spread. The next community testing date is November 3 at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The county is also encouraging groups to limit gathering sizes even more than the local health order suggests. A Friday release would like to see people voluntarily limit such gatherings to 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County overall case count is at 640 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 18.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 416 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for six deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 243 cases in the community at large.Eighteen people are in the hospital. Ninety-nine total have been hospitalized. Forty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.72%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.99%. 19.99% of the population has been tested.The school gating criteria will remain in the red for the upcoming week. 14-Day Positive Test Rate as of 10/26 is 21.1%. 14-Day New Case Total as of 10/26 is 339.Depending on the week, 40 to 50% of people who test positive have no idea where they were exposed. In Hutchinson, when measuring by home address, the area extending southwest of the fairgrounds has been an ongoing area of greater concentration of those unknown cases for several months. The area north of 30th from Severance to Monroe has emerged more recently with a greater concentration of positive cases with unknown exposure. South Hutchinson also has a concentrated area of unknown exposures and Buhler and Partridge are also having those issues.Widespread community testing is how you find those unknown cases before they can continue to spread. The next community testing date is November 3 at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.The county is also encouraging groups to limit gathering sizes even more than the local health order suggests. A Friday release would like to see people voluntarily limit such gatherings to 10.

Case count at 640, with 243 in community, deaths up to 18


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) on Wednesday announced its plan to ensure all seniors have access to the COVID-19 vaccine once the vaccines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"I spoke with the Vice President this past weekend," said Congressman Roger Marshall. "He remains optimistic that we're going to have a vaccine available for the vulnerable, maybe by Thanksgiving time."

This announcement builds on previous frameworks to provide the vaccine to those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, ensuring that millions of older Americans are protected.

"Medicare or Medicaid is going to cover the cost of the COVID vaccine 100%," said Marshall. "No out of pocket expenses."

Beyond Medicare, the interim rule also addresses vaccination coverage for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. CMS has also taken action to ensure that most private health plans cover the vaccine with no cost share for both in and out-of-network providers. 

"Looking at one of them right now, we hear that maybe its about three weeks from being finalized if everything goes perfect," Marshall said. "It will be a little bit of a miracle, a little bit of a moonshot, but that's what Americans do. It's going to be safe and effective as well. We are not skipping any steps at all, we're making sure that this vaccine is safe. We're just doing several steps at the same time that are typically done over years."

CMS will also be providing hospitals additional Medicare payments to support and encourage the use of innovative new COVID-19 treatments and therapies in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595001869381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) on Wednesday announced its plan to ensure all seniors have access to the COVID-19 vaccine once the vaccines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."I spoke with the Vice President this past weekend," said Congressman Roger Marshall. "He remains optimistic that we're going to have a vaccine available for the vulnerable, maybe by Thanksgiving time."This announcement builds on previous frameworks to provide the vaccine to those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, ensuring that millions of older Americans are protected."Medicare or Medicaid is going to cover the cost of the COVID vaccine 100%," said Marshall. "No out of pocket expenses."Beyond Medicare, the interim rule also addresses vaccination coverage for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. CMS has also taken action to ensure that most private health plans cover the vaccine with no cost share for both in and out-of-network providers. "Looking at one of them right now, we hear that maybe its about three weeks from being finalized if everything goes perfect," Marshall said. "It will be a little bit of a miracle, a little bit of a moonshot, but that's what Americans do. It's going to be safe and effective as well. We are not skipping any steps at all, we're making sure that this vaccine is safe. We're just doing several steps at the same time that are typically done over years."CMS will also be providing hospitals additional Medicare payments to support and encourage the use of innovative new COVID-19 treatments and therapies in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Marshall: CMS prepping for vaccine rollout

TOPEKA—The State Finance Council (SFC) Thursday unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses, according to a media release from the governor's office. “Today’s actions will bolster our Unified Testing Strategy and allow us to provide up to one million COVID-19 tests by the end of the year,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank the State Finance Council for supporting the health priorities of our state and increasing funds for small businesses, which are essential for our economic recovery.” The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), which is part of the federal CARES Act. After receiving proposals from public and private labs across the state, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined it could invest up to $95 million to implement its unified testing strategy. Previously, SFC had authorized $50 million for COVID-19 testing, and with today’s actions, the Office of Recovery will have the ability to invest up to $95 million in testing. SFC approved an additional $20 million for small business grants. About $35 million has already been awarded in small business grants. Additionally, SFC approved providing the Office of Recovery the authority to redistribute any unused funds among previously approved programs. The CRF requires funds to be used by the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Office of Recovery oversees all the CRF programs and will shift dollars from program to program based on need, demand, and the ability to implement by the deadline. “With only 39 working days remaining before December 30, we need a dynamic approach, and I want to thank State Finance Council for providing us the flexibility to deliver timely investments to Kansans,”&nbsp;Executive Director Julie Lorenz said.&nbsp;“We know our state’s needs exceed the funds available, and we’re committed to leveraging these dollars to help as many Kansans as we can.” Approximately $25 million of the CRF remains in reserve. SFC will meet again next month to approve the final investments.

TOPEKA—The State Finance Council (SFC) Thursday unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses, according to a media release from the governor's office. “Today’s actions will bolster our Unified Testing Strategy and allow us to provide up to one million COVID-19 tests by the end of the year,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank the State Finance Council for supporting the health priorities of our state and increasing funds for small businesses, which are essential for our economic recovery.” The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), which is part of the federal CARES Act. After receiving proposals from public and private labs across the state, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined it could invest up to $95 million to implement its unified testing strategy. Previously, SFC had authorized $50 million for COVID-19 testing, and with today’s actions, the Office of Recovery will have the ability to invest up to $95 million in testing. SFC approved an additional $20 million for small business grants. About $35 million has already been awarded in small business grants. Additionally, SFC approved providing the Office of Recovery the authority to redistribute any unused funds among previously approved programs. The CRF requires funds to be used by the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Office of Recovery oversees all the CRF programs and will shift dollars from program to program based on need, demand, and the ability to implement by the deadline. “With only 39 working days remaining before December 30, we need a dynamic approach, and I want to thank State Finance Council for providing us the flexibility to deliver timely investments to Kansans,”&nbsp;Executive Director Julie Lorenz said.&nbsp;“We know our state’s needs exceed the funds available, and we’re committed to leveraging these dollars to help as many Kansans as we can.” Approximately $25 million of the CRF remains in reserve. SFC will meet again next month to approve the final investments.

$65M approved for more COVID-19 testing in Kansas


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 621 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 412 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 229 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-one people are in the hospital. Ninety-nine total have been hospitalized. Forty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.61%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.88%. 19.91% 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 621 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 412 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 229 cases in the community at large.Twenty-one people are in the hospital. Ninety-nine total have been hospitalized. Forty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.61%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.88%. 19.91% of the population has been tested.

Case count at 621, with 229 in community as of Thursday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 603 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 414 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 209 cases in the community at large.

Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-six total have been hospitalized. Forty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.36%. 19.82% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Tuesday, November 3 at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To set your appointment, call (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 603 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 414 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 11 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 209 cases in the community at large.Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-six total have been hospitalized. Forty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.36%. 19.82% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday, November 3 at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To set your appointment, call (844) 834-3657.

County case count at 603, only 209 in community as of Wednesday evening

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3,369 to a total of 82,045 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1007, an increase of&nbsp; 31.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3,369 to a total of 82,045 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1007, an increase of&nbsp; 31.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603905113410.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 28, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 28, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

The Reno County overall case count is at 724 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 460 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 16 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 285 cases in the community at large.

Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-four total have been hospitalized. Forty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.27%. 19.75% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County overall case count is at 724 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 460 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 16 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 285 cases in the community at large.Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-four total have been hospitalized. Forty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.27%. 19.75% of the population has been tested.

Reno County case count at 724, 285 in community, 16 deaths

WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.

The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.

It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.

The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.

President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.

Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.

“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.

A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.

States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.

Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.

Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

<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>WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”“Stay tuned,” she added.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

Medicare finalizing coverage policy for coronavirus vaccine

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.

Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.

Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.

&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.

The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.

“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

Kansas City sees record number of virus deaths 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted a special emphasis that is coming for Reno County residents starting next week.

"We're going to kick off a 10-day challenge to change behavior," Hammersmith said. "That's slated for Wednesday, November 4. The kickoff, the reason we're waiting til November 4 is we don't want to interfere with election day. It will be a challenge to stay home and limit social activities to 10. Utilize your local restaurants, but use carryout, business limit groups to 10, so socialization should be eliminated and then wear a mask."

The Hutchinson Chamber will host an event related to the emphasis.

"We're going to have a Chamber lunchtime lowdown, which will be Wednesday, November 4," Hammersmith said. "We'll have D.J. Gering, who is our analyst, Elliott Koester, our epidemiologist and myself will answer questions related to work and COVID."

There will also be a town hall meeting that week.

"We'll have physicians, health department personnel, business, superintendents, people to answer questions, as well for response at a town hall meeting," Hammersmith said. "We are going to stress the need to limit social and business gatherings to 10."

More details about the emphasis will be coming out as it prepares to launch next week.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted a special emphasis that is coming for Reno County residents starting next week."We're going to kick off a 10-day challenge to change behavior," Hammersmith said. "That's slated for Wednesday, November 4. The kickoff, the reason we're waiting til November 4 is we don't want to interfere with election day. It will be a challenge to stay home and limit social activities to 10. Utilize your local restaurants, but use carryout, business limit groups to 10, so socialization should be eliminated and then wear a mask."The Hutchinson Chamber will host an event related to the emphasis."We're going to have a Chamber lunchtime lowdown, which will be Wednesday, November 4," Hammersmith said. "We'll have D.J. Gering, who is our analyst, Elliott Koester, our epidemiologist and myself will answer questions related to work and COVID."There will also be a town hall meeting that week."We'll have physicians, health department personnel, business, superintendents, people to answer questions, as well for response at a town hall meeting," Hammersmith said. "We are going to stress the need to limit social and business gatherings to 10."More details about the emphasis will be coming out as it prepares to launch next week.

Hammersmith: Emphasis coming after election day to change COVID-19 behavior


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center clarified on a call with Reno County stakeholders Tuesday that the intensive care unit has been stretched to its staffing limits in recent days. 


"If you take our 18-bed capacity plus the four additional beds that are just off the ICU, we call that the queue, those are isolation rooms, we have a 22-bed capacity total," Welch said. "We have been full from a staffing capacity, meaning maybe not all twenty-two beds were full, but every bed that we could assign an ICU Critical Care nurse to was full."

Welch said it's not a shortage of beds that will be the problem, it is a shortage of staff. Obviously, not all ICU patients are COVID patients.

"We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can," Welch said. "Bed space is second to staffing. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients, up to the point where we run out of beds, but I see staffing being the issue before bed capacity. I think Wesley and Via Christi would echo that sentiment."

The hospital had a total of 19 COVID patients overall as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. Three of those were intubated.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center clarified on a call with Reno County stakeholders Tuesday that the intensive care unit has been stretched to its staffing limits in recent days. 
"If you take our 18-bed capacity plus the four additional beds that are just off the ICU, we call that the queue, those are isolation rooms, we have a 22-bed capacity total," Welch said. "We have been full from a staffing capacity, meaning maybe not all twenty-two beds were full, but every bed that we could assign an ICU Critical Care nurse to was full."Welch said it's not a shortage of beds that will be the problem, it is a shortage of staff. Obviously, not all ICU patients are COVID patients."We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can," Welch said. "Bed space is second to staffing. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients, up to the point where we run out of beds, but I see staffing being the issue before bed capacity. I think Wesley and Via Christi would echo that sentiment."The hospital had a total of 19 COVID patients overall as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. Three of those were intubated.

Welch: Staffing has been stretched lately in ICU


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 689 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 435 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 15 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 18 active clusters in the county.

There are 271 cases in the community at large.

Nineteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-nine total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is back up to 11.25%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.95%. 19.66% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 689 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 435 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 15 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 18 active clusters in the county.There are 271 cases in the community at large.Nineteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-nine total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is back up to 11.25%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.95%. 19.66% of the population has been tested.

Case count as of Monday night at 689, 271 in community


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 617 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 400 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 13 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 17 active clusters in the county.

There are 234 cases in the community at large.

Eighteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-eight total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated.

The community's positive test rate is back down to 10.94%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.57%. 19.38% of the population has been tested.

The Reno County Health Department is providing testing every Tuesday at the Fairgrounds Oz Building Breezeway. The test date this week is Tuesday, Oct 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 617 as of Sunday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 400 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 13 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 17 active clusters in the county.There are 234 cases in the community at large.Eighteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-eight total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated.The community's positive test rate is back down to 10.94%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.57%. 19.38% of the population has been tested.The Reno County Health Department is providing testing every Tuesday at the Fairgrounds Oz Building Breezeway. The test date this week is Tuesday, Oct 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Case count at 617, 400 of those related to correctional facilities

STERLING, Kan. — Genzada Pharmaceuticals is continuing to pursue potential solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is something that we feel like is right in our wheelhouse, in terms of searching for different molecules, different compounds that may have effect against various diseases, COVID-19 included," said Executive Vice President Jason West. "We thought, this is a good opportunity for us to take a look at some of the existing compounds we have in our pipeline and basically send those off for testing."

Based upon preclinical testing those compounds, inspired by the black calla lily, have shown initial efficacy on COVID-19 and other viruses.

"This is kind of an early indication that there may be something there," West said. "There may be some viable compound that could go forward to be a drug eventually, someday."

At this point, it looks like it would be more of a therapeutic than a vaccine-type treatment, but it's really too early to tell.

"The way we think it works, at least right now, is that it essentially binds to the virus itself," West said. "For lack of a better term, it seems to be changing the shape of the virus, the physical shape, so then it does not have the ability to attach to a healthy cell."

The work thus far has been performed in part by Northern Arizona University's COVID-19 Testing Service Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586029431266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STERLING, Kan. — Genzada Pharmaceuticals is continuing to pursue potential solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic."This is something that we feel like is right in our wheelhouse, in terms of searching for different molecules, different compounds that may have effect against various diseases, COVID-19 included," said Executive Vice President Jason West. "We thought, this is a good opportunity for us to take a look at some of the existing compounds we have in our pipeline and basically send those off for testing."Based upon preclinical testing those compounds, inspired by the black calla lily, have shown initial efficacy on COVID-19 and other viruses."This is kind of an early indication that there may be something there," West said. "There may be some viable compound that could go forward to be a drug eventually, someday."At this point, it looks like it would be more of a therapeutic than a vaccine-type treatment, but it's really too early to tell."The way we think it works, at least right now, is that it essentially binds to the virus itself," West said. "For lack of a better term, it seems to be changing the shape of the virus, the physical shape, so then it does not have the ability to attach to a healthy cell."The work thus far has been performed in part by Northern Arizona University's COVID-19 Testing Service Center.

Genzada: Early stage testing for COVID-19 potential treatment promising


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As of Thursday evening, the case count in Reno County has increased back to 561 overall, with 233 active in the community and 15 deaths.

Schools can likely anticipate remaining in the red for the coming week, as the 14-day positive test rate as of 10-18 is at 21.9% and the 14-day new case count is at 356, both well above the threshold for the red criteria.

More testing continues in the county. Not quite 19% of the county has been tested, with 11,907 total tests and 9,981 negatives for an overall positive test rate of 16.18%. The community positive test rate is now at 11.01%.

The next community testing date is Saturday at Pretty Prairie Elementary School from 10 a.m. to noon.

There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:

Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

<figure>
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As of Thursday evening, the case count in Reno County has increased back to 561 overall, with 233 active in the community and 15 deaths.Schools can likely anticipate remaining in the red for the coming week, as the 14-day positive test rate as of 10-18 is at 21.9% and the 14-day new case count is at 356, both well above the threshold for the red criteria.More testing continues in the county. Not quite 19% of the county has been tested, with 11,907 total tests and 9,981 negatives for an overall positive test rate of 16.18%. The community positive test rate is now at 11.01%.The next community testing date is Saturday at Pretty Prairie Elementary School from 10 a.m. to noon.There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

Schools likely to be in red, positive test rate up in Reno County as of Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.

The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.

Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.

The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.

“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.

The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.

Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.

Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.

So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603450089080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.___

FDA approves the first drug for treating COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.

For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.

The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.

The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.

It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.

The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.

An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.

The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.

In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.

“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.

The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.

The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591480312815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.___

CDC redefines COVID-19 close contact, adds brief encounters


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson's fire and police departments have had to handle COVID-19, but they are still doing okay for personnel at this point.

"We did run into some issues here within the department in the past months with people contracting COVID on the department," said Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer. "We dealt with that, but it hasn't wiped out my workforce like I anticipated it could have. We're not doing a lot of community engagements and stuff. We're trying to keep the fire stations clean, because these guys and gals take enough risks on a daily basis just going on these calls with sick individuals."

Police Chief Jeff Hooper noted one particular area where they have struggled.

"I have not had one of my officers that has had COVID," Hooper said. "We have had several that have been exposed and have been tested and been out of work for a few days pending those tests. Where we have been hit has been in our dispatch communications center. I believe I've got two dispatchers out right now with COVID and then we've also had others that have been exposed and been out for a significant period of time."

The dispatch situation may even result in an operational change, if it becomes necessary.

"They can't really social distance," Hooper said. "Those employees are fairly close together. We're currently operating out of our backup site because of the renovation at the police department. That's even a more confined space. Right now, we're actually looking at some solutions to probably spin up a secondary backup site."

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson's fire and police departments have had to handle COVID-19, but they are still doing okay for personnel at this point."We did run into some issues here within the department in the past months with people contracting COVID on the department," said Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer. "We dealt with that, but it hasn't wiped out my workforce like I anticipated it could have. We're not doing a lot of community engagements and stuff. We're trying to keep the fire stations clean, because these guys and gals take enough risks on a daily basis just going on these calls with sick individuals."Police Chief Jeff Hooper noted one particular area where they have struggled."I have not had one of my officers that has had COVID," Hooper said. "We have had several that have been exposed and have been tested and been out of work for a few days pending those tests. Where we have been hit has been in our dispatch communications center. I believe I've got two dispatchers out right now with COVID and then we've also had others that have been exposed and been out for a significant period of time."The dispatch situation may even result in an operational change, if it becomes necessary."They can't really social distance," Hooper said. "Those employees are fairly close together. We're currently operating out of our backup site because of the renovation at the police department. That's even a more confined space. Right now, we're actually looking at some solutions to probably spin up a secondary backup site."This might be needed if the site they are at needs cleaning if exposure is found to have happened there and to allow them to go back and forth if necessary.

Coronavirus Update