
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though now over 50 people have submitted information to the Reno County Health Department's website that they may have contracted COVID-19 and don't qualify for testing, only a few of those fulfill the criteria for inclusion in the county's statistics.

"We've classified eight of those 51 as suspect cases," said Director Nick Baldetti. "I say suspect versus presumptive positive because we are still conducting the investigations, as well as seeking the exact confirmatory language from KDHE."

Baldetti did express some surprise at how it's gone so far.

"I guess I'm more surprised, honestly, which is a good surprise, I'm more surprised that it's not more. I guess that's a silver lining."

The county is also still waiting for 32 tests that have been sent to the lab.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586164900533.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though now over 50 people have submitted information to the Reno County Health Department's website that they may have contracted COVID-19 and don't qualify for testing, only a few of those fulfill the criteria for inclusion in the county's statistics."We've classified eight of those 51 as suspect cases," said Director Nick Baldetti. "I say suspect versus presumptive positive because we are still conducting the investigations, as well as seeking the exact confirmatory language from KDHE."Baldetti did express some surprise at how it's gone so far."I guess I'm more surprised, honestly, which is a good surprise, I'm more surprised that it's not more. I guess that's a silver lining."The county is also still waiting for 32 tests that have been sent to the lab.

Eight suspect COVID-19 cases come from online survey, still more tests outstanding


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Even though there are COVID-19 cases at Lansing Correctional Facility, at least as far as is known by the Reno County Health Department, there are no known infections at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

"My understanding is that the Department of Corrections will do a press release based off of the first and second confirmations within a facility," said Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "After that, it will be contingent on the local level."

The assumption is that since there hasn't been a release, that there are no cases that are laboratory confirmed. The county health department would receive that information.

"Those cases, regardless if they were an inmate or a staff member, those cases would be lumped into the county jurisdiction of the facility. That would be in our numbers."

It's important to note that there must be symptomology both present and severe enough to require outside care in order for any tests to be administered.

"We would most certainly differentiate between an employee and an inmate," Baldetti said. "We would have to do that with the Department of Corrections as well, just to make sure that we're all on the same page."

As of yesterday, there were 18 laboratory confirmed cases associated with the Lansing Correctional Facility outbreak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581036438717.png" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Even though there are COVID-19 cases at Lansing Correctional Facility, at least as far as is known by the Reno County Health Department, there are no known infections at Hutchinson Correctional Facility."My understanding is that the Department of Corrections will do a press release based off of the first and second confirmations within a facility," said Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "After that, it will be contingent on the local level."The assumption is that since there hasn't been a release, that there are no cases that are laboratory confirmed. The county health department would receive that information."Those cases, regardless if they were an inmate or a staff member, those cases would be lumped into the county jurisdiction of the facility. That would be in our numbers."It's important to note that there must be symptomology both present and severe enough to require outside care in order for any tests to be administered."We would most certainly differentiate between an employee and an inmate," Baldetti said. "We would have to do that with the Department of Corrections as well, just to make sure that we're all on the same page."As of yesterday, there were 18 laboratory confirmed cases associated with the Lansing Correctional Facility outbreak.

Despite Lansing cluster, no confirmed cases at HCF as of Friday morning


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though it's really tough to know how asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 works, Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says if you develop symptoms, we know a little more.

"Someone who contracts COVID-19, the virus actually gestates for about nine to fourteen days," Baldetti said. "Then, symptoms begin to set forth. There's some conversation in hyphenating that window around the 9-10 day mark and not pushing it out to the full 14. That's kind of the idea of the actual viral reproduction and gestation within the individual, before symptomology takes place. It can be much sooner than that, but again, we're talking about averages."

It's still not easy to tell the impact of the virus on an individual at this point.

"It depends on your age, if you have existing health issues that might exacerbate this viral body and your immune response," Baldetti said. "Depending on how long that takes, once you become symptom free. It looks like 7-10 days after symptom-free. That's when the epidemiological definition of recovered is labeled."

Baldetti notes that right now, they don't have antibody testing to know for certain that someone has fought the virus off, they are relying on the epidemiological definition at this point.

"The seven days it's what's kind of been holding true for individuals who are quarantined from work," Baldetti said. "However long the duration of symptoms, plus that seven days has been the quarantine and we've been able to track that as a health department."

There have been few enough cases to this point that they've been able to follow up with daily calls to those with symptoms to check on their progress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585343971615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though it's really tough to know how asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 works, Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says if you develop symptoms, we know a little more."Someone who contracts COVID-19, the virus actually gestates for about nine to fourteen days," Baldetti said. "Then, symptoms begin to set forth. There's some conversation in hyphenating that window around the 9-10 day mark and not pushing it out to the full 14. That's kind of the idea of the actual viral reproduction and gestation within the individual, before symptomology takes place. It can be much sooner than that, but again, we're talking about averages."It's still not easy to tell the impact of the virus on an individual at this point."It depends on your age, if you have existing health issues that might exacerbate this viral body and your immune response," Baldetti said. "Depending on how long that takes, once you become symptom free. It looks like 7-10 days after symptom-free. That's when the epidemiological definition of recovered is labeled."Baldetti notes that right now, they don't have antibody testing to know for certain that someone has fought the virus off, they are relying on the epidemiological definition at this point."The seven days it's what's kind of been holding true for individuals who are quarantined from work," Baldetti said. "However long the duration of symptoms, plus that seven days has been the quarantine and we've been able to track that as a health department."There have been few enough cases to this point that they've been able to follow up with daily calls to those with symptoms to check on their progress.

Baldetti: Virus symptoms vary from person to person, but there is a delay


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Rex Degner really wants to use his skills as a pathologist to help Hutchinson Regional Medical Center combat the coronavirus, but right now he can't.

"Testing is dear to my heart," Degner said. "It breaks my heart to see the laboratory profession not be up to speed on this. The ability to test is an absolute game changer in how we not only treat the disease, but in how we staff for it, how we socially isolate, the whole business. We are in contact with our Congressman. We are in contact with representatives of various testing industries, waiting to get the material to test."

It's not a case of a lack of equipment capacity, at least here in Hutchinson.

"We have plenty of the machines that can run the tests here in the hospital and in the community," Degner said. "The problem is getting the actual kits that are specific for this particular virus. They are in short supply. They are making them as rapidly as they can. Unfortunately, I believe these are being diverted to other hotspots including New York and the coasts and Louisiana. While we call them daily, asking and begging for some, we still do not have the ability to do a rapid test here on site."

Having a rapid diagnostic test would really help to know the slope of the curve of not only infections, but also overall hospital resource use.

"There are two different tests that are important," Degner said. "Two different answers that we want to know. The test that we're most in urgent need of is on the diagnostic side and to have one that we can get in a rapid manner. Right now, we have five or six patients in the hospital that are suspected to have COVID disease. They're in our isolation rooms, using up a lot of protective equipment as we go in and out of those rooms. If we had an answer if they were definite COVID patients or just have a fever for another reason, we could much better utilize our resources."

Right now, the hospital appears to have enough personal protective equipment to deal with the increasing caseload, but it is something they continue to monitor daily.

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Rex Degner really wants to use his skills as a pathologist to help Hutchinson Regional Medical Center combat the coronavirus, but right now he can't."Testing is dear to my heart," Degner said. "It breaks my heart to see the laboratory profession not be up to speed on this. The ability to test is an absolute game changer in how we not only treat the disease, but in how we staff for it, how we socially isolate, the whole business. We are in contact with our Congressman. We are in contact with representatives of various testing industries, waiting to get the material to test."It's not a case of a lack of equipment capacity, at least here in Hutchinson."We have plenty of the machines that can run the tests here in the hospital and in the community," Degner said. "The problem is getting the actual kits that are specific for this particular virus. They are in short supply. They are making them as rapidly as they can. Unfortunately, I believe these are being diverted to other hotspots including New York and the coasts and Louisiana. While we call them daily, asking and begging for some, we still do not have the ability to do a rapid test here on site."Having a rapid diagnostic test would really help to know the slope of the curve of not only infections, but also overall hospital resource use."There are two different tests that are important," Degner said. "Two different answers that we want to know. The test that we're most in urgent need of is on the diagnostic side and to have one that we can get in a rapid manner. Right now, we have five or six patients in the hospital that are suspected to have COVID disease. They're in our isolation rooms, using up a lot of protective equipment as we go in and out of those rooms. If we had an answer if they were definite COVID patients or just have a fever for another reason, we could much better utilize our resources."Right now, the hospital appears to have enough personal protective equipment to deal with the increasing caseload, but it is something they continue to monitor daily.

Dr. Degner: Plenty of machines, but need test kits

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has twisted itself into knots over President Donald Trump’s new coronavirus aid request, as Democrats refused to rubber stamp his proposal for $250 billion more to boost small businesses, demanding modifications along with an additional $250 billion for health care providers and states. Republicans wouldn’t go along.

The standoff Thursday doesn’t end the pursuit of more rescue funds, but it came as the government reported that 6.6 million more people filed for unemployment benefits last week, increasing worries that the economy is sliding toward a severe recession. The small business program at issue is off to a rocky rollout.

GOP leader Mitch McConnell sought to keep Thursday’s debate limited to Trump’s request and wouldn’t accept Democratic additions. Even if the GOP plan had succeeded in the Senate, the Democratic-controlled House is determined to make changes to ensure small businesses in minority communities benefit from the burst of government funding.

Democrats and Republicans agree the aid is urgently needed and talks are sure to continue, but it reinforces that Congress and the White House will need to find bipartisan agreement — especially with lawmakers scattered in their states and districts and both the House and Senate unable to conduct roll-call votes.

“Nobody thinks this will be the Senate’s last word on COVID-19," McConnell said. “Let’s continue to work together, with speed and bipartisanship. We will get through this crisis together.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared the Senate vote merely a “stunt" as the country faces an “epic” crisis. She ridiculed the administration for trying to jam a $250 billion request through Congress with 48 hours notice with little data to back it up.

“Really?” Pelosi said on a conference call with reporters.

The stall comes as communities across the nation strain to meet health care needs and salvage local economies pummeled by the crisis. A new jobless report shows a whopping 16.8 million Americans are now out of work.

The massive infusions of federal cash — the $250 billion sought by the administration would come on top of combined legislation already totaling about $2.5 trillion -- are intended as a patch to help the $21 trillion U.S. economy through the current recession, which is causing an economic contraction and a spike in joblessness that is overwhelming many state systems for delivering unemployment benefits.

With Congress all but shuttered — and unlikely to return April 20, as planned — lawmakers pledged to keep negotiating with the White House.

McConnell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin say the “paycheck protection” program, which involves direct subsidies to companies to keep employees on payroll and pay company rent, is on track to quickly deplete its first $350 billion infusion as businesses rush to apply for the aid.

Democrats are not opposed to boosting the payroll fund, but they want to ensure that the new program delivers benefits to businesses in minority communities that are often under-served by traditional lenders.

“What the secretary requested and the bill that the Senate majority leader brought to the floor would never pass the House,” she said. “It is a basis for some negotiation.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., accused McConnell of trying to ram through legislation and detailed a variety of glitches in the program, including fears that many big lenders are not serving minority neighborhoods.

Democrats are pressing for half of the White House request, or $125 billion, to be channeled through community-based financial institutions that serve farmers and family-, women-, minority- and veteran-owned small businesses and nonprofits in rural, tribal, suburban and urban communities.

They circulated a $500 billion plan that would include the Trump request and add $100 billion for hospitals and other health care providers and $150 billion to state and local governments, as well as a 15% boost in food stamp benefits. They hope this serves as a basis for talks with McConnell going forward.

With Capitol Hill virtually shut down, legislation is most easily passed through unanimous agreement, which is often not an easy task.

Another complication is lone wolf Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who promises to block efforts to pass such huge legislation through the House without lawmakers present and ready to vote. The Senate is used to passing legislation by unanimous consent, but the House is more typically driven by the majority party imposing its will.

Pelosi said McConnell’s request “simply can’t” advance through the Democratic-controlled House under unanimous consent.

The future of the legislation is likely to be largely determined by a small, familiar group of senior Washington hands, including Pelosi, McConnell and Mnuchin, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Vice President Mike Pence convened another day of conference calls with lawmakers and the coronavirus task force, talking separately with Senate Republicans and Democrats, on the crisis and federal response.

The Senate convened for the brief pro-forma session with just four senators present — none in masks — to consider the dueling proposals.

Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who presided over the brief session, told reporters it is “unlikely” the chamber will reopen April 20 as planned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586471272238.png" alt="President Trump arrives for Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump arrives for Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has twisted itself into knots over President Donald Trump’s new coronavirus aid request, as Democrats refused to rubber stamp his proposal for $250 billion more to boost small businesses, demanding modifications along with an additional $250 billion for health care providers and states. Republicans wouldn’t go along.The standoff Thursday doesn’t end the pursuit of more rescue funds, but it came as the government reported that 6.6 million more people filed for unemployment benefits last week, increasing worries that the economy is sliding toward a severe recession. The small business program at issue is off to a rocky rollout.GOP leader Mitch McConnell sought to keep Thursday’s debate limited to Trump’s request and wouldn’t accept Democratic additions. Even if the GOP plan had succeeded in the Senate, the Democratic-controlled House is determined to make changes to ensure small businesses in minority communities benefit from the burst of government funding.Democrats and Republicans agree the aid is urgently needed and talks are sure to continue, but it reinforces that Congress and the White House will need to find bipartisan agreement — especially with lawmakers scattered in their states and districts and both the House and Senate unable to conduct roll-call votes.“Nobody thinks this will be the Senate’s last word on COVID-19," McConnell said. “Let’s continue to work together, with speed and bipartisanship. We will get through this crisis together.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared the Senate vote merely a “stunt" as the country faces an “epic” crisis. She ridiculed the administration for trying to jam a $250 billion request through Congress with 48 hours notice with little data to back it up.“Really?” Pelosi said on a conference call with reporters.The stall comes as communities across the nation strain to meet health care needs and salvage local economies pummeled by the crisis. A new jobless report shows a whopping 16.8 million Americans are now out of work.The massive infusions of federal cash — the $250 billion sought by the administration would come on top of combined legislation already totaling about $2.5 trillion -- are intended as a patch to help the $21 trillion U.S. economy through the current recession, which is causing an economic contraction and a spike in joblessness that is overwhelming many state systems for delivering unemployment benefits.With Congress all but shuttered — and unlikely to return April 20, as planned — lawmakers pledged to keep negotiating with the White House.McConnell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin say the “paycheck protection” program, which involves direct subsidies to companies to keep employees on payroll and pay company rent, is on track to quickly deplete its first $350 billion infusion as businesses rush to apply for the aid.Democrats are not opposed to boosting the payroll fund, but they want to ensure that the new program delivers benefits to businesses in minority communities that are often under-served by traditional lenders.“What the secretary requested and the bill that the Senate majority leader brought to the floor would never pass the House,” she said. “It is a basis for some negotiation.”Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., accused McConnell of trying to ram through legislation and detailed a variety of glitches in the program, including fears that many big lenders are not serving minority neighborhoods.Democrats are pressing for half of the White House request, or $125 billion, to be channeled through community-based financial institutions that serve farmers and family-, women-, minority- and veteran-owned small businesses and nonprofits in rural, tribal, suburban and urban communities.They circulated a $500 billion plan that would include the Trump request and add $100 billion for hospitals and other health care providers and $150 billion to state and local governments, as well as a 15% boost in food stamp benefits. They hope this serves as a basis for talks with McConnell going forward.With Capitol Hill virtually shut down, legislation is most easily passed through unanimous agreement, which is often not an easy task.Another complication is lone wolf Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who promises to block efforts to pass such huge legislation through the House without lawmakers present and ready to vote. The Senate is used to passing legislation by unanimous consent, but the House is more typically driven by the majority party imposing its will.Pelosi said McConnell’s request “simply can’t” advance through the Democratic-controlled House under unanimous consent.The future of the legislation is likely to be largely determined by a small, familiar group of senior Washington hands, including Pelosi, McConnell and Mnuchin, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.Vice President Mike Pence convened another day of conference calls with lawmakers and the coronavirus task force, talking separately with Senate Republicans and Democrats, on the crisis and federal response.The Senate convened for the brief pro-forma session with just four senators present — none in masks — to consider the dueling proposals.Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who presided over the brief session, told reporters it is “unlikely” the chamber will reopen April 20 as planned.___

Senators block new virus aid, Pelosi decries 'stunt'

By&nbsp;JIM MCLEAN, Kansas News Service

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing a GOP-led panel of legislative leaders that blocked her executive order limiting religious services and funerals to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;

The Democrat also said Thursday that it isn’t clear whether her previous order from late March, meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, is still in effect. The attorney general has said he believes so.&nbsp;

Kelly said that her legal team thinks only the full Legislature can revoke an executive order, not the Legislative Coordinating Council. She wants the state Supreme Court to take up the issue quickly.&nbsp;

Kelly expanded her initial restrictions on gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sites/kcur/files/eo_20-14_executed.pdf">from March 24</a>&nbsp;to include church services. It took effect Wednesday, and applied to attendees, but not choirs, ministers or others who were taking part in a ceremony.&nbsp;

With Easter services just days away, five Republican legislative leaders contended the move was an unconstitutional restriction on worship. Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office suggested Kelly issued an “overreaching executive order.” Based on advice from her chief counsel, Kelly said she believed the expansion was legal.

Many churches already had canceled services or had moved them online. But by Wednesday afternoon, all of the Republicans on the seven-member Legislative Coordinating Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings">voted to rescind Kelly’s executive order</a>.&nbsp;

Not long after, Kelly held a news conference in which she called the decision “shockingly irresponsible” and said her legal team was looking into their options. Schmidt later issued a statement that said the original executive order from March 24 was still in effect because the one that limited church gatherings and funerals hadn’t yet been published in the Kansas Register.

Before Thursday's news conference, Kelly's official Facebook page addressed the situation, saying that the "physical church ... has never defined Kansans' deep and abiding faith."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586465261139.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday's news conference on the decision to fight the GOP-led legislative leaders in court" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday's news conference on the decision to fight the GOP-led legislative leaders in court</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;JIM MCLEAN, Kansas News ServiceKansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing a GOP-led panel of legislative leaders that blocked her executive order limiting religious services and funerals to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;(audio begins at 2:20)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F155161369154168%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>The Democrat also said Thursday that it isn’t clear whether her previous order from late March, meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, is still in effect. The attorney general has said he believes so.&nbsp;Kelly said that her legal team thinks only the full Legislature can revoke an executive order, not the Legislative Coordinating Council. She wants the state Supreme Court to take up the issue quickly.&nbsp;Kelly expanded her initial restrictions on gatherings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sites/kcur/files/eo_20-14_executed.pdf">from March 24</a>&nbsp;to include church services. It took effect Wednesday, and applied to attendees, but not choirs, ministers or others who were taking part in a ceremony.&nbsp;With Easter services just days away, five Republican legislative leaders contended the move was an unconstitutional restriction on worship. Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office suggested Kelly issued an “overreaching executive order.” Based on advice from her chief counsel, Kelly said she believed the expansion was legal.Many churches already had canceled services or had moved them online. But by Wednesday afternoon, all of the Republicans on the seven-member Legislative Coordinating Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings">voted to rescind Kelly’s executive order</a>.&nbsp;Not long after, Kelly held a news conference in which she called the decision “shockingly irresponsible” and said her legal team was looking into their options. Schmidt later issued a statement that said the original executive order from March 24 was still in effect because the one that limited church gatherings and funerals hadn’t yet been published in the Kansas Register.Before Thursday's news conference, Kelly's official Facebook page addressed the situation, saying that the "physical church ... has never defined Kansans' deep and abiding faith."

 🎥 Kan. Gov. goes to court to keep ban on large gatherings, including church

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says don’t assume the coronavirus will fade during warm weather.

Fauci told ABC’s “Good Morning America” there’s precedent with other infections like influenza that “when the virus gets warmer that the virus goes down in its ability to replicate, to spread.”

But Fauci added “having said that, one should not assume that we are going to be rescued by a change in the weather. You must assume that the virus will continue to do its thing. If we get some help from the weather, so be it, fine. But I don’t think we need to assume that.”

He was asked about the New York Times story that research indicates the coronavirus that began circulating in New York in mid-February came mainly from Europe, not Asia.

“I think that’s probably correct,” Fauci said. He notes that “Europe became the epicenter pretty quickly after China really exploded with their cases.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586435843632.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci answers questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says don’t assume the coronavirus will fade during warm weather.Fauci told ABC’s “Good Morning America” there’s precedent with other infections like influenza that “when the virus gets warmer that the virus goes down in its ability to replicate, to spread.”But Fauci added “having said that, one should not assume that we are going to be rescued by a change in the weather. You must assume that the virus will continue to do its thing. If we get some help from the weather, so be it, fine. But I don’t think we need to assume that.”He was asked about the New York Times story that research indicates the coronavirus that began circulating in New York in mid-February came mainly from Europe, not Asia.“I think that’s probably correct,” Fauci said. He notes that “Europe became the epicenter pretty quickly after China really exploded with their cases.”___

Dr. Fauci: Don’t assume virus fades in warm weather

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has been closed since the middle of March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has also forced the space museum to cut staff. 

“The Cosmosphere, like many businesses across the country, has been impacted by COVID-19,” President Jim Remar said. “Unfortunately had to make the tough decision to permanently eliminate some positions as well as furlough many staff members.”

Remar says four positions were eliminated and the museum is working with a skeleton crew. 

The museum, which is home to one of the most iconic collections of space artifacts including the Apollo 13 spacecraft, is still at work making sure those artifacts are safe.

“Our plant services manager is still there on a daily basis as well as our VP of exhibits,” Remar stated. “They’re monitoring the artifacts daily. Most of the museum is dark but the . . . air conditioning, heating and humidity controls are all functioning.”

The space museum is working to put as much virtual material on the web as possible so people can still enjoy the museum and its programming including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kscosmosphere/">Coffee at the Cos, which will be presented online April 16</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578347526988.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has been closed since the middle of March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has also forced the space museum to cut staff. “The Cosmosphere, like many businesses across the country, has been impacted by COVID-19,” President Jim Remar said. “Unfortunately had to make the tough decision to permanently eliminate some positions as well as furlough many staff members.”Remar says four positions were eliminated and the museum is working with a skeleton crew. The museum, which is home to one of the most iconic collections of space artifacts including the Apollo 13 spacecraft, is still at work making sure those artifacts are safe.“Our plant services manager is still there on a daily basis as well as our VP of exhibits,” Remar stated. “They’re monitoring the artifacts daily. Most of the museum is dark but the . . . air conditioning, heating and humidity controls are all functioning.”The space museum is working to put as much virtual material on the web as possible so people can still enjoy the museum and its programming including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kscosmosphere/">Coffee at the Cos, which will be presented online April 16</a>.

Cosmosphere eliminates positions, cuts staff

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group asked the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed the class action petition on behalf of seven inmates being housed at Lansing Correctional Facility, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and the Topeka Correctional Facility. They are seeking an expedited hearing before the state’s highest court on the request by the named plaintiffs and other Kansas inmates in a similar situation.

Rebecca Witte, the spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said the department would comment later on the filing.

“Petitioners are housed in crowded facilities with limited access to adequate medical treatment and sanitation supplies,” according to the petition. “Several petitioners also have preexisting medical conditions that make them uniquely vulnerable to serious complications and death if they contract the COVID-19 virus — which has already infected both staff and individuals housed within Kansas prisons.”

The lawsuit contends that the release would not only prevent harm to the medically vulnerable inmates, but would also sufficiently reduce the population at prison facilities to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to inmates and the wider public.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group asked the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday to immediately release prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed the class action petition on behalf of seven inmates being housed at Lansing Correctional Facility, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and the Topeka Correctional Facility. They are seeking an expedited hearing before the state’s highest court on the request by the named plaintiffs and other Kansas inmates in a similar situation.Rebecca Witte, the spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said the department would comment later on the filing.“Petitioners are housed in crowded facilities with limited access to adequate medical treatment and sanitation supplies,” according to the petition. “Several petitioners also have preexisting medical conditions that make them uniquely vulnerable to serious complications and death if they contract the COVID-19 virus — which has already infected both staff and individuals housed within Kansas prisons.”The lawsuit contends that the release would not only prevent harm to the medically vulnerable inmates, but would also sufficiently reduce the population at prison facilities to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to inmates and the wider public.

ACLU seeks release of Kan. inmates vulnerable to COVID-19


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti gave an update Thursday on how the self-reporting form is working on the county's website.

"Sixty-seven have actually filled out the self-report form," Baldetti said. "Fifty have self-identified to be contacted by health department staff."

Baldetti is still negotiating with KDHE on what they will call those they think have had COVID-19 that don't qualify for a diagnostic test.

"It's an order of semantics, I feel," Baldetti said. "Right now, we're just waiting for that permission. I personally would hope that I'm going to have something for public consumption by tomorrow."

Once they decide what to call those cases, the number of cases in the county will likely go up. It's important to know that the quickest way to get past the top of the curve is to continue social distancing measures.

"It still stands that limiting gatherings to that ten and under and using best judgment practices in terms of social distancing that we've been harping on for weeks now, that all should still be in place, regardless of an authorized Executive Order," Baldetti said.

Church leaders in Hutchinson are agreed that they will continue to take the precautions they have been taking in keeping services online for this Easter weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585343971615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti gave an update Thursday on how the self-reporting form is working on the county's website."Sixty-seven have actually filled out the self-report form," Baldetti said. "Fifty have self-identified to be contacted by health department staff."Baldetti is still negotiating with KDHE on what they will call those they think have had COVID-19 that don't qualify for a diagnostic test."It's an order of semantics, I feel," Baldetti said. "Right now, we're just waiting for that permission. I personally would hope that I'm going to have something for public consumption by tomorrow."Once they decide what to call those cases, the number of cases in the county will likely go up. It's important to know that the quickest way to get past the top of the curve is to continue social distancing measures."It still stands that limiting gatherings to that ten and under and using best judgment practices in terms of social distancing that we've been harping on for weeks now, that all should still be in place, regardless of an authorized Executive Order," Baldetti said.Church leaders in Hutchinson are agreed that they will continue to take the precautions they have been taking in keeping services online for this Easter weekend.

Baldetti: Self-report form working well, continue social distancing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Bluebird Books &amp; Café is permanently closing.

Melanie Green wrote on Facebook Thursday:

"It would be easy for me to tell you this is the story of a pandemic and that Bluebird is collateral damage, felled to the economic chaos the pandemic has caused. And while that is true, it isn’t the whole story. And for your relentless loyalty, but also for my commitment to truth-telling and the power of stories, I want you to know the whole story, as much as I can tell it. If you want that too, please keep reading. But first about the logistics of closing a bookstore during a pandemic:

"Bluebird café operations have ceased, effective today. We have a limited amount of homemade and prepared inventory that I would like to sell at a generous discount rather than throwing out. This includes frozen scone dough, ready to bake; frozen cookie dough balls, ready to bake; frozen sweet bread loaves, ready to thaw and eat; whole bean coffee, portioned in half pound, one pound or five pound bags. You can order those items at the link at the end of this post and arrange for pick up."

"All orders for books or kits will be fulfilled and can be picked up by appointment or delivered."

"Orders for Isolation kits will continue to be accepted as long as we have inventory to fill them. Kits will be filled with inventory that is generously discounted. You can order kits at the link at the end of this post."

"All books and gift inventory will be generously discounted and liquidated over the next several weeks. Watch Facebook and e-mail newsletters for more details. I will be organizing inventory and staging it for liquidation the rest of this week and will announce sale dates and events next week."

"All furniture, fixtures and equipment will be listed for sale. Watch facebook and email for details."

"At the end of last year, as I was closing in on the eighth year for Bluebird Books, I knew that I was ready to pursue other things. I started to strategize and brainstorm a way to transition to new ownership. But owning a bookstore anywhere in this country is a chancy proposition. On a good day in Hutchinson, Kansas, it’s laughable? gutsy? crazy? Yes it is. All of those things. But pre-Covid-19 I was hopeful of finding just the right gutsy, crazy, laughable candidate to take over. And then a pandemic swept in and I was forced to face the reality of what it would do to our economy and the future of Bluebird. For the last 3 weeks, I have hustled to keep Bluebird viable because it matters to my community and because I hoped to find a way to stay open. This pandemic has thrown challenges at all of us. But these last weeks for small businesses have been brutal. Then yesterday as we were opening, the oven failed. Equipment failures in restaurant operations happen often enough that it’s not usually a tipping point … unless you’re operating during a pandemic."

"Bluebird Books was born of a love of stories, the power of the written word, and a burning drive to build something in my community that would make a difference. To that end, Bluebird Books is a success. In my eight years downtown, I have heard over and over the stories of what Bluebird means to our community, why it is important, what it has done for one person, one group of people, for all of us. I have been told by so many that Bluebird inspired them to pursue something they thought was impossible -- a new career, a new business, an education, a relationship – whatever their dream may have been, something about Bluebird offered them just enough of a draft that their dreams were set aloft. I am honored to have been a part of those dreams."

"Bluebird Books is the story of an independent bookstore in the middle of Hutchinson. But it is also the story of every other downtown entrepreneur. All of them have poured courage and hard work that they likely stored up for years into their businesses. None of them are here on a whim. They are here with a passion that spills over, a gritty tenacity that digs deep and a love for our community. If you love them back, go support them now. They need you now more than ever."

"Readers, I am humbled and honored to have put books into your hands these last eight years. There will forever be a Bluebird-shaped hole in my heart."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586446919857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Bluebird Books &amp; Café is permanently closing.Melanie Green wrote on Facebook Thursday:"It would be easy for me to tell you this is the story of a pandemic and that Bluebird is collateral damage, felled to the economic chaos the pandemic has caused. And while that is true, it isn’t the whole story. And for your relentless loyalty, but also for my commitment to truth-telling and the power of stories, I want you to know the whole story, as much as I can tell it. If you want that too, please keep reading. But first about the logistics of closing a bookstore during a pandemic:"Bluebird café operations have ceased, effective today. We have a limited amount of homemade and prepared inventory that I would like to sell at a generous discount rather than throwing out. This includes frozen scone dough, ready to bake; frozen cookie dough balls, ready to bake; frozen sweet bread loaves, ready to thaw and eat; whole bean coffee, portioned in half pound, one pound or five pound bags. You can order those items at the link at the end of this post and arrange for pick up.""All orders for books or kits will be fulfilled and can be picked up by appointment or delivered.""Orders for Isolation kits will continue to be accepted as long as we have inventory to fill them. Kits will be filled with inventory that is generously discounted. You can order kits at the link at the end of this post.""All books and gift inventory will be generously discounted and liquidated over the next several weeks. Watch Facebook and e-mail newsletters for more details. I will be organizing inventory and staging it for liquidation the rest of this week and will announce sale dates and events next week.""All furniture, fixtures and equipment will be listed for sale. Watch facebook and email for details.""At the end of last year, as I was closing in on the eighth year for Bluebird Books, I knew that I was ready to pursue other things. I started to strategize and brainstorm a way to transition to new ownership. But owning a bookstore anywhere in this country is a chancy proposition. On a good day in Hutchinson, Kansas, it’s laughable? gutsy? crazy? Yes it is. All of those things. But pre-Covid-19 I was hopeful of finding just the right gutsy, crazy, laughable candidate to take over. And then a pandemic swept in and I was forced to face the reality of what it would do to our economy and the future of Bluebird. For the last 3 weeks, I have hustled to keep Bluebird viable because it matters to my community and because I hoped to find a way to stay open. This pandemic has thrown challenges at all of us. But these last weeks for small businesses have been brutal. Then yesterday as we were opening, the oven failed. Equipment failures in restaurant operations happen often enough that it’s not usually a tipping point … unless you’re operating during a pandemic.""Bluebird Books was born of a love of stories, the power of the written word, and a burning drive to build something in my community that would make a difference. To that end, Bluebird Books is a success. In my eight years downtown, I have heard over and over the stories of what Bluebird means to our community, why it is important, what it has done for one person, one group of people, for all of us. I have been told by so many that Bluebird inspired them to pursue something they thought was impossible -- a new career, a new business, an education, a relationship – whatever their dream may have been, something about Bluebird offered them just enough of a draft that their dreams were set aloft. I am honored to have been a part of those dreams.""Bluebird Books is the story of an independent bookstore in the middle of Hutchinson. But it is also the story of every other downtown entrepreneur. All of them have poured courage and hard work that they likely stored up for years into their businesses. None of them are here on a whim. They are here with a passion that spills over, a gritty tenacity that digs deep and a love for our community. If you love them back, go support them now. They need you now more than ever.""Readers, I am humbled and honored to have put books into your hands these last eight years. There will forever be a Bluebird-shaped hole in my heart."

Bluebird Books & Cafe to close

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department announced Wednesday that the number of positive COVID-19 cases remains at 11.

Health Department Director Nick Baldetti also announced that a fourth person previously confirmed to have COVID-19 has completed recovery and is nonsymptomatic, per disease investigation guidelines furnished by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. 

Remember, the state of Kansas is under a statewide stay home order. This means all citizens are directed to stay in their homes unless performing an essential activity as described in Executive Order No. 20-16 signed by the governor of Kansas. 

The department highly encourages Reno County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19. Please practice good hygiene with frequent hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into your elbow bend, limit handshakes and physical contact. Stay home if you are feeling ill and call your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586013872072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department announced Wednesday that the number of positive COVID-19 cases remains at 11.Health Department Director Nick Baldetti also announced that a fourth person previously confirmed to have COVID-19 has completed recovery and is nonsymptomatic, per disease investigation guidelines furnished by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Remember, the state of Kansas is under a statewide stay home order. This means all citizens are directed to stay in their homes unless performing an essential activity as described in Executive Order No. 20-16 signed by the governor of Kansas. The department highly encourages Reno County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19. Please practice good hygiene with frequent hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into your elbow bend, limit handshakes and physical contact. Stay home if you are feeling ill and call your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms.

Number of Reno Co. COVID-19 cases remains at 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Strategic National Stockpile is nearly out of the N95 respirators, surgical masks, face, shields, gowns and other medical supplies desperately needed to protect front-line medical workers treating coronavirus patients.

The Department of Health and Human Services told The Associated Press Wednesday that the federal stockpile was in the process of deploying all remaining personal protective equipment in its inventory.

The HHS statement confirms&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6827959-Medical-supplies-distribution.html" target="_blank">federal documents</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee showing that about 90% of the personal protective equipment in the stockpile has been distributed to state and local governments.

HHS spokeswoman Katie McKeogh said the remaining 10% will be kept in reserve to support federal response efforts.

House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/new-document-shows-inadequate-distribution-of-personal-protective-equipment-and" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration is leaving states to scour the open market for scarce supplies, often competing with each other and federal agencies in a chaotic bidding war that drives up prices.

“The President failed to bring in FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) early on, failed to name a national commander for this crisis, and failed to fully utilize the authorities Congress gave him under the Defense Production Act to procure and manage the distribution of critical supplies,” Maloney said. “He must take action now to address these deficiencies.”

For the last month, health care workers across the nation have taken to social media to illustrate the shortages by taking selfies wearing home-sewn masks on their faces and trash bags over their scrubs.

President Donald Trump has faulted the states for not better preparing for the pandemic and has said they should only being relying on the federal stockpile as a last resort.

The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that the Trump administration squandered nearly two months after the early January warnings that COVID-19 might ignite a global pandemic, waiting until mid-March to place bulk orders of N95 masks and other medical supplies needed to build up the stockpile. By then, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for help.

Trump spent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09985ba2784e553d69c7f194960de94f">first two months</a>&nbsp;of the outbreak playing down the threat from the new virus. He derided warnings of a pandemic as a hoax perpetrated by Democrats and the media, predicting as late as Feb. 26 that the number of U.S. cases would soon drop to zero.

The stockpile was created in 1999 to prevent supply-chain disruptions for the predicted Y2K computer problems. It expanded after 9/11 to prepare for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. Congress provided money in 2006 to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic, though much of that stock was used during the H1N1 flu outbreak three years later.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the federal stockpile had about 13 million N95 respirators, masks which filter out about 95% of all liquid or airborne particles and are critical to prevent health care workers from becoming infected. That’s just a small fraction of what hospitals need to protect their workers, who normally would wear a new mask for each patient, but who now are often issued only one to last for days.

Federal contracting records show HHS made an initial bulk order of N95 masks on March 12, followed by larger orders on March 21. But those contracts won’t yield big deliveries to the national stockpile until the end of April, after the White House has projected the pandemic will reach its peak.

For nearly a month, Trump rebuffed calls to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase production of respirators and ventilators, before he relented last week.

Asked about the AP report, the president suggested Sunday the states should be thankful for the shipments of supplies they have gotten.

“FEMA, the military, what they’ve done is a miracle,” Trump said. “What they’ve done is a miracle in getting all of this stuff. What they have done for states is incredible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586430652281.png" alt="PPE distribution on Wednesday in Missouri -photo office of Missouri governor" />
 <figcaption>PPE distribution on Wednesday in Missouri -photo office of Missouri governor</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Strategic National Stockpile is nearly out of the N95 respirators, surgical masks, face, shields, gowns and other medical supplies desperately needed to protect front-line medical workers treating coronavirus patients.The Department of Health and Human Services told The Associated Press Wednesday that the federal stockpile was in the process of deploying all remaining personal protective equipment in its inventory.The HHS statement confirms&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6827959-Medical-supplies-distribution.html" target="_blank">federal documents</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee showing that about 90% of the personal protective equipment in the stockpile has been distributed to state and local governments.HHS spokeswoman Katie McKeogh said the remaining 10% will be kept in reserve to support federal response efforts.House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/new-document-shows-inadequate-distribution-of-personal-protective-equipment-and" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration is leaving states to scour the open market for scarce supplies, often competing with each other and federal agencies in a chaotic bidding war that drives up prices.“The President failed to bring in FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) early on, failed to name a national commander for this crisis, and failed to fully utilize the authorities Congress gave him under the Defense Production Act to procure and manage the distribution of critical supplies,” Maloney said. “He must take action now to address these deficiencies.”For the last month, health care workers across the nation have taken to social media to illustrate the shortages by taking selfies wearing home-sewn masks on their faces and trash bags over their scrubs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586209464100.png" alt="President Trump answering questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answering questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump has faulted the states for not better preparing for the pandemic and has said they should only being relying on the federal stockpile as a last resort.The AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">reported</a>&nbsp;Sunday that the Trump administration squandered nearly two months after the early January warnings that COVID-19 might ignite a global pandemic, waiting until mid-March to place bulk orders of N95 masks and other medical supplies needed to build up the stockpile. By then, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for help.Trump spent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09985ba2784e553d69c7f194960de94f">first two months</a>&nbsp;of the outbreak playing down the threat from the new virus. He derided warnings of a pandemic as a hoax perpetrated by Democrats and the media, predicting as late as Feb. 26 that the number of U.S. cases would soon drop to zero.The stockpile was created in 1999 to prevent supply-chain disruptions for the predicted Y2K computer problems. It expanded after 9/11 to prepare for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. Congress provided money in 2006 to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic, though much of that stock was used during the H1N1 flu outbreak three years later.At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the federal stockpile had about 13 million N95 respirators, masks which filter out about 95% of all liquid or airborne particles and are critical to prevent health care workers from becoming infected. That’s just a small fraction of what hospitals need to protect their workers, who normally would wear a new mask for each patient, but who now are often issued only one to last for days.Federal contracting records show HHS made an initial bulk order of N95 masks on March 12, followed by larger orders on March 21. But those contracts won’t yield big deliveries to the national stockpile until the end of April, after the White House has projected the pandemic will reach its peak.For nearly a month, Trump rebuffed calls to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase production of respirators and ventilators, before he relented last week.Asked about the AP report, the president suggested Sunday the states should be thankful for the shipments of supplies they have gotten.“FEMA, the military, what they’ve done is a miracle,” Trump said. “What they’ve done is a miracle in getting all of this stuff. What they have done for states is incredible.”

HHS: Federal stocks of protective equipment nearly depleted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industries. The guidance is focused on when those workers can return to work after having been exposed to the new coronavirus.

— Do take your temperature before work.

— Do practice social distancing as work duties permit.

— Don’t stay at work if you become sick

— Don’t share headsets or objects used near face.

— Don’t congregate in the break room or other crowded places.

The CDC also issued guidance for employers in essential industries.

— Do increase the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

— Do increase air exchange in the building.

— Do send sick workers home immediately.

— Do test the use of face masks to ensure they don’t interfere with workflow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391131314.png" alt="Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industries. The guidance is focused on when those workers can return to work after having been exposed to the new coronavirus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391294022.png" alt="CDC" />
 <figcaption>CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>— Do take your temperature before work.— Do wear a face mask at all times.— Do practice social distancing as work duties permit.— Don’t stay at work if you become sick— Don’t share headsets or objects used near face.— Don’t congregate in the break room or other crowded places.The CDC also issued guidance for employers in essential industries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586391231224.png" alt="CDC" />
 <figcaption>CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>— Do increase the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces.— Do increase air exchange in the building.— Do send sick workers home immediately.— Do test the use of face masks to ensure they don’t interfere with workflow.

New CDC guidance for essential workers, employers during coronavirus

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly discussed the dramatic increase in coronavirus deaths in Kansas during her daily press conference. Kansas saw a 41 percent jump in coronavirus&nbsp; deaths Wednesday to 38, according to the KDHE.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The governor and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman also responded to the statement by&nbsp; the Kansas Attorney General who told police <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/04/08/ag-derek-schmidt-kansans-should-comply-with-governor-s-order-limiting-religious-gatherings-during-pandemic-but-cannot-be-arrested-prosecuted-or-imprisoned-for-worshiping">not to enforce the governor's order on religious gatherings</a>&nbsp;and lawmakers who overturned the order restricting the size of religious gatherings amid the pandemic.

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly discussed the dramatic increase in coronavirus deaths in Kansas during her daily press conference. Kansas saw a 41 percent jump in coronavirus&nbsp; deaths Wednesday to 38, according to the KDHE.&nbsp;&nbsp;The governor and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman also responded to the statement by&nbsp; the Kansas Attorney General who told police <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/04/08/ag-derek-schmidt-kansans-should-comply-with-governor-s-order-limiting-religious-gatherings-during-pandemic-but-cannot-be-arrested-prosecuted-or-imprisoned-for-worshiping">not to enforce the governor's order on religious gatherings</a>&nbsp;and lawmakers who overturned the order restricting the size of religious gatherings amid the pandemic.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1037628039966755%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>

🎥  Gov. Kelly on dramatic increase of virus deaths in Kansas

OVERLAND PARK, KAN.&nbsp;(AP) — Officials in Overland Park have announced the suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City community’s farmers market will not open this weekend as planned in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

City officials announced the markets’ postponed opening on Tuesday under pressure from the public, the Kansas City Star reported. The city had been planning to open the market for the season on Saturday, even as other Johnson County cities decided to postpone their own markets.

The city had made several changes in an effort to address health concerns — including canceling children's events and moving the event to a parking lot to give more space between vendors. But the event draws thousands of shoppers, making it difficult to keep people six feet apart and enforce safety protocols.

The city heard from several concerned residents, especially as the number of coronavirus cases rapidly grows in Johnson County, city spokesman Sean Reilly.

“Despite the efforts we’ve gone through with the safety and health protocols, we still heard from people who were concerned about the health of the public and vendors,” Reilly said. “So we heard them, listened to them and decided we would go ahead and close it.”

Reilly said the farmers market will open after Kansas' stay-at-home order is lifted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586358248415.png" alt="Image courtesy Overland Park Farmers Market" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Overland Park Farmers Market</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, KAN.&nbsp;(AP) — Officials in Overland Park have announced the suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City community’s farmers market will not open this weekend as planned in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.City officials announced the markets’ postponed opening on Tuesday under pressure from the public, the Kansas City Star reported. The city had been planning to open the market for the season on Saturday, even as other Johnson County cities decided to postpone their own markets.The city had made several changes in an effort to address health concerns — including canceling children's events and moving the event to a parking lot to give more space between vendors. But the event draws thousands of shoppers, making it difficult to keep people six feet apart and enforce safety protocols.The city heard from several concerned residents, especially as the number of coronavirus cases rapidly grows in Johnson County, city spokesman Sean Reilly.“Despite the efforts we’ve gone through with the safety and health protocols, we still heard from people who were concerned about the health of the public and vendors,” Reilly said. “So we heard them, listened to them and decided we would go ahead and close it.”Reilly said the farmers market will open after Kansas' stay-at-home order is lifted.

Coronavirus response varied among Kansas farmers markets

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order restricting the size of religious gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak has been overturned after the state’s top prosecutor said it likely violates the state constitution.

The Legislative Coordinating Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to undo the order that limited in-person religious services and funerals to 10 people. The move came after Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, said that while the order was “sound public-health advice that Kansans should follow,” he was discouraging law enforcement agencies and prosecutors statewide from attempting to enforce the requirements.

Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conference

With Easter approaching, Kelly, a Democrat, issued the order Tuesday because of three outbreaks that had been connected to religious gatherings. Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s head, said 165 had been sickened in those outbreaks.

“In our view, Kansas statute and the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights each forbid the governor from criminalizing participation in worship gatherings by executive order,” wrote Schmidt, adding that Kansas statutory and constitutional law provide substantially more protection for religious freedoms than does federal law.

Statewide, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grew Wednesday to 1,008, up from 900 Tuesday, with 38 deaths.

The sickened include 56 patients and staff members at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation in Kansas City, Kansas. Six have died and seven are hospitalized, health officials with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County said Wednesday.

State health officials are monitoring the outbreak. Previously that state’s largest outbreak had been at the Life Care Center of Burlington, where 41 residents and one staff member have tested positive. One resident at that facility has died.

Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

By STEPHEN KORANDA &amp; CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-lawmakers-wiped-out-gov-laura-kellys-covid-19-ban-big-church-gatherings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas Republican leadership 
seemingly had enough of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive orders, 
with a limit on church gatherings marking the final straw.

The 
Legislative Coordinating Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to strip the state 
of any ban on the number of people who could gather at one time to stop 
the spread of the coronavirus.

No more than 10 people have been 
allowed to gather for a while, but on Tuesday, Kelly specified that it 
would apply to churches and funerals. Kansas officials have said three 
clusters of coronavirus have been directly tied to church services, 
leading to 165 illnesses and 12 deaths.

Plus, Easter is this Sunday, and the decision rankled Republican leadership.

“I
 can’t approve this,” said Senate President Susan Wagle, who often 
clashes with Kelly. “We did take an oath to uphold (religious freedoms 
in the constitution).”

It is now up to Kelly whether to establish
 another order that limits gatherings. She delayed an afternoon news 
conference as soon as the LCC’s vote happened.

Kansas House 
Speaker Pro Tem Finch said he hoped everyone will stay home, adding that
 it isn’t worth the risk to go to a church service this weekend and 
thanked church leaders for holding online services.

Those who 
voted to overturn the executive order, via conference call, were Wagle, 
Finch, Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, House Speaker Ron Ryckman and
 House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins. The two Democrats, Sen. Anthony 
Hensley and House Rep. Tom Sawyer, wanted to keep the order.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda">@kprkoranda</a>.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order restricting the size of religious gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak has been overturned after the state’s top prosecutor said it likely violates the state constitution.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/pHrW7sAiqY">pic.twitter.com/pHrW7sAiqY</a>&mdash; Speaker Ryckman (@RonRyckman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonRyckman/status/1247989645973032960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Legislative Coordinating Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to undo the order that limited in-person religious services and funerals to 10 people. The move came after Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, said that while the order was “sound public-health advice that Kansans should follow,” he was discouraging law enforcement agencies and prosecutors statewide from attempting to enforce the requirements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586287905649.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conferenceWith Easter approaching, Kelly, a Democrat, issued the order Tuesday because of three outbreaks that had been connected to religious gatherings. Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s head, said 165 had been sickened in those outbreaks.“In our view, Kansas statute and the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights each forbid the governor from criminalizing participation in worship gatherings by executive order,” wrote Schmidt, adding that Kansas statutory and constitutional law provide substantially more protection for religious freedoms than does federal law.Statewide, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grew Wednesday to 1,008, up from 900 Tuesday, with 38 deaths.The sickened include 56 patients and staff members at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation in Kansas City, Kansas. Six have died and seven are hospitalized, health officials with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County said Wednesday.State health officials are monitoring the outbreak. Previously that state’s largest outbreak had been at the Life Care Center of Burlington, where 41 residents and one staff member have tested positive. One resident at that facility has died.Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.----------By STEPHEN KORANDA &amp; CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-lawmakers-wiped-out-gov-laura-kellys-covid-19-ban-big-church-gatherings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas Republican leadership 
seemingly had enough of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive orders, 
with a limit on church gatherings marking the final straw.The 
Legislative Coordinating Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to strip the state 
of any ban on the number of people who could gather at one time to stop 
the spread of the coronavirus.No more than 10 people have been 
allowed to gather for a while, but on Tuesday, Kelly specified that it 
would apply to churches and funerals. Kansas officials have said three 
clusters of coronavirus have been directly tied to church services, 
leading to 165 illnesses and 12 deaths.Plus, Easter is this Sunday, and the decision rankled Republican leadership.“I
 can’t approve this,” said Senate President Susan Wagle, who often 
clashes with Kelly. “We did take an oath to uphold (religious freedoms 
in the constitution).”It is now up to Kelly whether to establish
 another order that limits gatherings. She delayed an afternoon news 
conference as soon as the LCC’s vote happened.Kansas House 
Speaker Pro Tem Finch said he hoped everyone will stay home, adding that
 it isn’t worth the risk to go to a church service this weekend and 
thanked church leaders for holding online services.Those who 
voted to overturn the executive order, via conference call, were Wagle, 
Finch, Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, House Speaker Ron Ryckman and
 House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins. The two Democrats, Sen. Anthony 
Hensley and House Rep. Tom Sawyer, wanted to keep the order.This is a breaking news story and will be updated.Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kprkoranda">@kprkoranda</a>.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Update: Kan. lawmakers wipe out Gov.'s ban on church gatherings 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — PrairieStar Health Center is one of 19 health centers in Kansas that will receive funding from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

PrairieStar will get $821,825 that can be used to help detect coronavirus; prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19; and maintain or increase health capacity and staffing levels to address this public health emergency.

A total of $15.3 million is going to agencies in Kansas as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. The legislation was passed to help secure the resources needed to keep Americans safe from coronavirus. HRSA is making the health center investments available immediately.

HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers that operate in nearly 13,000 locations nationwide. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586378998052.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — PrairieStar Health Center is one of 19 health centers in Kansas that will receive funding from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).PrairieStar will get $821,825 that can be used to help detect coronavirus; prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19; and maintain or increase health capacity and staffing levels to address this public health emergency.A total of $15.3 million is going to agencies in Kansas as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. The legislation was passed to help secure the resources needed to keep Americans safe from coronavirus. HRSA is making the health center investments available immediately.HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers that operate in nearly 13,000 locations nationwide.

PrairieStar receives HRSA funding

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar to hear how sole proprietors and the self-employed can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program and other financial tools available through the CARES Act. 

The program is Friday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. and will feature representatives from Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk &amp; Loyd; Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball; and Allen, Gibbs &amp; Houlik.

If you have any questions you would like answered during the webinar, please send those in advance to Lacie Janzen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:laciej@hutchchamber.com">laciej@hutchchamber.com</a>.

<a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/WebinarUnderstanding%20the%20CARES%20Act%20%20PP%20for%20Sole%20Proprietors%20and%20Self%20Employed-6430/details">Click here to register for the webinar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586377477942.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar to hear how sole proprietors and the self-employed can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program and other financial tools available through the CARES Act. The program is Friday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. and will feature representatives from Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk &amp; Loyd; Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball; and Allen, Gibbs &amp; Houlik.If you have any questions you would like answered during the webinar, please send those in advance to Lacie Janzen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:laciej@hutchchamber.com">laciej@hutchchamber.com</a>.<a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/WebinarUnderstanding%20the%20CARES%20Act%20%20PP%20for%20Sole%20Proprietors%20and%20Self%20Employed-6430/details">Click here to register for the webinar</a>.

Chamber to host webinar on CARES Act Friday

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 is attempting to have a graduation ceremony later this summer.

In a letter to Seniors and their parents and guardians, principal Michael Ellegood said they plan to recognize the Class of 2020 on July 18 at 9:00 a.m. at Crusader Field in Buhler. Graduation practice will be 9:00 a.m. July 17 at Buhler High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 is attempting to have a graduation ceremony later this summer.In a letter to Seniors and their parents and guardians, principal Michael Ellegood said they plan to recognize the Class of 2020 on July 18 at 9:00 a.m. at Crusader Field in Buhler. Graduation practice will be 9:00 a.m. July 17 at Buhler High School.The date was chosen with the idea that COVID-19 will have run its course by then. Baccalaureate has been scheduled for Sunday July 12 at 3 p.m.Those dates are dependent upon the Governor and the Reno County Health Department allowing large group gatherings by that time.Jostens has told the district they will provide a template to print the new date for graduation and the Foto Cowboy will be taking photographs. More information will be released as the date approaches.

Coronavirus Update