
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti notes that even in the short time they have had their online form available for people to submit their potential COVID-19 cases, the timeline of when the virus got here hasn't changed much.

"We're seeing a lot of symptomology from the small sample size of the responses, just under thirty, that a lot of individuals seem to be presenting symptoms at the beginning of March," Baldetti said. "We've seen one February and then a few recent into April."

For those willing to give contact information, they will follow up and attempt to make a better guess about whether or not they have had the virus.

"If they meet what we know about COVID-19 and then working with KDHE are designated a presumptive, we'll hopefully be painting a better picture of both the duration of COVID-19 as it has been in our community presumptively, as well as, hopefully offer more information and data to offer more informed policy guidelines," Baldetti said.

This is being done because, at least right now, there just aren't the tests available to give everyone who may have or has had the virus a test.

"We still know, about a 60% swath of individuals who contract COVID-19, they are going to present fairly mild symptomology," Baldetti said. "At this point, yes, we're going to ask people who have mild symptoms to go ahead and self-report. If they do give us contact information, we're going to be following up with them."

There is a conversation going on between the health department and KDHE as to whether the epedemiological work can be done with cases to the point that they can come up with a presumptive positive without putting health care workers at risk in cases where symptoms are mild enough to allow people to self-isolate and treat themselves without going to a health care provider. 

There has not been an answer from KDHE on that as yet with regard to Reno County specifically.

<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 notes that even in the short time they have had their online form available for people to submit their potential COVID-19 cases, the timeline of when the virus got here hasn't changed much."We're seeing a lot of symptomology from the small sample size of the responses, just under thirty, that a lot of individuals seem to be presenting symptoms at the beginning of March," Baldetti said. "We've seen one February and then a few recent into April."For those willing to give contact information, they will follow up and attempt to make a better guess about whether or not they have had the virus."If they meet what we know about COVID-19 and then working with KDHE are designated a presumptive, we'll hopefully be painting a better picture of both the duration of COVID-19 as it has been in our community presumptively, as well as, hopefully offer more information and data to offer more informed policy guidelines," Baldetti said.This is being done because, at least right now, there just aren't the tests available to give everyone who may have or has had the virus a test."We still know, about a 60% swath of individuals who contract COVID-19, they are going to present fairly mild symptomology," Baldetti said. "At this point, yes, we're going to ask people who have mild symptoms to go ahead and self-report. If they do give us contact information, we're going to be following up with them."There is a conversation going on between the health department and KDHE as to whether the epedemiological work can be done with cases to the point that they can come up with a presumptive positive without putting health care workers at risk in cases where symptoms are mild enough to allow people to self-isolate and treat themselves without going to a health care provider. There has not been an answer from KDHE on that as yet with regard to Reno County specifically.

In absence of tests, county asks for self-reporting and contact information

&nbsp;Tulsa, OK. (AP) — One Tulsa, Oklahoma, bar owner said more than a dozen motorcyclists showed up unannounced, but he served them a round of shots anyway to celebrate a birthday. Another live-streamed a drag queen show on Facebook while up to 20 people drank inside the locked bar, ignoring police when they knocked on the door.

Both were busted — and received misdemeanor citations and court dates — after police responded to tips that the bars were violating the mayor’s order shuttering all nonessential businesses to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/stay-at-home-order-reporting/">Click here to see the Stay-at-home</a>&nbsp;order reporting form in Sedgwick County

“There has to be some consequence for violating an executive order,” said Tulsa Police Lt. Richard Meulenberg.

Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies as cities, states and countries work to enforce directives meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the virus pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide. They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.

In hard-hit New York City, police arrested the owner of an illegal Brooklyn speakeasy where a dozen people were found drinking and gambling after someone called 311 with a tip.

In Chicago, a yoga studio that believed it qualified as an essential health and wellness service was closed after the city — tipped off by several residents — disagreed. Teacher Naveed Abidi of Bikram Yoga West Loop studio said he thought the studio could remain open if the space was sanitized, class size limited and students stayed far enough apart.

“If we were naughty with the government’s order, then we’re very, very sorry” said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “We’re not here to cause problems, we’re here to practice our poses.”

For most people, the new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

But the virus is spreading rapidly and starting to max out the health care system in several cities.

Naugatuck, Connecticut, resident Gwen Becker said she was “mortified” when she drove by a golf course and saw a crowd gathered around a food truck and eating at tables together. So she took a video that her friend posted on Facebook — prompting the mayor to shut down the course.

“I was angry and upset, and I threw some f-bombs,” said Becker, 54. “You’re not going to consider that what you’re doing could kill somebody?”

In some places, investigators are patrolling the streets, looking for violators.

A team enforcing Denver’s shelter-in-place order issued five citations — including to Hobby Lobby and a Game Stop franchise that claimed it was essential — and more than 600 warnings to businesses and individuals as of Tuesday, city spokesman Alton Dillard said. The team also patrols neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas. Hobby Lobby has now closed all their stores.

In Newark, New Jersey, police shut down 15 businesses in one night and cited 161 people for violating the governor’s restrictions, saying others would be next if they didn’t heed directives. And Maryland State Police said they’d conducted nearly 6,600 business and crowd compliance checks.

Chicago police even disbanded a funeral Sunday after seeing a group of up to 60 people, many elderly, congregating inside a church, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

In some cases, residents are turning on neighbors.

Police in Spain — sometimes aided by videos and photos posted online by zealous residents, or “balcony police” — have arrested nearly 2,000 people and fined over 230,000 for violating quarantine orders.

In one viral video, the person recording it is heard criticizing a woman who decides to go for a jog and resists police orders to produce her ID card. Another shows a family of four heading to a supermarket carrying a scooter for one of their children while half a dozen neighbors yell at them from the window.

And in New Zealand, a police website set up for the public to report violators crashed after too many people tried to access it at once. Among the complaints were people playing rugby and Frisbee and holding impromptu “corona” parties, The Guardian reported.

Back in Tulsa, Lt. Meulenberg said the department’s call volume has increased substantially with residents ratting out businesses and neighbors alike, though they can’t respond to all of them.

“The fact that we have to do this at all means some people are not interested in self-preservation” or protecting others, Meulenberg said. “We’re not immunologists. We’re not scientists. We’re cops. We’re just trying to do our part.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585651445733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Tulsa, OK. (AP) — One Tulsa, Oklahoma, bar owner said more than a dozen motorcyclists showed up unannounced, but he served them a round of shots anyway to celebrate a birthday. Another live-streamed a drag queen show on Facebook while up to 20 people drank inside the locked bar, ignoring police when they knocked on the door.Both were busted — and received misdemeanor citations and court dates — after police responded to tips that the bars were violating the mayor’s order shuttering all nonessential businesses to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/stay-at-home-order-reporting/">Click here to see the Stay-at-home</a>&nbsp;order reporting form in Sedgwick County“There has to be some consequence for violating an executive order,” said Tulsa Police Lt. Richard Meulenberg.It turns out plenty of people agree.Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies as cities, states and countries work to enforce directives meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the virus pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide. They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.In hard-hit New York City, police arrested the owner of an illegal Brooklyn speakeasy where a dozen people were found drinking and gambling after someone called 311 with a tip.In Chicago, a yoga studio that believed it qualified as an essential health and wellness service was closed after the city — tipped off by several residents — disagreed. Teacher Naveed Abidi of Bikram Yoga West Loop studio said he thought the studio could remain open if the space was sanitized, class size limited and students stayed far enough apart.“If we were naughty with the government’s order, then we’re very, very sorry” said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “We’re not here to cause problems, we’re here to practice our poses.”For most people, the new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.But the virus is spreading rapidly and starting to max out the health care system in several cities.Naugatuck, Connecticut, resident Gwen Becker said she was “mortified” when she drove by a golf course and saw a crowd gathered around a food truck and eating at tables together. So she took a video that her friend posted on Facebook — prompting the mayor to shut down the course.“I was angry and upset, and I threw some f-bombs,” said Becker, 54. “You’re not going to consider that what you’re doing could kill somebody?”In some places, investigators are patrolling the streets, looking for violators.A team enforcing Denver’s shelter-in-place order issued five citations — including to Hobby Lobby and a Game Stop franchise that claimed it was essential — and more than 600 warnings to businesses and individuals as of Tuesday, city spokesman Alton Dillard said. The team also patrols neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas. Hobby Lobby has now closed all their stores.In Newark, New Jersey, police shut down 15 businesses in one night and cited 161 people for violating the governor’s restrictions, saying others would be next if they didn’t heed directives. And Maryland State Police said they’d conducted nearly 6,600 business and crowd compliance checks.Chicago police even disbanded a funeral Sunday after seeing a group of up to 60 people, many elderly, congregating inside a church, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.In some cases, residents are turning on neighbors.Police in Spain — sometimes aided by videos and photos posted online by zealous residents, or “balcony police” — have arrested nearly 2,000 people and fined over 230,000 for violating quarantine orders.In one viral video, the person recording it is heard criticizing a woman who decides to go for a jog and resists police orders to produce her ID card. Another shows a family of four heading to a supermarket carrying a scooter for one of their children while half a dozen neighbors yell at them from the window.And in New Zealand, a police website set up for the public to report violators crashed after too many people tried to access it at once. Among the complaints were people playing rugby and Frisbee and holding impromptu “corona” parties, The Guardian reported.Back in Tulsa, Lt. Meulenberg said the department’s call volume has increased substantially with residents ratting out businesses and neighbors alike, though they can’t respond to all of them.“The fact that we have to do this at all means some people are not interested in self-preservation” or protecting others, Meulenberg said. “We’re not immunologists. We’re not scientists. We’re cops. We’re just trying to do our part.”

Residents snitch on neighbors, businesses amid pandemic shutdown

There is one group of people who still need to pay attention to the April 15 date for taxes, even after all of the law changes connected with COVID-19 response.

"Even though the tax return and the balance due money has been extended, those people who are needing to make quarterly estimated tax payments, those dates have not been extended the same way," said Jo Wiebe with H&amp;R Block® in Hutchinson. "For the federal estimated payment that's normally due April 15, that one has been extended to July 15, but the June payment was not. However, the state of Kansas has not extended the April 15 estimated tax payment due date. Anyone that has quarterly estimates that they normally need to pay, it would be highly advisable for them to continue to get their tax return completed so that they would know how much estimated payment they need to make by April 15 and not be late, especially on that Kansas one."

This is generally self-employed people or those with a lot of investment income that doesn't have withholding. Many people are also asking about how they will get the stimulus money from the CARES act legislation.

"If you have filed your tax return for 2019, the IRS is going to be issuing those payments through the method that you used to receive your refund on the 2019 tax return," Wiebe said. "If you have not filed a 2019 tax return, they will go back and look at your 2018 tax return to see how you filed at that time and which way you wanted your money to come back."

Other people who get money from the government but don't file returns will also get payments, like Social Security and railroad retirement recipients.

"They are not to worry," Wiebe said. "The government knows the bank account that their Social Security or railroad retirement money is deposited into. They will be using that means to get the stimulus payments to those people."

The only people who will need to let the government know their bank information are those who don't have a direct deposit account on file with the federal government. There will be a secure place to give the government that information that should be launched in the next few days.

There is one group of people who still need to pay attention to the April 15 date for taxes, even after all of the law changes connected with COVID-19 response."Even though the tax return and the balance due money has been extended, those people who are needing to make quarterly estimated tax payments, those dates have not been extended the same way," said Jo Wiebe with H&amp;R Block® in Hutchinson. "For the federal estimated payment that's normally due April 15, that one has been extended to July 15, but the June payment was not. However, the state of Kansas has not extended the April 15 estimated tax payment due date. Anyone that has quarterly estimates that they normally need to pay, it would be highly advisable for them to continue to get their tax return completed so that they would know how much estimated payment they need to make by April 15 and not be late, especially on that Kansas one."This is generally self-employed people or those with a lot of investment income that doesn't have withholding. Many people are also asking about how they will get the stimulus money from the CARES act legislation."If you have filed your tax return for 2019, the IRS is going to be issuing those payments through the method that you used to receive your refund on the 2019 tax return," Wiebe said. "If you have not filed a 2019 tax return, they will go back and look at your 2018 tax return to see how you filed at that time and which way you wanted your money to come back."Other people who get money from the government but don't file returns will also get payments, like Social Security and railroad retirement recipients."They are not to worry," Wiebe said. "The government knows the bank account that their Social Security or railroad retirement money is deposited into. They will be using that means to get the stimulus payments to those people."The only people who will need to let the government know their bank information are those who don't have a direct deposit account on file with the federal government. There will be a secure place to give the government that information that should be launched in the next few days.

Tax info changing fast due to COVID-19 response


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is closely watching and trying to strike a balance between the traditional American idea of autonomy and civil liberties and the desire to mitigate a threat that could be lurking in any one of us, that if we are asymptomatic, would be completely unknown.

"That balance is difficult, because our behavior, individual behavior, now has a consequence, not just to ourselves, not even just to our families, but to others around us," Moran said. "I would say that my view of this is that we are testing way inadequately."

Moran's concern is that the CDC guidelines themselves don't allow for enough testing.

"The guidelines are based upon the scarcity of tests," Moran said. "In my view, the best opportunity for us to get back to, quote, more normal, is for us to be tested broadly, for us to determine who is a carrier, who is immune, who has already encountered the virus and therefore, immunity exists."

That's why Moran spoke to CDC director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. He also has a concern that government is being allowed to grow in the emergency that will be tough to shrink when it's over.

"I worry that the magnitude of the spending, the size and scope, the increasing role of government through this crisis, sets the stage," Moran said. "You never see, very rarely see government retreat, once it does something. It continues to do that and more. We need to be very cautious. I voted for things in this three packages that historically, traditionally, I would not be supportive of, because of size, scope, amount of money, deficit, debt, that government is encountering."

Moran said the Senate is on a 24 hour call to return should a fourth bill be needed and that, if it is, he expects that to happen later this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561988801102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is closely watching and trying to strike a balance between the traditional American idea of autonomy and civil liberties and the desire to mitigate a threat that could be lurking in any one of us, that if we are asymptomatic, would be completely unknown."That balance is difficult, because our behavior, individual behavior, now has a consequence, not just to ourselves, not even just to our families, but to others around us," Moran said. "I would say that my view of this is that we are testing way inadequately."Moran's concern is that the CDC guidelines themselves don't allow for enough testing."The guidelines are based upon the scarcity of tests," Moran said. "In my view, the best opportunity for us to get back to, quote, more normal, is for us to be tested broadly, for us to determine who is a carrier, who is immune, who has already encountered the virus and therefore, immunity exists."That's why Moran spoke to CDC director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. He also has a concern that government is being allowed to grow in the emergency that will be tough to shrink when it's over."I worry that the magnitude of the spending, the size and scope, the increasing role of government through this crisis, sets the stage," Moran said. "You never see, very rarely see government retreat, once it does something. It continues to do that and more. We need to be very cautious. I voted for things in this three packages that historically, traditionally, I would not be supportive of, because of size, scope, amount of money, deficit, debt, that government is encountering."Moran said the Senate is on a 24 hour call to return should a fourth bill be needed and that, if it is, he expects that to happen later this month.

Moran concerned about lack of tests, scope of government in crisis

Social distancing is currently the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization and the CDC.

Unacast created an interactive Scoreboard, updated daily, to empower organizations to measure and understand the efficacy of social distancing initiatives at the local level, according to their website.

The most recent report gave Missouri an F and dropped Kansas to a grade of D.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard">Click here to see the grade for your county.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586171484435.png" alt="Unacast" />
 <figcaption>Unacast</figcaption>
 </figure>Social distancing is currently the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization and the CDC.Unacast created an interactive Scoreboard, updated daily, to empower organizations to measure and understand the efficacy of social distancing initiatives at the local level, according to their website.The most recent report gave Missouri an F and dropped Kansas to a grade of D.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard">Click here to see the grade for your county.</a>

Compare your community's social distancing activity

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy’s.

Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/193a0cfe074685144ade169084a68255">was hospitalized</a>, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.”

Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City, Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.

“This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”

But President Donald Trump later suggested the hard weeks ahead could foretell the turning of a corner. “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Trump said at an evening White House briefing.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09763bcbed9ff417b6eb5886155db66b">New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic</a>, daily deaths dropped slightly, along with intensive care admissions and the number of patients who needed breathing tubes inserted, but New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned it was “too early to tell” the significance of those numbers.

Italy and Spain also got some encouraging news. Italy registered its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths in more than two weeks — 525, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the national Civil Protection agency. The pace of infection also seemed to be slowing.

Even so, Borrelli warned, “This good news shouldn’t make us drop our guard.”

Confirmed infections fell in Spain, too, and new deaths declined for the third straight day, dropping to 674 — the first time daily deaths have fallen below 800 in the past week.

The outlook, however, was bleak in Britain, which reported more than 600 deaths Sunday, surpassing Italy’s increase. Italy still has, by far, the world’s highest coronavirus death toll — almost 16,000.

“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said. “And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/faa93f9fde3483bb13a605fa0d400b0c">In a rare televised address</a>, Queen Elizabeth II appealed to Britons to rise the occasion, while acknowledging enormous disruptions, grief and financial difficulties.

Johnson, meanwhile, has been hospitalized, though his office said it was not an emergency and that the 55-year-old Conservative will undergo tests.

There are concerns that Johnson’s government did not take the virus seriously enough at first and that spring weather will tempt Britons and others to break social distancing rules.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the U.K. might even ban outdoor exercise if people still ’’flout the rules.″

“The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home,” Hancock told Sky TV. “But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that — it’s quite unbelievable, frankly, to see that.”

As the numbers of infections rose, Saffron Cordery, the deputy head of Britain’s National Health Service Providers, said the agency needed to focus on quickly increasing ventilator capacity and getting more protective equipment for health care workers.

Italians have not been immune to lure of the good weather, either. Top Italian officials took to national television after photos were published showing huge crowds out shopping.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza told RAI state television that all the sacrifices Italians have made since the nationwide lockdown began risked being reversed.

Restrictions on movement vary from country to country, state to state, locality to locality. Swedes have been advised to practice social distancing, but schools, bars and restaurants remain open. In Germany and Britain, residents can get outdoors to exercise and walk their dogs, while in Serbia and South Africa, dog walking is not allowed.

The ACLU filed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86171da74e787acf1a3c613a1c516311">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>over coronavirus restrictions, arguing in part that Puerto Rico’s curfew leaves people fearing arrest if they help elderly relatives by letting police determine who belongs in a family. A coastal community’s mayor in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/feecf34f9f49a2436246ef9451a683dc">Georgia</a>&nbsp;fears the governor’s mandate to open beaches will bring crowds to the small island with older residents and no medical facility.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ab92b02d9729f12678f667d80abda876">blessed palms for Palm Sunday&nbsp;</a>in a near-empty St. Peter’s Basilica. At a New Orleans church, Rev. Emmanuel Mulenga blessed palm fronds and put them on a back table so people could get them while also observing social distancing.

Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people have been confirmed infected and nearly 70,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.

The vast majority of infected people recover from the virus, which is spread by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. For most people, the virus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause pneumonia and lead to death.

The rapid spread of the virus in the United States has prompted a chaotic scramble for medical equipment and protective gear.

An Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">review</a>&nbsp;of purchasing contracts showed that federal agencies largely waited until mid-March — more than two months after the first warnings of a potential pandemic — to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.

By that time, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and pleading for shipments from the national stockpile. Now that stockpile is nearly drained just as the numbers of patients requiring critical care is surging.

When asked about the issue, Trump said federal officials and the military had worked “a miracle.”

Rebekah Gee, who heads the Louisiana State University’s health care services division, warned that the private and public sector have been competing with each other, leading to price increases.

Gee said one of her colleagues went on eBay to buy gowns, while equipment her department ordered from China got stalled for weeks in Hong Kong.

“Our whole country is at war with this virus,” said Gee, who once ran the state’s Department of Health. “This needs a coordinated approach, and right now that’s not happening.”

Louisiana and the New Orleans area have been hard hit by the virus, and Gov. John Bel Edwards has repeatedly warned of looming equipment shortages.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he hoped the pace of new infections would plateau soon, but that the virus is unlikely to be eradicated this year.

Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Fauci said the prospect of a resurgence is why the U.S. is working so hard to develop a vaccine and conducting clinical trials on treatments.

Scientists are still learning about the virus that was first detected in late December in Wuhan, China. In what is believed to be the first known infection in an animal in the U.S., officials said Sunday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f47b8e4f883579712599690e1752c09">a tiger at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586112457795.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House on Friday." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy’s.Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/193a0cfe074685144ade169084a68255">was hospitalized</a>, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.”Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City, Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.“This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586169391337.png" alt="President Trump on Sunday, "We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel." -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on Sunday, "We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel." -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>But President Donald Trump later suggested the hard weeks ahead could foretell the turning of a corner. “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Trump said at an evening White House briefing.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09763bcbed9ff417b6eb5886155db66b">New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic</a>, daily deaths dropped slightly, along with intensive care admissions and the number of patients who needed breathing tubes inserted, but New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned it was “too early to tell” the significance of those numbers.Italy and Spain also got some encouraging news. Italy registered its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths in more than two weeks — 525, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the national Civil Protection agency. The pace of infection also seemed to be slowing.Even so, Borrelli warned, “This good news shouldn’t make us drop our guard.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Confirmed infections fell in Spain, too, and new deaths declined for the third straight day, dropping to 674 — the first time daily deaths have fallen below 800 in the past week.The outlook, however, was bleak in Britain, which reported more than 600 deaths Sunday, surpassing Italy’s increase. Italy still has, by far, the world’s highest coronavirus death toll — almost 16,000.“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said. “And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.”<a href="https://apnews.com/faa93f9fde3483bb13a605fa0d400b0c">In a rare televised address</a>, Queen Elizabeth II appealed to Britons to rise the occasion, while acknowledging enormous disruptions, grief and financial difficulties.Johnson, meanwhile, has been hospitalized, though his office said it was not an emergency and that the 55-year-old Conservative will undergo tests.There are concerns that Johnson’s government did not take the virus seriously enough at first and that spring weather will tempt Britons and others to break social distancing rules.Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the U.K. might even ban outdoor exercise if people still ’’flout the rules.″“The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home,” Hancock told Sky TV. “But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that — it’s quite unbelievable, frankly, to see that.”As the numbers of infections rose, Saffron Cordery, the deputy head of Britain’s National Health Service Providers, said the agency needed to focus on quickly increasing ventilator capacity and getting more protective equipment for health care workers.Italians have not been immune to lure of the good weather, either. Top Italian officials took to national television after photos were published showing huge crowds out shopping.Health Minister Roberto Speranza told RAI state television that all the sacrifices Italians have made since the nationwide lockdown began risked being reversed.Restrictions on movement vary from country to country, state to state, locality to locality. Swedes have been advised to practice social distancing, but schools, bars and restaurants remain open. In Germany and Britain, residents can get outdoors to exercise and walk their dogs, while in Serbia and South Africa, dog walking is not allowed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The ACLU filed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86171da74e787acf1a3c613a1c516311">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>over coronavirus restrictions, arguing in part that Puerto Rico’s curfew leaves people fearing arrest if they help elderly relatives by letting police determine who belongs in a family. A coastal community’s mayor in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/feecf34f9f49a2436246ef9451a683dc">Georgia</a>&nbsp;fears the governor’s mandate to open beaches will bring crowds to the small island with older residents and no medical facility.At the Vatican, Pope Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ab92b02d9729f12678f667d80abda876">blessed palms for Palm Sunday&nbsp;</a>in a near-empty St. Peter’s Basilica. At a New Orleans church, Rev. Emmanuel Mulenga blessed palm fronds and put them on a back table so people could get them while also observing social distancing.Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people have been confirmed infected and nearly 70,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.The vast majority of infected people recover from the virus, which is spread by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. For most people, the virus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause pneumonia and lead to death.The rapid spread of the virus in the United States has prompted a chaotic scramble for medical equipment and protective gear.An Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">review</a>&nbsp;of purchasing contracts showed that federal agencies largely waited until mid-March — more than two months after the first warnings of a potential pandemic — to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.By that time, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and pleading for shipments from the national stockpile. Now that stockpile is nearly drained just as the numbers of patients requiring critical care is surging.When asked about the issue, Trump said federal officials and the military had worked “a miracle.”Rebekah Gee, who heads the Louisiana State University’s health care services division, warned that the private and public sector have been competing with each other, leading to price increases.Gee said one of her colleagues went on eBay to buy gowns, while equipment her department ordered from China got stalled for weeks in Hong Kong.“Our whole country is at war with this virus,” said Gee, who once ran the state’s Department of Health. “This needs a coordinated approach, and right now that’s not happening.”Louisiana and the New Orleans area have been hard hit by the virus, and Gov. John Bel Edwards has repeatedly warned of looming equipment shortages.Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he hoped the pace of new infections would plateau soon, but that the virus is unlikely to be eradicated this year.Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Fauci said the prospect of a resurgence is why the U.S. is working so hard to develop a vaccine and conducting clinical trials on treatments.Scientists are still learning about the virus that was first detected in late December in Wuhan, China. In what is believed to be the first known infection in an animal in the U.S., officials said Sunday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f47b8e4f883579712599690e1752c09">a tiger at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive</a>.___

Surgeon General: Americans face ‘hardest, saddest’ week of their lives

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Health Department has released a self-reporting form hosted on its COVID-19 Information Center (<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>).

As a result of Reno County’s last confirmed COVID-19 case coming from confirmed community transmission, the Health Department seeks to mobilize residents to self-report their symptomology through the self-report form to better assist in quantifying and tracking case contact and spread within the county.

The below wording is taken directly taken from the survey:

“Please fill out a single form for EACH person showing symptoms. All of your personal information will remain anonymous, and is there to allow our Health Department staff to monitor you.

"With community-level transmission of COVID-19 confirmed in Reno County, testing will be reserved for the most critical cases. It is important, however, that we continue to be able to track the spread of COVID-19 to align response resources in Reno County and evaluate the strategies in place to decrease the spread of illness. We need your help by filling out this form. 

"This information will help us gain greater clarity on areas impacted and the types of symptoms being experienced. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms and not require direct medical care, however, information regarding any symptoms help public health response teams understand and track the spread of COVID-19 in Reno County."

Please be aware that the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Emergency Department is available for life-threatening emergencies only.

The form is designed to both capture responses from those who have already been experiencing symptoms prior to Sunday April 5, as well as those residents who begin to showcase symptoms in the coming weeks and months.

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.

We continue to highly encourage 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/2020/4/1586164900533.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Health Department has released a self-reporting form hosted on its COVID-19 Information Center (<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>). As a result of Reno County’s last confirmed COVID-19 case coming from confirmed community transmission, the Health Department seeks to mobilize residents to self-report their symptomology through the self-report form to better assist in quantifying and tracking case contact and spread within the county.The below wording is taken directly taken from the survey:“Please fill out a single form for EACH person showing symptoms. All of your personal information will remain anonymous, and is there to allow our Health Department staff to monitor you."With community-level transmission of COVID-19 confirmed in Reno County, testing will be reserved for the most critical cases. It is important, however, that we continue to be able to track the spread of COVID-19 to align response resources in Reno County and evaluate the strategies in place to decrease the spread of illness. We need your help by filling out this form. "This information will help us gain greater clarity on areas impacted and the types of symptoms being experienced. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms and not require direct medical care, however, information regarding any symptoms help public health response teams understand and track the spread of COVID-19 in Reno County."Please be aware that the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Emergency Department is available for life-threatening emergencies only.The form is designed to both capture responses from those who have already been experiencing symptoms prior to Sunday April 5, as well as those residents who begin to showcase symptoms in the coming weeks and months.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.We continue to highly encourage 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.

Reno County establishes COVID-19 self-reporting form

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.

The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.

This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.

The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. 

“We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” 

The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.

Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. “We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

Man in his 60s dies from coronavirus in Salina

MARION COUNTY — The COVID-19 count in Marion County is now at three.

In a Sunday release, Diedre Serene, the Health Officer with Marion County's Health Department said the case involves a female between the ages of 55 and 64. The Marion County Health Department is identifying and contacting those individuals who may have been exposed. 

Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer. Close contacts will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. No other information will be released about the patient.

Serene continues to stress the importance of social distancing and infection control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586099274775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY — The COVID-19 count in Marion County is now at three.In a Sunday release, Diedre Serene, the Health Officer with Marion County's Health Department said the case involves a female between the ages of 55 and 64. The Marion County Health Department is identifying and contacting those individuals who may have been exposed. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer. Close contacts will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. No other information will be released about the patient.Serene continues to stress the importance of social distancing and infection control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Marion County COVID-19 count at three as of Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County registered its eleventh case of COVID-19 Sunday evening.

The newest positive case is a female in her 60s with an unknown source of exposure. She is in home isolation per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department cannot release any further information as case contact investigation is underway.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585343971615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County registered its eleventh case of COVID-19 Sunday evening.The newest positive case is a female in her 60s with an unknown source of exposure. She is in home isolation per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department cannot release any further information as case contact investigation is underway.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 continues to highly encourage 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.

COVID-19 case count in Reno County is eleven

MCPHERSON COUNTY— McPherson County's positive COVID-19 case count is at nine.

According to a release from the McPherson County Health Department Sunday evening, the newest identified positive case is a female in her 40s who is recovering in isolation at home. This case has an identified exposure to a previously positive case and is a client of a group care facility. 

The McPherson County Health Department and key partners are actively investigating contacts and additional exposures. Identified contacts will be directly reached out to by local health officials.

Please depend on health authorities to provide the most accurate information. If you are experiencing a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call your local hospital.

Please continue to stay at home, practice frequent handwashing, cover your cough and sneeze, avoid physical contact and call your healthcare provider to discuss any illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585278063305.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY— McPherson County's positive COVID-19 case count is at nine.According to a release from the McPherson County Health Department Sunday evening, the newest identified positive case is a female in her 40s who is recovering in isolation at home. This case has an identified exposure to a previously positive case and is a client of a group care facility. The McPherson County Health Department and key partners are actively investigating contacts and additional exposures. Identified contacts will be directly reached out to by local health officials.Please depend on health authorities to provide the most accurate information. If you are experiencing a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call your local hospital.Please continue to stay at home, practice frequent handwashing, cover your cough and sneeze, avoid physical contact and call your healthcare provider to discuss any illness.

McPherson County announces ninth positive COVID-19 case

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its third presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Harvey County.

The confirmed case is a woman in her 60s. Testing was completed by a private lab. The case remains under investigation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the individual, as well as follow up on all contacts.

“Our communities need to remain diligent in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Keep washing your hands frequently, maintain social distance and stay healthy at home except to do the essentials,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a Stay Home executive order until April 19 in response to COVID-19. Kansans must stay home except to go to work to perform an essential function; obtain food, medicine or household necessities; medical care; caring for children, family members or pets; or exercise that abides by social distancing and gathering guidelines.

As of Sunday morning, the KDHE had confirmed 747 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. That number does not include this new Harvey County case. Harvey County reported its first confirmed case March 26.

The KDHE has a phone hotline available to answer questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 at 1-866-534-3463. Resources are also available at govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586099274775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its third presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Harvey County.The confirmed case is a woman in her 60s. Testing was completed by a private lab. The case remains under investigation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the individual, as well as follow up on all contacts.“Our communities need to remain diligent in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Keep washing your hands frequently, maintain social distance and stay healthy at home except to do the essentials,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a Stay Home executive order until April 19 in response to COVID-19. Kansans must stay home except to go to work to perform an essential function; obtain food, medicine or household necessities; medical care; caring for children, family members or pets; or exercise that abides by social distancing and gathering guidelines.As of Sunday morning, the KDHE had confirmed 747 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. That number does not include this new Harvey County case. Harvey County reported its first confirmed case March 26.The KDHE has a phone hotline available to answer questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 at 1-866-534-3463. Resources are also available at govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.

Harvey County confirms third case of COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.

Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”

The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.

“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.

The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.

“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.

The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.

Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.

Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.

The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.

The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.

The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.

The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.

Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.

The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.

Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

The IRS did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585875071611.png" alt="President signed the virus-relief package March 27" />
 <figcaption>President signed the virus-relief package March 27</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864355430.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.The IRS did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.___

Why some won't receive virus stimulus checks until August

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Sunday.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for additi</a>onal details.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Sunday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for additi</a>onal details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586108768239.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 22 deaths


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A local scientist who is familiar with the FDA process is looking into potential COVID-19 treatments, but he cautions that if a new compound must go through the approval process, it won't be quick.

"I was looking at drug discovery and looking at different drugs that I made from plant origin and believe in them because I figured that they would have less side effects," said Gene Zaid, PhD, founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals USA. "That's where that journey led us to. We were working on oncology, drugs for cancer. We are doing great with those, but this coronavirus kind of put everybody's attention to finding ways to go ahead and come up with something that will actually try to treat the virus by killing it now, until we have the ability to make vaccines."

If solutions that are currently FDA approved aren't effective, any new compounds have to go through even more testing.

"Minimum 12 to 18 months, that's if you hustle," Zaid said. "It's a new drug and you have to go through all of the validation of your procedures, methods, of identifying the compound, the impurities and then you test it on in vitro, in the petri dishes and then into animals and you actually find out if it actually works or it doesn't."

All those tests happen before anything goes into people.

"We're working on that, as well, we're working with K-State, actually," Zaid said. "We're trying to link up with a lab that can actually test COVID-19 with our drug and see if it inhibits that and then we'll be able to move with the speed of light, as fast as we can, to get it done."

There are a few compounds Genzada has provided that have shown some efficacy with related viruses in initial testing at K-State, but until there is a test with COVID-19 specifically, it's hard to know what will work. 

"Our goal is treating the person that has the virus in his or her body, so it can bind with the receptors on that virus and prevent that virus from attacking the proteins in our body and bind with it and replicate," Zaid said. 

The goal is to get a therapy that will reduce the duration of the illness in those with symptoms and allow time for a vaccine to be developed.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A local scientist who is familiar with the FDA process is looking into potential COVID-19 treatments, but he cautions that if a new compound must go through the approval process, it won't be quick."I was looking at drug discovery and looking at different drugs that I made from plant origin and believe in them because I figured that they would have less side effects," said Gene Zaid, PhD, founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals USA. "That's where that journey led us to. We were working on oncology, drugs for cancer. We are doing great with those, but this coronavirus kind of put everybody's attention to finding ways to go ahead and come up with something that will actually try to treat the virus by killing it now, until we have the ability to make vaccines."If solutions that are currently FDA approved aren't effective, any new compounds have to go through even more testing."Minimum 12 to 18 months, that's if you hustle," Zaid said. "It's a new drug and you have to go through all of the validation of your procedures, methods, of identifying the compound, the impurities and then you test it on in vitro, in the petri dishes and then into animals and you actually find out if it actually works or it doesn't."All those tests happen before anything goes into people."We're working on that, as well, we're working with K-State, actually," Zaid said. "We're trying to link up with a lab that can actually test COVID-19 with our drug and see if it inhibits that and then we'll be able to move with the speed of light, as fast as we can, to get it done."There are a few compounds Genzada has provided that have shown some efficacy with related viruses in initial testing at K-State, but until there is a test with COVID-19 specifically, it's hard to know what will work. "Our goal is treating the person that has the virus in his or her body, so it can bind with the receptors on that virus and prevent that virus from attacking the proteins in our body and bind with it and replicate," Zaid said. The goal is to get a therapy that will reduce the duration of the illness in those with symptoms and allow time for a vaccine to be developed.

Central Kansas drug developer turning attention to COVID-19 treatment


TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister have announced a state-federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans
during the COVID-19 outbreak.


The two offices agree coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.


“This partnership will allow our two agencies to bring the maximum state and federal resources to bear to stop scams, frauds and price gouging during this state of emergency,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate Steve’s
strong leadership in the U.S. attorney’s office and look forward to working closely with his team to protect Kansans in the face of this crisis.”


The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.


“Nationally, we have seen everything from people offering for sale respiratory masks they were not going to deliver to people seeking donations for non-existent COVID-19 charities,” McAllister said. “We are not
going to stand by while that happens in Kansas.”

Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online on a form specifically designed for coronavirus issues, available along with
other resources about the state’s response to the outbreak, at <a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>. Kansans may also call the
attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.

Complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. attorney’s office by email at <a href="mailto:USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov" target="_blank">USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov</a>
or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at (866) 720-5721.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585854832578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF KANSAS AG
TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister have announced a state-federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans
during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The two offices agree coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.
“This partnership will allow our two agencies to bring the maximum state and federal resources to bear to stop scams, frauds and price gouging during this state of emergency,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate Steve’s
strong leadership in the U.S. attorney’s office and look forward to working closely with his team to protect Kansans in the face of this crisis.”
The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.
“Nationally, we have seen everything from people offering for sale respiratory masks they were not going to deliver to people seeking donations for non-existent COVID-19 charities,” McAllister said. “We are not
going to stand by while that happens in Kansas.”
Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online on a form specifically designed for coronavirus issues, available along with
other resources about the state’s response to the outbreak, at <a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>. Kansans may also call the
attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.
Complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. attorney’s office by email at <a href="mailto:USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov" target="_blank">USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov</a>
or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at (866) 720-5721.&nbsp;

Kansas AG, US Attorney partner to combat COVID-19 fraud

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Saturday that a modified operational schedule has been implemented at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) after a fourth staff member, and the first resident,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19 virus. This schedule began with the 2 to 10 p.m. shift on Saturday April 4, 2020.&nbsp;

According to a media release from the KDOC, the staff member is a male over the age of 20 and the resident is a male over age 50. In order to protect the identity of each, no other information will be released.

As with the cases on March 31, the KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. Additional steps taken today include:

“The additional steps today illustrate our continued effort to follow all guidelines issued by public health officials,” Zmuda said. “We appreciate the continued support and guidance of KDHE and Governor Laura Kelly, as we conduct our work in these challenging times.”

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Saturday that a modified operational schedule has been implemented at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) after a fourth staff member, and the first resident,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19 virus. This schedule began with the 2 to 10 p.m. shift on Saturday April 4, 2020.&nbsp;According to a media release from the KDOC, the staff member is a male over the age of 20 and the resident is a male over age 50. In order to protect the identity of each, no other information will be released.As with the cases on March 31, the KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. Additional steps taken today include:<ol>
 <li>Reduced movement of residents so that they will remain in their units, but are not locked down in cells&nbsp;</li><li>Necessary movement to recreation or jobs will occur primarily in groups, or cohorts, from the same unit</li><li>Staffing has been modified due to increased absences</li>
 </ol>“The additional steps today illustrate our continued effort to follow all guidelines issued by public health officials,” Zmuda said. “We appreciate the continued support and guidance of KDHE and Governor Laura Kelly, as we conduct our work in these challenging times.”

Kansas prison modifies operation due to new coronavirus cases

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A cluster of COVID-19 cases has been found at a rehabilitation center in Kansas City, Kansas, where 17 residents and two staff members have tested positive for the virus.

Six of those 17 residents at the Riverbend Post Acute Care Center have been hospitalized, said Dr. Allen Greiner, chief medical officer with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The facility has 135 residents.

Riverbend executive director Cory Schulte told&nbsp;The Kansas City Star&nbsp;that patients who remain at the facility are receiving care from its clinical team.

Kansas health officials on Saturday reported 21 coronavirus deaths as the number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 698, up 78 from a day earlier.

The greatest number of cases are in the Kansas City area, with 185 cases in Johnson County and 149 in Wyandotte County. But the outbreak continues to spread across Kansas with 49 of the state’s 105 counties now having a confirmed case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586045672182.png" alt="Image courtesy Riverbend Post Acute Care Center" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Riverbend Post Acute Care Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A cluster of COVID-19 cases has been found at a rehabilitation center in Kansas City, Kansas, where 17 residents and two staff members have tested positive for the virus.Six of those 17 residents at the Riverbend Post Acute Care Center have been hospitalized, said Dr. Allen Greiner, chief medical officer with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The facility has 135 residents.Riverbend executive director Cory Schulte told&nbsp;The Kansas City Star&nbsp;that patients who remain at the facility are receiving care from its clinical team.Kansas health officials on Saturday reported 21 coronavirus deaths as the number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 698, up 78 from a day earlier.The greatest number of cases are in the Kansas City area, with 185 cases in Johnson County and 149 in Wyandotte County. But the outbreak continues to spread across Kansas with 49 of the state’s 105 counties now having a confirmed case.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.Kansas officials said they have received some medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. Starting this weekend, the Kansas National Guard and Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol are distributing masks, face shields, surgical gowns and gloves to all 105 counties, based on each county’s population. The supplies are being coordinated through county emergency managers who are distributing them.Wichita State University also announced it has decided to move this summer’s classes to an online or remote format. Provost Rick Muma said in a letter to students and faculty that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.“As our lives, both on campus and off, continue to be disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community. While we had hoped to be able to return to some sense of normal by the summer months, the situation remains uncertain,” he wrote.

Coronavirus Update