TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.

The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.

Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.

“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”

Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.

Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.

The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.

One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.

But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”

Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588805379177.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

Kansas still mulling inmate releases despite prison outbreak

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.

U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.

“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”

The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.

“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”

Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.

The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.

But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.

“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over meat worker safety

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Clinic is slowly opening back up and bringing patient services back up to speed in the wake of the pandemic. 

“We are beginning to open some of our physician practices back up to more hours in the day,” CEO Michael Heck said. “The volume interest in patients is growing and so we’re welcoming patients back and opening schedules.”

While the clinic is restoring services to patients, there are still some restrictions for visiting the clinic.

“They just need to call in and check in through our call center and get an appointment with a physician and they’ll be advised of our normal processes,” Heck said. “We’re checking temperatures and doing a little background check at the door to make sure it’s good for them to come into the clinic. If they have any respiratory issues they’re still going to our respiratory clinic where we’ve isolated patients.”

The clinic had to cut back on services and personnel at the beginning of the pandemic, but as services increase so will staff.

“We’re going to do that gradually as we expand the physician hours and our facilities,” Heck noted. “As we open the  doctor clinics back up, we’ll expand the hours of the employees.”

At full strength, the clinic has more than 100 physicians and providers and more than 600 employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584545923531.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Clinic is slowly opening back up and bringing patient services back up to speed in the wake of the pandemic. “We are beginning to open some of our physician practices back up to more hours in the day,” CEO Michael Heck said. “The volume interest in patients is growing and so we’re welcoming patients back and opening schedules.”While the clinic is restoring services to patients, there are still some restrictions for visiting the clinic.“They just need to call in and check in through our call center and get an appointment with a physician and they’ll be advised of our normal processes,” Heck said. “We’re checking temperatures and doing a little background check at the door to make sure it’s good for them to come into the clinic. If they have any respiratory issues they’re still going to our respiratory clinic where we’ve isolated patients.”The clinic had to cut back on services and personnel at the beginning of the pandemic, but as services increase so will staff.“We’re going to do that gradually as we expand the physician hours and our facilities,” Heck noted. “As we open the doctor clinics back up, we’ll expand the hours of the employees.”At full strength, the clinic has more than 100 physicians and providers and more than 600 employees.

Hutchinson Clinic restoring services and taking appointments

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  While second quarter earnings were not a positive thing, there is good news on the local front for Siemens Gamesa.

The wind turbine maker tells Hutch Post that it has called back most of the workforce that was furloughed last month.

Siemens announced April 4 it would lay off 200 workers from the Hutchinson plant because of supply chain issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Myca Welch with Siemens Gamesa said that a number of workers were called back April 27 and the remaining employees returned to work on Monday. 

Even better news is that the manufacturer has built a record order backlog of $26.3 billion including a 13% increase in onshore orders over the past year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588806701832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While second quarter earnings were not a positive thing, there is good news on the local front for Siemens Gamesa.The wind turbine maker tells Hutch Post that it has called back most of the workforce that was furloughed last month.Siemens announced April 4 it would lay off 200 workers from the Hutchinson plant because of supply chain issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Myca Welch with Siemens Gamesa said that a number of workers were called back April 27 and the remaining employees returned to work on Monday. Even better news is that the manufacturer has built a record order backlog of $26.3 billion including a 13% increase in onshore orders over the past year.

Workforce has returned to Siemens Gamesa

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. 

A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.

The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps are being implemented immediately:

“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588803687184.png" alt="Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps are being implemented immediately:<ol>
 <li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>The Sedgwick County Health Department conducted contact tracing to identify anyone outside of WWRF who may have been in close contact with this individual and will notify those persons</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

Staffer at Kan. work release facility confirmed with COVID-19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many restaurants are open again in Hutchinson or will open soon. Some continue to exercise on the side of caution and will still offer curbside or other types of delivery.

Anchor Inn, Applebees, Carlos O’Kelly’s, Gambinos, Metro To Go, Mr. Cao, Polo, Rusty Needle, and Texas T-Bone all opened their doors Monday for inside seating with restrictions on capacity in place as per state orders.

Other notable eateries in the area to open include:

Salt City Brewing (outside seating) Skaets, Jillian’s (patio seating only, Carriage Crossing, the Anchor Mexican Grill, Hog Wild and Dutch Kitchen. The Airport Steak House and the Firehouse Cafe are set to open Thursday. Nearly all restaurants in the area are providing limited services such as carryout and delivery.

Pizza Ranch will open its doors for inside service May 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584664084740.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many restaurants are open again in Hutchinson or will open soon. Some continue to exercise on the side of caution and will still offer curbside or other types of delivery.Anchor Inn, Applebees, Carlos O’Kelly’s, Gambinos, Metro To Go, Mr. Cao, Polo, Rusty Needle, and Texas T-Bone all opened their doors Monday for inside seating with restrictions on capacity in place as per state orders.Other notable eateries in the area to open include:Salt City Brewing (outside seating) Skaets, Jillian’s (patio seating only, Carriage Crossing, the Anchor Mexican Grill, Hog Wild and Dutch Kitchen. The Airport Steak House and the Firehouse Cafe are set to open Thursday. Nearly all restaurants in the area are providing limited services such as carryout and delivery.Pizza Ranch will open its doors for inside service May 18.

Many area restaurants starting to open up inside seating

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.

She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;

Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1725820937571603%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>Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

🎥  Gov. holds first COVID-19 press briefing in over a week

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday 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 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 144<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/2020/5/1588785993293.png" alt="May 6, 2020 -image KDHE" />
 <figcaption>May 6, 2020 -image KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Taiwan is donating 100,000 surgical masks to Kansas to help medical and meat packing workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Wednesday that the shipment of masks is expected to arrive next week.

The move comes as Taiwan seeks to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c7345b5b3bebb139602e746bf0e6fbd">included</a>&nbsp;in the upcoming World Health Assembly. Moran, who requested the masks, has been supportive of including Taiwan. He thanked the country’s President Tsai Ing-wen in a statement, saying it is “another great reminder that we are all in this together.”

Four counties with meat packing plants — Seward, Ford, Finney and Lyon — have a combined 2,258 confirmed cases, 41% of the state’s total. And an outbreak at the state’s largest prison in Lansing has now infected 551 inmates and 88 staff members. Most of the infected inmates don’t have symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588782922468.png" alt="Photo courtesy Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Taiwan is donating 100,000 surgical masks to Kansas to help medical and meat packing workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Wednesday that the shipment of masks is expected to arrive next week.The move comes as Taiwan seeks to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c7345b5b3bebb139602e746bf0e6fbd">included</a>&nbsp;in the upcoming World Health Assembly. Moran, who requested the masks, has been supportive of including Taiwan. He thanked the country’s President Tsai Ing-wen in a statement, saying it is “another great reminder that we are all in this together.”Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.Four counties with meat packing plants — Seward, Ford, Finney and Lyon — have a combined 2,258 confirmed cases, 41% of the state’s total. And an outbreak at the state’s largest prison in Lansing has now infected 551 inmates and 88 staff members. Most of the infected inmates don’t have symptoms.

Moran confirms donation of 100K surgical masks for Kansas


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Senator Ed Berger believes that more of the decisions with regard to reopening the state's economy should have been left to the local level.

"Every county is different," Berger said. "If you look at Ford County, Ford County has upwards of almost 700 cases out there. That's a lot different than a Reno County and a Kingman County that has no cases. Every county is different. Every county commission can make those decisions, make those recommendations and I think decisions are best made at the local level."

Reno County's approach has been a model for other counties in the state.

"Our health department, our county commission, has done a great job taking a look at the parameters that are part of the Governor's plan and seeing how well we can work within that and how soon we can get back to business in Reno County," Berger said.

Reopening does need to be measured and that's why local control would be best in this case.

"I'm  not suggesting at all that we toss caution to the wind and don't take into consideration health issues," Berger said. "That's certainly something that has to be a priority and I think many of those at-risk populations will still have that stay at home feel and rightly so. They should be staying at home if they are one of those at-risk populations. I think, no one wants to risk life, but everybody also understands the importance of jobs and the economy as well. It's a delicate balance between the two."

The State of Kansas is still in Phase One of its reopening plan. Phase Two will not begin before May 18th and could be delayed depending on infection data.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579184461670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Senator Ed Berger believes that more of the decisions with regard to reopening the state's economy should have been left to the local level."Every county is different," Berger said. "If you look at Ford County, Ford County has upwards of almost 700 cases out there. That's a lot different than a Reno County and a Kingman County that has no cases. Every county is different. Every county commission can make those decisions, make those recommendations and I think decisions are best made at the local level."Reno County's approach has been a model for other counties in the state."Our health department, our county commission, has done a great job taking a look at the parameters that are part of the Governor's plan and seeing how well we can work within that and how soon we can get back to business in Reno County," Berger said.Reopening does need to be measured and that's why local control would be best in this case."I'm not suggesting at all that we toss caution to the wind and don't take into consideration health issues," Berger said. "That's certainly something that has to be a priority and I think many of those at-risk populations will still have that stay at home feel and rightly so. They should be staying at home if they are one of those at-risk populations. I think, no one wants to risk life, but everybody also understands the importance of jobs and the economy as well. It's a delicate balance between the two."The State of Kansas is still in Phase One of its reopening plan. Phase Two will not begin before May 18th and could be delayed depending on infection data.

Berger: Reopening best left to local level

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fox Theatre announced a new date for the Turtle Island Quartet and Cyrus Chestnut performance. The new date is Friday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m.

If you have already purchased tickets for this event, hold on to them as they will be valid for the rescheduled date. If you opt not to keep your current tickets for the new date, you can contact the box office for a full refund by calling 620-663-1981 or emailing <a href="mailto:thefox@hutchinsonfox.com">thefox@hutchinsonfox.com</a>. Please include the full name as it appears on your ticket order and, if possible, the order number.

Recent credit card orders will be refunded back to the card. Other credit card orders and all orders paid via cash or check will be refunded via company check from the Fox Theatre and mailed to the billing address on file.

Up-to-date status for all other Fox events can be found on the website: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588712187041.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fox Theatre announced a new date for the Turtle Island Quartet and Cyrus Chestnut performance. The new date is Friday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m.If you have already purchased tickets for this event, hold on to them as they will be valid for the rescheduled date. If you opt not to keep your current tickets for the new date, you can contact the box office for a full refund by calling 620-663-1981 or emailing <a href="mailto:thefox@hutchinsonfox.com">thefox@hutchinsonfox.com</a>. Please include the full name as it appears on your ticket order and, if possible, the order number.Recent credit card orders will be refunded back to the card. Other credit card orders and all orders paid via cash or check will be refunded via company check from the Fox Theatre and mailed to the billing address on file.Up-to-date status for all other Fox events can be found on the website: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>.

Fox Theatre announces new date for Turtle Island Quartet

NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its ninth positive case of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Harvey County.

The confirmed case is a woman in her 30s. The individual was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.

Testing was completed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Kansas Health and Environmental Labs. The individual is in home isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the individual, as well as follow up on all contacts.

As of this morning, the KDHE had confirmed 5,458 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. That number does not include this new Harvey County case. Of Harvey County’s nine cases, six individuals have recovered. Harvey County reported its first confirmed case March 26.

The KDHE has also classified two Harvey County cases as probable for COVID-19, including one death. The cases are probable because they met clinical criteria for symptoms with a presumptive-positive lab test for blood work, but were negative in testing for an active COVID-19 virus. The KDHE has not included probable cases in its confirmed statistics at this time.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued the State’s guidance for reopening, “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The state is currently in the first phase of the guidance. The plan in its entirety can be found at covid.ks.gov.

The KDHE has a phone hotline available to answer questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 at 1-866-534-3463.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its ninth positive case of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Harvey County.The confirmed case is a woman in her 30s. The individual was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.Testing was completed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Kansas Health and Environmental Labs. The individual is in home isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the individual, as well as follow up on all contacts.As of this morning, the KDHE had confirmed 5,458 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. That number does not include this new Harvey County case. Of Harvey County’s nine cases, six individuals have recovered. Harvey County reported its first confirmed case March 26.The KDHE has also classified two Harvey County cases as probable for COVID-19, including one death. The cases are probable because they met clinical criteria for symptoms with a presumptive-positive lab test for blood work, but were negative in testing for an active COVID-19 virus. The KDHE has not included probable cases in its confirmed statistics at this time.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued the State’s guidance for reopening, “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The state is currently in the first phase of the guidance. The plan in its entirety can be found at covid.ks.gov.The KDHE has a phone hotline available to answer questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 at 1-866-534-3463.

Harvey County case count at nine, with six recoveries

MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
The current McPherson County COVID-19 case count is at 25 as of Tuesday evening, with 17 recoveries and two in the hospital.

The two newly identified cases on Tuesday were females in their 20s both recovering at home with unknown sources of exposure.

If you develop symptoms that may indicate COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a provider, call your local health department. In McPherson County, their number is (620) 241-1753. You can also email machd@mcphersoncountyks.us.

Please continue to maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings in groups greater than 10, wear a cloth face covering in public, cover your cough and wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588638897564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
The current McPherson County COVID-19 case count is at 25 as of Tuesday evening, with 17 recoveries and two in the hospital.The two newly identified cases on Tuesday were females in their 20s both recovering at home with unknown sources of exposure.If you develop symptoms that may indicate COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a provider, call your local health department. In McPherson County, their number is (620) 241-1753. You can also email machd@mcphersoncountyks.us.Please continue to maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings in groups greater than 10, wear a cloth face covering in public, cover your cough and wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Current McPherson County COVID-19 case count at 25, 17 recovered, 2 in hospital

By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.

This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.

Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588706059523.jpeg" alt="Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

400 of 2,367 workers at Mo. pork plant test positive for COVID-19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Much of the discussion during the COVID-19 task force meeting on Monday centered more around recreation than business openings. That discussion circled back around to Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. Health Department Director Nick Baldetti explained the issue of using outdoor recreational facilities and the regulations behind them.

“There’s been some discussion around the use of public facilities and, in particular, recreational activity associated with organized versus non-organized sporting activities,” Baldetti noted. “It was released in a frequently asked document by the governor’s office in regard to explicitly stating that organized sporting activities, much like practice, is restricted under phase one of the governor’s plan.”

Baldetti said the state’s ruling prevents any type of organized practices such as summer baseball and softball, but still lets gatherings of 10 or fewer use facilities.

“Non-organized recreational activity may be allowed at public and private outdoor parks if practicing appropriate social distancing,” Baldetti said. “Groups of more than 10 who cannot accommodate six feet of distancing are not allowed to congregate.”

The commission agreed that there are sports like tennis and such that should be able to have organized activities due to the natural distance between competitors and lack of physical contact in them. District Attorney Keith Schroeder stated that what the governor restricted in phase one and what came out in an interpretation of that ruling were not the same:

“Certain sports are different than other sport,” Schroeder said. “If you’re playing basketball, you’re in very close contact with each other the entire time. The group goes from one end of the court to the other end in close contact. Baseball and tennis, you’re always generally going to be six feet apart.”

Schroeder added that he just couldn’t see the need for limitations on practice. All such practices are prohibited under phase one restrictions by the state until at least May 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584572819718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Much of the discussion during the COVID-19 task force meeting on Monday centered more around recreation than business openings. That discussion circled back around to Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. Health Department Director Nick Baldetti explained the issue of using outdoor recreational facilities and the regulations behind them.“There’s been some discussion around the use of public facilities and, in particular, recreational activity associated with organized versus non-organized sporting activities,” Baldetti noted. “It was released in a frequently asked document by the governor’s office in regard to explicitly stating that organized sporting activities, much like practice, is restricted under phase one of the governor’s plan.”Baldetti said the state’s ruling prevents any type of organized practices such as summer baseball and softball, but still lets gatherings of 10 or fewer use facilities.“Non-organized recreational activity may be allowed at public and private outdoor parks if practicing appropriate social distancing,” Baldetti said. “Groups of more than 10 who cannot accommodate six feet of distancing are not allowed to congregate.”The commission agreed that there are sports like tennis and such that should be able to have organized activities due to the natural distance between competitors and lack of physical contact in them. District Attorney Keith Schroeder stated that what the governor restricted in phase one and what came out in an interpretation of that ruling were not the same:“Certain sports are different than other sport,” Schroeder said. “If you’re playing basketball, you’re in very close contact with each other the entire time. The group goes from one end of the court to the other end in close contact. Baseball and tennis, you’re always generally going to be six feet apart.”Schroeder added that he just couldn’t see the need for limitations on practice. All such practices are prohibited under phase one restrictions by the state until at least May 18.

Task force discusses use of outdoor athletic facilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.

Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.

“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”

The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.

President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.

“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said Tuesday at the White House.

Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks as the conflicted Congress reflects an uneasy nation. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber defending his decision to focus the agenda on confirming Trump’s nominees rather than the virus outbreak.

On Tuesday, McConnell insisted that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic.

But the Republican leader also signaled an interest in beefed up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”

“Testing, tracking, treatments,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. “Our task ahead will be to keep seeking thoughtful solutions.”

By reconvening this week, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.

For more than five weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has all but closed Congress, a longer absence than during the 1918 Spanish flu.

Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks — blue face coverings were available for free, and being worn by staff. They were also told to keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Public access is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.

It’s not just lawmakers at risk. Reopening part of Capitol Hill poses health risks for the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the Capitol complex functioning.

Democrats are eyeing the new aid package as states and cities seek as much as $1 trillion to prevent local layoffs and keep paying nurses, police, firefighters and other front-line workers as local revenues tank during the stay-home shutdown.

Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years. On a private conference call with House Democrats on Monday, she also discussed a “paycheck guarantee” for the newly jobless.

Pelosi told reporters Tuesday on Capitol Hill the new package will be “just very directly related to saving lives, the livelihood and the life of our democracy.”

Several House committee chairmen outlined the provisions expected in the upcoming bill, according to a statement from the Democratic caucus after the private call.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal discussed another round of additional direct cash payments for families and extending unemployment insurance. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ca., chair of the Financial Services Committee, focused on helping homeowners, renters and small landlords make rent and mortgage payments, the statement said. Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone spoke about investing in virus testing and contact tracing.

Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.

In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9788d3f3fe54884631ccc5592a4a118c">hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe,</a>&nbsp;the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588696644712.png" alt="&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588705884068.png" alt="President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said Tuesday at the White House.Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks as the conflicted Congress reflects an uneasy nation. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber defending his decision to focus the agenda on confirming Trump’s nominees rather than the virus outbreak.On Tuesday, McConnell insisted that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic.But the Republican leader also signaled an interest in beefed up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”“Testing, tracking, treatments,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. “Our task ahead will be to keep seeking thoughtful solutions.”By reconvening this week, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.For more than five weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has all but closed Congress, a longer absence than during the 1918 Spanish flu.Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks — blue face coverings were available for free, and being worn by staff. They were also told to keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Public access is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.It’s not just lawmakers at risk. Reopening part of Capitol Hill poses health risks for the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the Capitol complex functioning.Democrats are eyeing the new aid package as states and cities seek as much as $1 trillion to prevent local layoffs and keep paying nurses, police, firefighters and other front-line workers as local revenues tank during the stay-home shutdown.Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years. On a private conference call with House Democrats on Monday, she also discussed a “paycheck guarantee” for the newly jobless.Pelosi told reporters Tuesday on Capitol Hill the new package will be “just very directly related to saving lives, the livelihood and the life of our democracy.”Several House committee chairmen outlined the provisions expected in the upcoming bill, according to a statement from the Democratic caucus after the private call.Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal discussed another round of additional direct cash payments for families and extending unemployment insurance. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ca., chair of the Financial Services Committee, focused on helping homeowners, renters and small landlords make rent and mortgage payments, the statement said. Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone spoke about investing in virus testing and contact tracing.Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9788d3f3fe54884631ccc5592a4a118c">hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe,</a>&nbsp;the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.___

Pelosi pushes new virus relief package as GOP hits 'pause'


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is able to handle the patient load they have right now both as a result of COVID-19 and as a general hospital population.

"We still continue to have the one patient in ICU on supplemental oxygen recovering post-extubation," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "We have six patients on the COVID ward awaiting test results."

As of Tuesday morning, there were around 46 total patients in the hospital for all causes. The hospital is licensed for 190 beds.

"In the last three weeks its been anywhere from 25 to, like I said a high of, I would have to look exactly, but it was in the 70s."

Authorities noted in previous weeks that the goal of flattening the curve was to ensure that medical resources were available for patients who became ill and needed hospitalization. At this point, those resources have been available in Reno County and no one in the county has died from COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574787528114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is able to handle the patient load they have right now both as a result of COVID-19 and as a general hospital population."We still continue to have the one patient in ICU on supplemental oxygen recovering post-extubation," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "We have six patients on the COVID ward awaiting test results."As of Tuesday morning, there were around 46 total patients in the hospital for all causes. The hospital is licensed for 190 beds."In the last three weeks its been anywhere from 25 to, like I said a high of, I would have to look exactly, but it was in the 70s."Authorities noted in previous weeks that the goal of flattening the curve was to ensure that medical resources were available for patients who became ill and needed hospitalization. At this point, those resources have been available in Reno County and no one in the county has died from COVID-19.

Hospital handling a handful of COVID-19 patients, but well within capacity

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Restaurant dining rooms, retail stores and some offices began reopening Monday after Kansas lifted a statewide stay-at-home order, though some business owners hesitated, still concerned about the novel coronavirus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">Gov. Laura Kelly plans</a>&nbsp;to reopen the pandemic-battered economy in four stages between now an at least June 15. The first stage began when the her stay-at-home order expired at midnight Sunday, allowing dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of stores, though social distancing still must be observed.

But some owners weren’t ready to open their stores to in-person shoppers. In Wichita, Watermark Books and Cafe remained closed except for online orders and curbside pickup, though owner Sarah Bagby has seen business drop 60% to 70%. She said she’s still working out issues that come with running a store where customers had been used to handling multiple books while browsing.

“We’re going to do this slowly and deliberately,” she said. “What once was once considered cozy is now considered risky, so we have to kind of reconfigure some things.”

Many businesses, including bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops and hair and nail salons, must remain closed until the second phase begins on May 18. That’s also when a 10-person mass gathering limit would increase, first to 30 until June 1 and then 90 until June 15.

Kelly’s plan already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e047671519a2e0d18115103f45162df7">has drawn criticism</a>&nbsp;for treating certain types of businesses differently from others. She’s also allowing local officials to impose stricter rules.

In the Kansas City area, Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, and neighboring Wyandotte County, are keeping stay-at-home orders in place through this Sunday. The two counties account for more than 100 of the state’s 136 reported COVID-19-related deaths.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the health officer, said the county’s 24 new cases last week were more than double the number the previous week, and cases with no tie to a previous infection source are more frequent. He said new restrictions are possible.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose by 4.3% on Monday, up 215 to 5,245 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by two.

The Kansas Department of Corrections reported that a third inmate died in a coronavirus outbreak at the state prison in Lansing, near Kansas City. Some 380 inmates and 88 employees have tested positive there, and there have been more than 480 confirmed cases among inmates and staff at seven of the state’s nine other prisons, but no deaths.

The coronavirus can cause severe illness or death, particularly for older people or people with existing medical conditions. But most infected people have mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within a few weeks.

In northwestern Kansas, Junelle Hills put up the open sign for Interior Connection and Quilt Cabin in Colby. It sells curtains, quilting supplies and portable sheds and cabins, and Hills said she was looking forward to “getting back to normal.”

Her door has been locked for weeks, but she shipped material for masks and let in individual customers who needed supplies to make them. She remained busy even as the normal weekday 8:30 a.m. bustle in her hometown disappeared, she said.

“It was kind of scary some mornings, driving to work, because it was like a ghost town,” she said.

In Dodge City in southwestern Kansas, Brenda Lee was eager to reopen the I Don’t Care Family Restaurant, so named because that was often the answer she or her husband gave when the other asked where they should eat. The reopening won’t happen for a week or two, but that’s because of a renovation undertaken during the stay-at-home order.

Lee said the restaurant was observing social distancing before the stay-at-home order. Even without the coronavirus, she said, the restaurant has to worry about people coming in with illnesses like the flu.

“That’s the risk of being a business, period,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587578545738.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Restaurant dining rooms, retail stores and some offices began reopening Monday after Kansas lifted a statewide stay-at-home order, though some business owners hesitated, still concerned about the novel coronavirus.<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">Gov. Laura Kelly plans</a>&nbsp;to reopen the pandemic-battered economy in four stages between now an at least June 15. The first stage began when the her stay-at-home order expired at midnight Sunday, allowing dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of stores, though social distancing still must be observed.But some owners weren’t ready to open their stores to in-person shoppers. In Wichita, Watermark Books and Cafe remained closed except for online orders and curbside pickup, though owner Sarah Bagby has seen business drop 60% to 70%. She said she’s still working out issues that come with running a store where customers had been used to handling multiple books while browsing.“We’re going to do this slowly and deliberately,” she said. “What once was once considered cozy is now considered risky, so we have to kind of reconfigure some things.”Many businesses, including bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops and hair and nail salons, must remain closed until the second phase begins on May 18. That’s also when a 10-person mass gathering limit would increase, first to 30 until June 1 and then 90 until June 15.Kelly’s plan already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e047671519a2e0d18115103f45162df7">has drawn criticism</a>&nbsp;for treating certain types of businesses differently from others. She’s also allowing local officials to impose stricter rules.In the Kansas City area, Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, and neighboring Wyandotte County, are keeping stay-at-home orders in place through this Sunday. The two counties account for more than 100 of the state’s 136 reported COVID-19-related deaths.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the health officer, said the county’s 24 new cases last week were more than double the number the previous week, and cases with no tie to a previous infection source are more frequent. He said new restrictions are possible.Confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose by 4.3% on Monday, up 215 to 5,245 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by two.The Kansas Department of Corrections reported that a third inmate died in a coronavirus outbreak at the state prison in Lansing, near Kansas City. Some 380 inmates and 88 employees have tested positive there, and there have been more than 480 confirmed cases among inmates and staff at seven of the state’s nine other prisons, but no deaths.The coronavirus can cause severe illness or death, particularly for older people or people with existing medical conditions. But most infected people have mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within a few weeks.In northwestern Kansas, Junelle Hills put up the open sign for Interior Connection and Quilt Cabin in Colby. It sells curtains, quilting supplies and portable sheds and cabins, and Hills said she was looking forward to “getting back to normal.”Her door has been locked for weeks, but she shipped material for masks and let in individual customers who needed supplies to make them. She remained busy even as the normal weekday 8:30 a.m. bustle in her hometown disappeared, she said.“It was kind of scary some mornings, driving to work, because it was like a ghost town,” she said.In Dodge City in southwestern Kansas, Brenda Lee was eager to reopen the I Don’t Care Family Restaurant, so named because that was often the answer she or her husband gave when the other asked where they should eat. The reopening won’t happen for a week or two, but that’s because of a renovation undertaken during the stay-at-home order.Lee said the restaurant was observing social distancing before the stay-at-home order. Even without the coronavirus, she said, the restaurant has to worry about people coming in with illnesses like the flu.“That’s the risk of being a business, period,” she said.____

Some Kansas businesses eagerly reopen, but others hesitate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic paralysis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Treasury to borrow far more than it ever has before — $2.99 trillion in the current quarter alone.

The amount is more than five times the government’s previous record borrowing for a quarter, $569 billion, set in the depths of the 2008 financial crisis. It also dwarfs the $1.28 trillion the government borrowed in the bond market for all of 2019.

The Treasury Department said the huge sum is needed to pay for nearly $3 trillion in rescue aid that the government has unleashed in programs to support tens of millions of jobless workers and shuttered businesses with direct payments and loans.

“Borrowing needs are skyrocketing as Treasury needs cash to fund stimulus measures and to compensate for a plunge in revenues caused by massive job losses,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics.

In addition, the government needs to borrow to cover the shortfall in revenue that will occur because the Trump administration has delayed the deadline for tax payments this year from April to June.

The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the government will run a record deficit of $3.7 trillion this year, far above the $1 trillion-plus annual deficits recorded from 2009 through 2012 when the government was fighting the 2008 financial crisis and a deep downturn that followed.

The deficits would be even higher but the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark short-term interest rate to a record low near zero and is buying trillions of dollars in government bonds and mortgage-backed securities to push long-term interest rates, which were already at record lows, even lower.

Private economists believe that the government has little choice but to spend the money now to prevent an even worse downturn and possibly even a situation like the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Under the plans the Treasury unveiled on Monday, the government will borrow $4.48 trillion this budget year including a projected $677 billion in borrowing in the July-September quarter. The budget year ends on Sept. 30.

In a stark demonstration of how the government’s financial situation has changed, three months ago before the coronavirus outbreak caused widespread shutdowns in the United States, Treasury was projecting that it would be able to pay down $56 billion in debt during the quarter.

CBO is projecting the U.S. economy will shrink by a record 40% at an annual rate in the current April-June quarter.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic paralysis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Treasury to borrow far more than it ever has before — $2.99 trillion in the current quarter alone.The amount is more than five times the government’s previous record borrowing for a quarter, $569 billion, set in the depths of the 2008 financial crisis. It also dwarfs the $1.28 trillion the government borrowed in the bond market for all of 2019.The Treasury Department said the huge sum is needed to pay for nearly $3 trillion in rescue aid that the government has unleashed in programs to support tens of millions of jobless workers and shuttered businesses with direct payments and loans.“Borrowing needs are skyrocketing as Treasury needs cash to fund stimulus measures and to compensate for a plunge in revenues caused by massive job losses,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics.In addition, the government needs to borrow to cover the shortfall in revenue that will occur because the Trump administration has delayed the deadline for tax payments this year from April to June.The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the government will run a record deficit of $3.7 trillion this year, far above the $1 trillion-plus annual deficits recorded from 2009 through 2012 when the government was fighting the 2008 financial crisis and a deep downturn that followed.The deficits would be even higher but the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark short-term interest rate to a record low near zero and is buying trillions of dollars in government bonds and mortgage-backed securities to push long-term interest rates, which were already at record lows, even lower.Private economists believe that the government has little choice but to spend the money now to prevent an even worse downturn and possibly even a situation like the Great Depression of the 1930s.Under the plans the Treasury unveiled on Monday, the government will borrow $4.48 trillion this budget year including a projected $677 billion in borrowing in the July-September quarter. The budget year ends on Sept. 30.In a stark demonstration of how the government’s financial situation has changed, three months ago before the coronavirus outbreak caused widespread shutdowns in the United States, Treasury was projecting that it would be able to pay down $56 billion in debt during the quarter.CBO is projecting the U.S. economy will shrink by a record 40% at an annual rate in the current April-June quarter.

Treasury announces record borrowing of $2.99 trillion

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota pork processing plant took its first steps toward reopening Monday after being shuttered for over two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that infected more than 800 employees.

As two departments opened at the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, employees filed through a tent where they were screened for fever and other signs of COVID-19. Some said they felt the measures Smithfield has taken would protect them from another virus outbreak, while others were not confident that infections could be halted in a crowded plant.

Lydia Toby, who works in the ground seasoned pork department, said she was “kind of worried” as she entered the plant before 6 a.m. for her first shift in over two weeks. The company met employees in her department Friday and explained they had installed dividers on the production line and would require everyone to wear masks.

“I think it’s going to be OK,” she said.

In the wake of an executive order from President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fb38a5a53ac1a92039bc0a4b545b19d7">ordering meat plants to remain open,</a>&nbsp;Arkansas-based Tyson Foods was also resuming “limited production” Monday at its pork plant in Logansport, Indiana, where nearly 900 employees tested positive. And the JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minnesota — just an hour east of Smithfield’s South Dakota plant — planned a partial reopening on Wednesday.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday called meatpacking plants — along with nursing homes — “the most dangerous places there are right now.” He called for greater protections for meatpacking workers.

“They designate them as essential workers and then treat them as disposable,” Biden said.

In a teleconference town hall with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Biden also noted that their employees may include workers who are in the country illegally and are afraid to seek medical help.

Virginia-based Smithfield is offering COVID-19 testing to all employees and their family members, according to a text message sent to employees and seen by The Associated Press. The message told employees to report to a local high school to be tested. It wasn’t clear if testing was required before employees could return, and Smithfield didn’t immediately respond to questions.

About 250 employees were told to report to work on Monday, according to the union that represents them. The plant employees about 3,700 workers and produces roughly 5% of the nation’s pork.

Salaheldin Ahmed, who works in a department that has not yet reopened, said he was called in by plant management to look at changes in the plant.

“They fixed a lot of things,” he said, describing how workers would be spread apart where possible.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Friday, more than 4,900 workers at meat and poultry processing facilities have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including 20 who died. Some states didn’t provide data, so the actual count is believed to be higher. The true number of COVID-19 infections is also thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

The CDC researchers said plant workers may be at risk for a number of reasons, including difficulties with physical distancing and hygiene, and crowded living and transportation conditions. They suggested enhanced disinfection and that workers get regular screening for the virus, more space from co-workers and training materials in their native languages. Many meatpacking employees are immigrants; a CDC report on the Smithfield outbreak found that employees there spoke about 40 different languages.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of beef and pork workers and 33% of poultry workers nationwide, has called for stricter measures than the CDC recommendations, including mandating that workers be spaced 6 feet apart on production lines. It has appealed to governors for help enforcing worker safety rules. The union also wants to get rid of waivers that allow some plants to operate at faster speeds.

As plants warily reopen or others operate at diminished capacity with many workers staying home sick or in fear,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774">it’s unclear Trump’s order will guarantee an unbroken supply of meat</a>.

Tyson Foods reported record meat sales in the first quarter but warned investors Monday that it faces continued production slowdowns. Company officials said it expected lower productivity “in the short term until local infection rates begin to decrease.”

Zach Medhaug, a maintenance employee at Tyson’s pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he will feel comfortable returning to work when the plant reopens, even as he fears that one of his closest colleagues may soon die from the coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586983231357.png" alt="Smithfield plant in South Dakota -google image" />
 <figcaption>Smithfield plant in South Dakota -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota pork processing plant took its first steps toward reopening Monday after being shuttered for over two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that infected more than 800 employees.As two departments opened at the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, employees filed through a tent where they were screened for fever and other signs of COVID-19. Some said they felt the measures Smithfield has taken would protect them from another virus outbreak, while others were not confident that infections could be halted in a crowded plant.Lydia Toby, who works in the ground seasoned pork department, said she was “kind of worried” as she entered the plant before 6 a.m. for her first shift in over two weeks. The company met employees in her department Friday and explained they had installed dividers on the production line and would require everyone to wear masks.“I think it’s going to be OK,” she said.In the wake of an executive order from President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fb38a5a53ac1a92039bc0a4b545b19d7">ordering meat plants to remain open,</a>&nbsp;Arkansas-based Tyson Foods was also resuming “limited production” Monday at its pork plant in Logansport, Indiana, where nearly 900 employees tested positive. And the JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minnesota — just an hour east of Smithfield’s South Dakota plant — planned a partial reopening on Wednesday.Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday called meatpacking plants — along with nursing homes — “the most dangerous places there are right now.” He called for greater protections for meatpacking workers.“They designate them as essential workers and then treat them as disposable,” Biden said.In a teleconference town hall with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Biden also noted that their employees may include workers who are in the country illegally and are afraid to seek medical help.Virginia-based Smithfield is offering COVID-19 testing to all employees and their family members, according to a text message sent to employees and seen by The Associated Press. The message told employees to report to a local high school to be tested. It wasn’t clear if testing was required before employees could return, and Smithfield didn’t immediately respond to questions.About 250 employees were told to report to work on Monday, according to the union that represents them. The plant employees about 3,700 workers and produces roughly 5% of the nation’s pork.Salaheldin Ahmed, who works in a department that has not yet reopened, said he was called in by plant management to look at changes in the plant.“They fixed a lot of things,” he said, describing how workers would be spread apart where possible.According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Friday, more than 4,900 workers at meat and poultry processing facilities have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including 20 who died. Some states didn’t provide data, so the actual count is believed to be higher. The true number of COVID-19 infections is also thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases because many people haven’t been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.The CDC researchers said plant workers may be at risk for a number of reasons, including difficulties with physical distancing and hygiene, and crowded living and transportation conditions. They suggested enhanced disinfection and that workers get regular screening for the virus, more space from co-workers and training materials in their native languages. Many meatpacking employees are immigrants; a CDC report on the Smithfield outbreak found that employees there spoke about 40 different languages.The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of beef and pork workers and 33% of poultry workers nationwide, has called for stricter measures than the CDC recommendations, including mandating that workers be spaced 6 feet apart on production lines. It has appealed to governors for help enforcing worker safety rules. The union also wants to get rid of waivers that allow some plants to operate at faster speeds.As plants warily reopen or others operate at diminished capacity with many workers staying home sick or in fear,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774">it’s unclear Trump’s order will guarantee an unbroken supply of meat</a>.Tyson Foods reported record meat sales in the first quarter but warned investors Monday that it faces continued production slowdowns. Company officials said it expected lower productivity “in the short term until local infection rates begin to decrease.”Zach Medhaug, a maintenance employee at Tyson’s pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he will feel comfortable returning to work when the plant reopens, even as he fears that one of his closest colleagues may soon die from the coronavirus.Jose Ayala, 44, is in critical condition on a ventilator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after catching the virus a month ago. Medhaug has been calling Ayala, who is medically paralyzed but may still be able to hear, encouraging him to keep fighting.Medhaug tested positive himself for the coronavirus on April 20. He said he had mild symptoms and expects to return to work later this week at the plant, which suspended production April 22. Medhaug said Tyson has made key safety changes, such as vowing to enforce rather than just encourage social distancing and providing employees with masks instead of telling them to bring their own.“That’s a huge step,” he said. “The people returning, I see them having a better chance of not getting it at all.”

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