By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.

She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.

More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.

Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.

There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.

Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595338227926.png" alt=" A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

Kelly: Masks non-negotiable in schools, pleads for delaying classes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.

Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.

But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”

Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.

Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.

“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.

She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”

The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.

On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.

Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.

McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing and insisting on the payroll tax cut, Republicans said.

At Monday’s White House meeting, Trump said he wants a full payroll tax repeal, said one Republican who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Trump then put economist Art Laffer on speakerphone. Laffer is part of a conservative group favoring the tax break. The GOP leaders indicated only a partial repeal would be included in the coming bill.

Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because it is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. The tax is already being deferred for employers under the previous virus relief package. Supporters say cutting it now for employees would put money in people’s pockets and stimulate the economy, but detractors warn it would do little for out-of-work Americans and add to the nation’s rising debt load. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion.

GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battled over priorities.

GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”

Economist Stephen Moore, who is part of the conservative group promoting the payroll tax cut, is also backing a health care provision to prevent surprise medical billing. Moore was not part of the meeting but said both were discussed at the White House.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea9b97cabecae5c91595aab05dd7f6d">leading health professionals</a>&nbsp;straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.

On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.”

Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short, reviving a strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion effort</a>, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.

Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a8a5903bf4c651a2add77c643ddcdd2e">stated his own priorities</a>. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track the virus to contain its spread. Another Republican familiar with the process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.

The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession, and a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units approved in the last bill is about to expire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268522690.png" alt="President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268489369.png" alt="President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing and insisting on the payroll tax cut, Republicans said.At Monday’s White House meeting, Trump said he wants a full payroll tax repeal, said one Republican who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Trump then put economist Art Laffer on speakerphone. Laffer is part of a conservative group favoring the tax break. The GOP leaders indicated only a partial repeal would be included in the coming bill.Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because it is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. The tax is already being deferred for employers under the previous virus relief package. Supporters say cutting it now for employees would put money in people’s pockets and stimulate the economy, but detractors warn it would do little for out-of-work Americans and add to the nation’s rising debt load. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion.GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battled over priorities.GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”Economist Stephen Moore, who is part of the conservative group promoting the payroll tax cut, is also backing a health care provision to prevent surprise medical billing. Moore was not part of the meeting but said both were discussed at the White House.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea9b97cabecae5c91595aab05dd7f6d">leading health professionals</a>&nbsp;straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.”Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short, reviving a strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion effort</a>, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a8a5903bf4c651a2add77c643ddcdd2e">stated his own priorities</a>. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track the virus to contain its spread. Another Republican familiar with the process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession, and a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units approved in the last bill is about to expire.___

Trump, Congress square off over virus aid as crisis worsens

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon.

 Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.

Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.

The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;

Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.

“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;

“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”

Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.

Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.

The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.

The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.

Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.

To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon. Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F663459251046658%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Students enrolled concurrently to receive college credit;</li><li>Enrollment of students for the 2020-2021 school year may occur in K-12 schools;</li><li>Screenings and evaluations of students to determine accommodations and placement needs for the 2020-2021 school year.</li>
 </ol>Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Eating;</li><li>Activities that cannot be safely conducted with a mask or other face covering;</li><li>Children who are not students and are 5 years of age or under;</li><li>Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;</li><li>Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;</li><li>Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work.</li>
 </ol>The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

🎥 Governor signs executive order on schools

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<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 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 307<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/2020/7/1595264533467.png" alt="July 20, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 20, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says in terms of active case count, we're generally worse than we've been through most of the pandemic. The count briefly bounced above 50 active cases Monday morning.

"We're certainly trending in the highest number of active cases that we've had since the beginning of this event," Baldetti said. 

The numbers are constantly changing, but the general trend is in a higher case count direction with more coming on to the list than going off.

"If we are extremely conservative, technically, the tests positive that we're receiving now, if we look at the average two-week gestation period, plus you add the 7 to 10 day lag from the laboratory confirmation stage, the positives that we're running through right now have the potential of being active over the last three weeks, if that makes sense."

This is why you have to act as if you're infected even if the test is still outstanding.

"Hopefully, individuals who get tested, they should be getting educated by their primary care physician to be isolating at home as soon as they are tested," Baldetti said. "You can see the challenge in investigation when there's a time lag and lag of confirmation because we're not immediately contacting case contacts who may very well have been exposed."

Because of that, there are likely at least some people walking around either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic within the county, so it is important to continue mask wearing and hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette, as well as staying home when you are sick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says in terms of active case count, we're generally worse than we've been through most of the pandemic. The count briefly bounced above 50 active cases Monday morning."We're certainly trending in the highest number of active cases that we've had since the beginning of this event," Baldetti said. The numbers are constantly changing, but the general trend is in a higher case count direction with more coming on to the list than going off."If we are extremely conservative, technically, the tests positive that we're receiving now, if we look at the average two-week gestation period, plus you add the 7 to 10 day lag from the laboratory confirmation stage, the positives that we're running through right now have the potential of being active over the last three weeks, if that makes sense."This is why you have to act as if you're infected even if the test is still outstanding."Hopefully, individuals who get tested, they should be getting educated by their primary care physician to be isolating at home as soon as they are tested," Baldetti said. "You can see the challenge in investigation when there's a time lag and lag of confirmation because we're not immediately contacting case contacts who may very well have been exposed."Because of that, there are likely at least some people walking around either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic within the county, so it is important to continue mask wearing and hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette, as well as staying home when you are sick.

Case count in Reno County generally on the rise, keep up masks and hygiene practices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.

New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.

Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.

“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.

The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.

The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.

Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.

The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.

The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.

Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.

As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.

Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.

A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.

With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.

Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.

In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.

“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589232058595.png" alt="President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.“I want to see it,” he said.As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

GOP leaders, Trump to discuss virus aid as crisis deepens


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti didn't know Governor Laura Kelly was going to call for a delay in the start of the 2020-2021 school year. He can see her point from a purely epidemiological perspective, but the decision needs to be more nuanced and targeted than that.

I think, if we are solely speaking on the foundations of epidemiology and disease investigation, simply not aggregating bodies in one place, such as we do in school, would certainly be beneficial. With that said, I think every public health professional was all surprised by the information of an Executive Order that's delaying school."

So, what happens if there is COVID-19 activity in a school this year?

"The public health department would work very closely with each school district in concert with each individual school itself in terms of activity, should we have a positive COVID-19 case," Baldetti said. "Epidemiologically, we would associate the investigation status with the plans that each school is putting into place, establishing classes as cohorts, not intermingling those classes, etc."

The hope would be to at the very least keep any school closures at a building level if absolutely necessary, but maybe even being able to just do deep cleaning at a classroom level, depending on the specific circumstances of the infection. 

"Things are changing almost daily," Baldetti said. "That's some semblance of the plan that's being discussed with superintendents right now," Baldetti said. "If there's further direction that's given to us at higher levels, then obviously that shifts, but that's the expectation."

It remains to be seen if there is some push back from the State Board of Education and maybe a further change in policy before kids get back to school.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti didn't know Governor Laura Kelly was going to call for a delay in the start of the 2020-2021 school year. He can see her point from a purely epidemiological perspective, but the decision needs to be more nuanced and targeted than that.I think, if we are solely speaking on the foundations of epidemiology and disease investigation, simply not aggregating bodies in one place, such as we do in school, would certainly be beneficial. With that said, I think every public health professional was all surprised by the information of an Executive Order that's delaying school."So, what happens if there is COVID-19 activity in a school this year?"The public health department would work very closely with each school district in concert with each individual school itself in terms of activity, should we have a positive COVID-19 case," Baldetti said. "Epidemiologically, we would associate the investigation status with the plans that each school is putting into place, establishing classes as cohorts, not intermingling those classes, etc."The hope would be to at the very least keep any school closures at a building level if absolutely necessary, but maybe even being able to just do deep cleaning at a classroom level, depending on the specific circumstances of the infection. "Things are changing almost daily," Baldetti said. "That's some semblance of the plan that's being discussed with superintendents right now," Baldetti said. "If there's further direction that's given to us at higher levels, then obviously that shifts, but that's the expectation."It remains to be seen if there is some push back from the State Board of Education and maybe a further change in policy before kids get back to school.

Baldetti: COVID response in schools up to districts, unless state intervenes

Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall believes progress is being made in the fight against COVID-19, even as the case count rises.

"Of course, the number of new infections is going up," Marshall said. "It looks like this virus is getting weaker. We're treating it so much better."

Dr. Marshall is optimistic that a vaccine is coming soon.

"We have two vaccines that are now through Phase II," Marshall said. "We're going to start manufacturing those right now and then they'll start Phase III. If one of them pans out, which we're hopeful, we'll probably have vaccines for high-risk people by November and by Christmastime, maybe for everybody."

Marshall also believes kids should be back in school.

"Healthy children, if they catch the virus, the chances of them dying is one in a million," Marshall said. "If that's the risk, I think the benefits of going back to school outweigh the risk. We should respect the virus, don't get me wrong. I think that we have to respect the virus, just like if we're driving a car. We respect driving. Every day in Kansas, one or two people are dying from driving a car. Every day in Kansas, one or two people die from this virus."

Marshall noted that the benefits of in person education, getting a nutritious lunch through the school lunch program and mitigating abuse risk with spending less time in the home in some cases, are all important as local and state officials weigh how to best open schools this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593463079407.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall believes progress is being made in the fight against COVID-19, even as the case count rises."Of course, the number of new infections is going up," Marshall said. "It looks like this virus is getting weaker. We're treating it so much better."Dr. Marshall is optimistic that a vaccine is coming soon."We have two vaccines that are now through Phase II," Marshall said. "We're going to start manufacturing those right now and then they'll start Phase III. If one of them pans out, which we're hopeful, we'll probably have vaccines for high-risk people by November and by Christmastime, maybe for everybody."Marshall also believes kids should be back in school."Healthy children, if they catch the virus, the chances of them dying is one in a million," Marshall said. "If that's the risk, I think the benefits of going back to school outweigh the risk. We should respect the virus, don't get me wrong. I think that we have to respect the virus, just like if we're driving a car. We respect driving. Every day in Kansas, one or two people are dying from driving a car. Every day in Kansas, one or two people die from this virus."Marshall noted that the benefits of in person education, getting a nutritious lunch through the school lunch program and mitigating abuse risk with spending less time in the home in some cases, are all important as local and state officials weigh how to best open schools this fall.

Marshall: Virus getting weaker, vaccines look promising

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.

The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.

The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.

On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595005333645.png" alt="July 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

Single-day record number of virus deaths reported in KC metro area


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have relatives in long-term care facilities.

"People who are on Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's not correct."

Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities.

"The way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. "That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate the economy."

Schmidt notes that his office has not received any such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back that money.

"We have received quite a few inquiries from people in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to contact our consumer division if it happens to them."

Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have relatives in long-term care facilities."People who are on Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's not correct."Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities."The way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. "That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate the economy."Schmidt notes that his office has not received any such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back that money."We have received quite a few inquiries from people in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to contact our consumer division if it happens to them."Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

Let AG's office know if nursing home tries to appropriate stimulus check

NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.

Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday. Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on Tuesday at all 1,200 stores.

More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.&nbsp;

The announcements come one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2efc9640fe70badfa6c8f6f5b3923f68">the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart,</a>&nbsp;said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.

Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide in recent days.

Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.

They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.

It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.

“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday. Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on Tuesday at all 1,200 stores.More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.&nbsp;The announcements come one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2efc9640fe70badfa6c8f6f5b3923f68">the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart,</a>&nbsp;said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide in recent days.Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

List of national retail chains requiring masks is growing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The current COVID-19 case count in Reno County, as of Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. is at 43 active cases. Ninety-nine people have recovered. No one has died with COVID-19 listed as the primary cause of death in Reno County thus far. The dashboard still lists five hospitalizations.

The Health Department would like to remind everyone to continue the following hygiene practices to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

• Practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others)

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow bend (even when wearing a mask)

• Limit handshakes and physical contact

• Stay home when you are sick unless seeking medical attention

• Use a face covering when in public places.

The Health Department continues to highly encourage Reno County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The current COVID-19 case count in Reno County, as of Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. is at 43 active cases. Ninety-nine people have recovered. No one has died with COVID-19 listed as the primary cause of death in Reno County thus far. The dashboard still lists five hospitalizations.The Health Department would like to remind everyone to continue the following hygiene practices to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.• Wash your hands frequently• Practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others)• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth• Cough and sneeze into your elbow bend (even when wearing a mask)• Limit handshakes and physical contact• Stay home when you are sick unless seeking medical attention• Use a face covering when in public places.The Health Department continues to highly encourage Reno County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19.

COVID-19 active case count at 43 as of Thursday afternoon in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Waldron Place in Hutchinson, KS, assisted living by Americare, reported on Thursday two residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Both residents were tested by the local hospital after being transferred from The Arbors of Waldron Place, the memory care assisted living building on the campus.

On Saturday, the community received word that a resident who had been admitted to the local hospital for symptoms unrelated to COVID-19 on July 9 and remains in the hospital has tested positive to the virus. Based on that notification the community on Saturday placed all residents on in-room quarantine and initiated testing for all residents and employees.

A second resident had been admitted to the hospital on Sunday, July 12, for COVID symptoms and that test came back positive on Tuesday, July 14. That resident has returned to Waldron Place.

A special care unit has been established in The Arbors building to care in place for the one resident who is positive for the virus and for any additional residents testing positive. Establishing the special care unit now will ensure that the facilities are prepared should there be more positive results. The special care unit is separated from other rooms through a plastic barrier. It is staffed by employees who do not care for other residents on campus, and wear full personal protective equipment while on the unit. Americare has experience with special care units and has successfully stopped the spread of the virus. They hope to do the same at Waldron Place. Should a resident require hospitalization; arrangements will be made for a transfer.

Waldron Place has received test results for all additional employees and residents of both buildings showing all were negative for COVID-19. All residents of The Arbors will be retested on Friday, July 17, and all assisted living residents as well as campus employees will be retested on Saturday, July 18.

All residents on campus are being checked every four hours for signs or symptoms. In addition, Waldron Place staff is backed-up 24/7 by Americare’s regional nurses who monitor vital signs remotely to alert staff of residents’ change of condition.

In accordance with the company’s pandemic guidelines the community is restricting visitors.

According to Patricia Cokingtin, Senior Vice President, Americare believes transparent and accurate communication with all of its stakeholders is essential.

“Our families, residents and employees were notified on Saturday of our first positive case and again today with individual resident results,” says Cokingtin. “We wanted to wait to share our overall test results with the community once they were received. We think it’s important to convey how swiftly we have responded and what we are doing to limit exposure even at this early stage.”

In accordance with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment the community will test all employees and residents weekly until 28 days have passed with no new cases of COVID-19.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Waldron Place in Hutchinson, KS, assisted living by Americare, reported on Thursday two residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Both residents were tested by the local hospital after being transferred from The Arbors of Waldron Place, the memory care assisted living building on the campus.On Saturday, the community received word that a resident who had been admitted to the local hospital for symptoms unrelated to COVID-19 on July 9 and remains in the hospital has tested positive to the virus. Based on that notification the community on Saturday placed all residents on in-room quarantine and initiated testing for all residents and employees.A second resident had been admitted to the hospital on Sunday, July 12, for COVID symptoms and that test came back positive on Tuesday, July 14. That resident has returned to Waldron Place.A special care unit has been established in The Arbors building to care in place for the one resident who is positive for the virus and for any additional residents testing positive. Establishing the special care unit now will ensure that the facilities are prepared should there be more positive results. The special care unit is separated from other rooms through a plastic barrier. It is staffed by employees who do not care for other residents on campus, and wear full personal protective equipment while on the unit. Americare has experience with special care units and has successfully stopped the spread of the virus. They hope to do the same at Waldron Place. Should a resident require hospitalization; arrangements will be made for a transfer.Waldron Place has received test results for all additional employees and residents of both buildings showing all were negative for COVID-19. All residents of The Arbors will be retested on Friday, July 17, and all assisted living residents as well as campus employees will be retested on Saturday, July 18.All residents on campus are being checked every four hours for signs or symptoms. In addition, Waldron Place staff is backed-up 24/7 by Americare’s regional nurses who monitor vital signs remotely to alert staff of residents’ change of condition.In accordance with the company’s pandemic guidelines the community is restricting visitors.According to Patricia Cokingtin, Senior Vice President, Americare believes transparent and accurate communication with all of its stakeholders is essential.“Our families, residents and employees were notified on Saturday of our first positive case and again today with individual resident results,” says Cokingtin. “We wanted to wait to share our overall test results with the community once they were received. We think it’s important to convey how swiftly we have responded and what we are doing to limit exposure even at this early stage.”In accordance with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment the community will test all employees and residents weekly until 28 days have passed with no new cases of COVID-19.

Waldron Place announces positive COVID-19 cases, measures being taken

NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the Schowalter Villa retirement facility in Hesston.

The cluster includes seven facility staff members confirmed to have COVID-19. There are no known COVID-19 cases among residents.

Two staff members were sent home to quarantine upon showing symptoms in Schowalter Villa’s screening process. Two staff members stayed home upon feeling ill. Three individuals were asymptomatic. Two of the seven cases have met recovery criteria. Five remain in isolation.

Cases were identified through staff and resident testing conducted by Schowalter Villa when an employee was confirmed to have COVID-19.

This is the first cluster of COVID-19 cases identified in Harvey County. The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases.

Schowalter Villa, in conjunction with the Health Department, will continue to monitor the health of staff and residents, as well as continue previously established preventative measures.

Additionally, the Health Department has confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. They are unrelated to the aforementioned cluster. The confirmed cases include:

· A female in her 50s. She is a close contact of a known active case.

· A female in her 30s. She is a close contact of a known active case.

· A female in her 30s. She was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county. She has already met recovery criteria.

· A female between 10-and-19 years old. She is a close contact of a known active case.

· A male in his 50s. This case is under investigation.

· A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.

· A male in his 20s. His source of exposure is unknown.

Harvey County has had 102 COVID-19 cases to date, including 98 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County. One individual remains hospitalized. There have been 2,649 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594915781198.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the Schowalter Villa retirement facility in Hesston.The cluster includes seven facility staff members confirmed to have COVID-19. There are no known COVID-19 cases among residents.Two staff members were sent home to quarantine upon showing symptoms in Schowalter Villa’s screening process. Two staff members stayed home upon feeling ill. Three individuals were asymptomatic. Two of the seven cases have met recovery criteria. Five remain in isolation.Cases were identified through staff and resident testing conducted by Schowalter Villa when an employee was confirmed to have COVID-19.This is the first cluster of COVID-19 cases identified in Harvey County. The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases.Schowalter Villa, in conjunction with the Health Department, will continue to monitor the health of staff and residents, as well as continue previously established preventative measures.Additionally, the Health Department has confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. They are unrelated to the aforementioned cluster. The confirmed cases include:· A female in her 50s. She is a close contact of a known active case.· A female in her 30s. She is a close contact of a known active case.· A female in her 30s. She was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county. She has already met recovery criteria.· A female between 10-and-19 years old. She is a close contact of a known active case.· A male in his 50s. This case is under investigation.· A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.· A male in his 20s. His source of exposure is unknown.Harvey County has had 102 COVID-19 cases to date, including 98 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County. One individual remains hospitalized. There have been 2,649 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.

Harvey County confirms Schowalter Villa employee cluster

Kroger, parent company of Dillons released new policy Thursday that will mandate masks in its stores beginning July 22.&nbsp; Their statement is below.

"With the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country—as America’s grocer—we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus," the statement said.

"Kroger’s most urgent priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to provide a safe environment for our associates and customers while meeting our societal obligation to provide open stores, ecommerce solutions and an efficiently operating supply chain so that our communities have access to fresh, affordable food and essentials.

"As an employer, grocery provider and community partner, we have a responsibility to help keep our associates, customers and communities safe. According to the CDC, wearing a facial covering, combined with social distancing and frequent handwashing, has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping in our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country.

"We respect and acknowledge that some customers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask (small children are exempt). We encourage those customers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, we request that they use our ecommerce services like pickup or delivery. To support all households during the COVID-19 pandemic, our grocery pickup service remains free (generally a $4.95 fee).

"We thank our associates and customers for partnering with us to slow down the spread of COVID-19."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575583621212.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kroger, parent company of Dillons released new policy Thursday that will mandate masks in its stores beginning July 22.&nbsp; Their statement is below."With the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country—as America’s grocer—we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus," the statement said."Kroger’s most urgent priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to provide a safe environment for our associates and customers while meeting our societal obligation to provide open stores, ecommerce solutions and an efficiently operating supply chain so that our communities have access to fresh, affordable food and essentials."As an employer, grocery provider and community partner, we have a responsibility to help keep our associates, customers and communities safe. According to the CDC, wearing a facial covering, combined with social distancing and frequent handwashing, has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping in our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country."We respect and acknowledge that some customers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask (small children are exempt). We encourage those customers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, we request that they use our ecommerce services like pickup or delivery. To support all households during the COVID-19 pandemic, our grocery pickup service remains free (generally a $4.95 fee)."We thank our associates and customers for partnering with us to slow down the spread of COVID-19."

All Kroger stores to mandate masks starting July 22


TOPEKA — 
The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved the “Navigating Change 2020” school reopening guidance document on a 9-0 vote. Board member Steve Roberts was not present.

Some of the operating guidance for schools includes:

— Students above fifth grade, staff and school visitors should wear masks

— Everyone should wash hands every hour

— Social distancing of at least six feet should occur wherever possible

— Students and employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should be prohibited from school

— Meal service periods should be extended to allow for fewer students in the serving area at one time

— Staff temperatures should be taken daily

— Families should be responsible to take the temperatures of their children

State Board members made clear that the document did not contain any mandates and should be used only to assist school districts. Local school boards will make decisions on the policy for each district on an individual basis in consultation with local health officers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588087252662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
TOPEKA — 
The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved the “Navigating Change 2020” school reopening guidance document on a 9-0 vote. Board member Steve Roberts was not present.Some of the operating guidance for schools includes:— Students above fifth grade, staff and school visitors should wear masks— Everyone should wash hands every hour— Social distancing of at least six feet should occur wherever possible— Students and employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should be prohibited from school— Meal service periods should be extended to allow for fewer students in the serving area at one time— Staff temperatures should be taken daily— Families should be responsible to take the temperatures of their childrenState Board members made clear that the document did not contain any mandates and should be used only to assist school districts. Local school boards will make decisions on the policy for each district on an individual basis in consultation with local health officers.

State school board approves guidance document Wednesday

MANHATTAN — A survey by a multidisciplinary team of researchers at the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;has identified the top needs and challenges of K-12 teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 800 teachers in rural, urban and suburban school districts across the state participated in the project, "<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/research/faculty-research.html" target="_blank">Access, Engagement and Resilience During COVID-19 Remote Learning</a>." Questions centered on four key areas:&nbsp;technology/access; student/parent engagement; educator resiliency; and social-emotional well-being. The purpose of the study was to identify meaningful data for district administrators and policymakers for school reopening while informing K-State's teacher preparation program. The survey was sent in May, about two months into the pandemic. Debbie Mercer, dean of the K-State College of Education, noted Kansas schools were the first in the nation to announce closure due to the pandemic, which opened the door for substantive inquiry. "Ten days. That's how much time teachers and administrators had to move our state's half-million students to online instruction," Mercer said. "At the same time this immense transition was occurring, teachers themselves were dealing with uncertainties in their personal lives. Bottom line? Teachers need support." The findings revealed a myriad of strengths and weaknesses and identified universal needs for students' social-emotional well-being, which was the teachers' top concern; broadband access, which was deemed a dire need by teachers; educator well-being; and strengthening engagement in diverse learning environments. The survey revealed several bright spots, particularly in the area of engagement: • Teachers reported that 69% of students were considered highly to somewhat engaged in learning. • Among rural teachers, 36% reported a&nbsp;higher level of engagement with their students, while 27% of all teachers reported that their personal engagement with students had increased. • Nearly two-thirds — 64% —of educators reported an increase in personal engagement with parents during the pandemic. But in the social-emotional well-being and technology and access areas, the survey revealed some serious challenges. Four out of 5 teachers — 82% — listed social-emotional well-being as their highest concern, and this was across all school classifications, from 1A to 6A, and in rural, suburban and urban districts. "I fear a mental health crisis is coming,” said Jessica Lane, a member of the research team and an assistant professor of special education, counseling and student affairs.&nbsp;"The survey results give voice to the experiences of Kansas educators and underscore the need going forward for policymakers and administrators to address the mental health and social-emotional well-being of both our students and educators. It is critical." Lane's conclusion is particularly striking when the teachers' personal situations were addressed. Survey findings include: • Two-thirds — 66% — of suburban and urban teachers were simultaneously serving as caregivers to either their children, other adults or the elderly. For rural educators, this number rose to 4 in 5, or 79%. • Some economic insecurity was experienced by 36% of teachers. • About 20% of responding educators faced food insecurity. The shift to remote instruction revealed significant inequities concerning technology and access to the internet. The survey found that broadband and educational technology are not consistently available in Kansas, and when they are, that did not translate into in-home access. This required teachers and districts to provide varied forms of instruction. Nearly 70% of teachers indicated their districts worked with local internet providers to coordinate reduced cost or even free internet. Nearly 50% reported their districts provided hot spots or worked with community partnerships to ensure access for their students. Nearly two-thirds of respondents — 65% — used technology to provide continuous learning opportunities, while 30% reported the use of take-home packets for students and 5% listed other means of instruction. In addition to Lane, the other members of the multidisciplinary research team included&nbsp;Laura Bonella, associate professor at K-State Libraries; Doris Wright&nbsp;Carroll, associate professor of&nbsp;special education, counseling and student affairs; Morgan Jobe, program coordinator; Marilyn Kaff, associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs;&nbsp;Tonnie Martinez, assistant professor of&nbsp;curriculum and instruction; Leah McKeeman, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction; and Cindy Shuman,&nbsp;associate dean for research.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594737108632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — A survey by a multidisciplinary team of researchers at the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;has identified the top needs and challenges of K-12 teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 800 teachers in rural, urban and suburban school districts across the state participated in the project, "<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/research/faculty-research.html" target="_blank">Access, Engagement and Resilience During COVID-19 Remote Learning</a>." Questions centered on four key areas:&nbsp;technology/access; student/parent engagement; educator resiliency; and social-emotional well-being. The purpose of the study was to identify meaningful data for district administrators and policymakers for school reopening while informing K-State's teacher preparation program. The survey was sent in May, about two months into the pandemic. Debbie Mercer, dean of the K-State College of Education, noted Kansas schools were the first in the nation to announce closure due to the pandemic, which opened the door for substantive inquiry. "Ten days. That's how much time teachers and administrators had to move our state's half-million students to online instruction," Mercer said. "At the same time this immense transition was occurring, teachers themselves were dealing with uncertainties in their personal lives. Bottom line? Teachers need support." The findings revealed a myriad of strengths and weaknesses and identified universal needs for students' social-emotional well-being, which was the teachers' top concern; broadband access, which was deemed a dire need by teachers; educator well-being; and strengthening engagement in diverse learning environments. The survey revealed several bright spots, particularly in the area of engagement: • Teachers reported that 69% of students were considered highly to somewhat engaged in learning. • Among rural teachers, 36% reported a&nbsp;higher level of engagement with their students, while 27% of all teachers reported that their personal engagement with students had increased. • Nearly two-thirds — 64% —of educators reported an increase in personal engagement with parents during the pandemic. But in the social-emotional well-being and technology and access areas, the survey revealed some serious challenges. Four out of 5 teachers — 82% — listed social-emotional well-being as their highest concern, and this was across all school classifications, from 1A to 6A, and in rural, suburban and urban districts. "I fear a mental health crisis is coming,” said Jessica Lane, a member of the research team and an assistant professor of special education, counseling and student affairs.&nbsp;"The survey results give voice to the experiences of Kansas educators and underscore the need going forward for policymakers and administrators to address the mental health and social-emotional well-being of both our students and educators. It is critical." Lane's conclusion is particularly striking when the teachers' personal situations were addressed. Survey findings include: • Two-thirds — 66% — of suburban and urban teachers were simultaneously serving as caregivers to either their children, other adults or the elderly. For rural educators, this number rose to 4 in 5, or 79%. • Some economic insecurity was experienced by 36% of teachers. • About 20% of responding educators faced food insecurity. The shift to remote instruction revealed significant inequities concerning technology and access to the internet. The survey found that broadband and educational technology are not consistently available in Kansas, and when they are, that did not translate into in-home access. This required teachers and districts to provide varied forms of instruction. Nearly 70% of teachers indicated their districts worked with local internet providers to coordinate reduced cost or even free internet. Nearly 50% reported their districts provided hot spots or worked with community partnerships to ensure access for their students. Nearly two-thirds of respondents — 65% — used technology to provide continuous learning opportunities, while 30% reported the use of take-home packets for students and 5% listed other means of instruction. In addition to Lane, the other members of the multidisciplinary research team included&nbsp;Laura Bonella, associate professor at K-State Libraries; Doris Wright&nbsp;Carroll, associate professor of&nbsp;special education, counseling and student affairs; Morgan Jobe, program coordinator; Marilyn Kaff, associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs;&nbsp;Tonnie Martinez, assistant professor of&nbsp;curriculum and instruction; Leah McKeeman, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction; and Cindy Shuman,&nbsp;associate dean for research.

Coronavirus Update