WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates are urging Kansas officials to release and safeguard inmates after the state prison system reported its first COVID-19 cases in three staff members and at least one jail worker in the state’s largest city was sickened.

At the Sedgwick County Jail, where officials confirmed Thursday that a detention deputy had tested positive, about 200 inmates have been released since mid-March over concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. Positive cases statewide rose Thursday nearly 15% in a single day, to 552, with 13 deaths since early March.

Sheriff Jeff Easter said the deputy who tested positive is in isolation at home, and family members are quarantined at home. Coworkers who were around the deputy are still reporting to work. A second employee has also been sent home and will be tested after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Hospital staff said the deputy was presumptive positive Tuesday night, Easter said.

So far state officials have no plans to release prisoners ahead of scheduled release dates since corrections officials announced Tuesday that three staff members at the Lansing Correctional Facility had tested positive. Gov. Laura Kelly has said her office is “at the exploratory phase.”

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said in an email to The Kansas City Star that the agency already has closed facilities to visitors, limited transfers between facilities and added screening processes. Beginning Friday, she said, the office will isolate inmates upon intake at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Among those urging further changes are the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Kansas Board of Indigents Defense Services, the District of Kansas Federal Public Defenders office and the Midwest Innocence Project.

They are calling in a letter for Kansas to release medically fragile and older adults at high risk for COVID-19 complications, the release of anyone with six months or fewer left on their sentences and the release of anyone imprisoned for technical violations of probation or parole.

This release, the letter said, would make social distancing easier for those remaining in the jail. Additionally, it would protect the estimated 39-43% of inmates who have underlying health conditions.

The letter warned that failure to act would result in “dire” consequences.

“I’m sure the Department of Corrections and the governor are trying really hard, you can see it,” said Kansas Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers Legislative Chair Jennifer Roth. “But you have got to have fewer people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582652138914.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates are urging Kansas officials to release and safeguard inmates after the state prison system reported its first COVID-19 cases in three staff members and at least one jail worker in the state’s largest city was sickened.At the Sedgwick County Jail, where officials confirmed Thursday that a detention deputy had tested positive, about 200 inmates have been released since mid-March over concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. Positive cases statewide rose Thursday nearly 15% in a single day, to 552, with 13 deaths since early March.Sheriff Jeff Easter said the deputy who tested positive is in isolation at home, and family members are quarantined at home. Coworkers who were around the deputy are still reporting to work. A second employee has also been sent home and will be tested after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Hospital staff said the deputy was presumptive positive Tuesday night, Easter said.So far state officials have no plans to release prisoners ahead of scheduled release dates since corrections officials announced Tuesday that three staff members at the Lansing Correctional Facility had tested positive. Gov. Laura Kelly has said her office is “at the exploratory phase.”Department of Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said in an email to The Kansas City Star that the agency already has closed facilities to visitors, limited transfers between facilities and added screening processes. Beginning Friday, she said, the office will isolate inmates upon intake at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.Among those urging further changes are the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Kansas Board of Indigents Defense Services, the District of Kansas Federal Public Defenders office and the Midwest Innocence Project.They are calling in a letter for Kansas to release medically fragile and older adults at high risk for COVID-19 complications, the release of anyone with six months or fewer left on their sentences and the release of anyone imprisoned for technical violations of probation or parole.This release, the letter said, would make social distancing easier for those remaining in the jail. Additionally, it would protect the estimated 39-43% of inmates who have underlying health conditions.The letter warned that failure to act would result in “dire” consequences.“I’m sure the Department of Corrections and the governor are trying really hard, you can see it,” said Kansas Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers Legislative Chair Jennifer Roth. “But you have got to have fewer people.”

Advocates urge change as virus sickens Kan. jail, prison workers

The Kansas National Guard is working to dispel a rumor that is being shared on social media platforms.

According to a media release from the Adjutant General's Department, there is a letter circulating&nbsp; that falsely claims the Department of Homeland Security will mobilize the National Guard to enforce a national quarantine.  

The Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to mobilize the National Guard as described in the graphic.  Additionally, there is no discussion of a nation-wide quarantine.

You may see National Guard men and women working in your communities. There are 72 Guardsmen on State Active Duty status currently supporting the COVID-19 response conducting warehouse operations, commodity distribution, planning, access control, mailroom support, and manning the State Emergency Operations Center with interagency partners. 

Members of the Kansas National Guard live, work and raise families in the communities they serve. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to all of us as we battle COVID-19 together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585948342359.png" alt="Copy of the letter -image courtesy the Kansas Adjutant General's Department" />
 <figcaption>Copy of the letter -image courtesy the Kansas Adjutant General's Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas National Guard is working to dispel a rumor that is being shared on social media platforms.According to a media release from the Adjutant General's Department, there is a letter circulating&nbsp; that falsely claims the Department of Homeland Security will mobilize the National Guard to enforce a national quarantine. The Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to mobilize the National Guard as described in the graphic. Additionally, there is no discussion of a nation-wide quarantine.You may see National Guard men and women working in your communities. There are 72 Guardsmen on State Active Duty status currently supporting the COVID-19 response conducting warehouse operations, commodity distribution, planning, access control, mailroom support, and manning the State Emergency Operations Center with interagency partners. Members of the Kansas National Guard live, work and raise families in the communities they serve. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to all of us as we battle COVID-19 together.

Kansas National Guard working to dispel pandemic rumor

NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.

Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.

The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.

Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.

“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.

Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.

The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.

Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.

“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.

“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.

Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.

The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.

Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”

Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.

While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.

Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.

Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.

“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.

“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585947450768.png" alt="Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

Small biz rescue off to slow start; some banks not ready

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 school board approved district graduation rates for the rest of the school year during a special meeting Thursday.

The district will not drop the 26 required credits for graduation. Superintendent Mike Berblinger says any credit waiver to a student will be looked over on a case-by-case basis and will be tightly monitored. For example, if a student needs all of his or her credits for the year to hit the 26 threshold and has to miss a class because of COVID-19, that student would likely get that credit waived. Such classes would include work-study at a business or other similar situations. Berblinger says the district did not want to simply give credits to students.

Also Thursday, the board shortened the school year by two days. That means the last day for seniors will be May 5 and the final day for the rest of the district’s students will be May 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579794980969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 school board approved district graduation rates for the rest of the school year during a special meeting Thursday.The district will not drop the 26 required credits for graduation. Superintendent Mike Berblinger says any credit waiver to a student will be looked over on a case-by-case basis and will be tightly monitored. For example, if a student needs all of his or her credits for the year to hit the 26 threshold and has to miss a class because of COVID-19, that student would likely get that credit waived. Such classes would include work-study at a business or other similar situations. Berblinger says the district did not want to simply give credits to students.Also Thursday, the board shortened the school year by two days. That means the last day for seniors will be May 5 and the final day for the rest of the district’s students will be May 12.

Buhler school board approves graduation guidelines


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though the sample size is small, there is reason to believe that there is communal transmission of COVID-19 in Reno County.

"We do have one case of our nine where we are unable to track the point of contraction, which would suggest that there is an aspect of communal transmission within our community," said Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "There are two others of our nine that we know was person to person. The rest seem to be associated with travel."

Some of the people who have gotten sick in Reno County have recovered.

"Two of those cases have gone through the full timeline in terms of being recovered," Baldetti said. "I'm happy to report that two of our nine have met the disease investigation guidelines in terms of being recovered."

To be clear, just because you or someone you love gets sick doesn't mean they're going to die. It does have a higher death rate than other seasonal conditions like the flu, but as long as we can keep the hospitals from getting overrun, there's a good chance any individual will survive, unless they already had other comorbidities.

"It's important to know or at least understand that, being a novel virus, there's not a large enough sample set of those who have recovered long-term to know if there's any long-standing ramifications of having contracted COVID-19," Baldetti said. 

The biggest point of the social distancing requirements that we remain under is to keep the rate of people who are sick down to the point where health care workers can manage the caseload. 

It will likely be weeks before we can begin to reopen life to the degree it was prior to the stay at home orders issued a few days ago.

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though the sample size is small, there is reason to believe that there is communal transmission of COVID-19 in Reno County."We do have one case of our nine where we are unable to track the point of contraction, which would suggest that there is an aspect of communal transmission within our community," said Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "There are two others of our nine that we know was person to person. The rest seem to be associated with travel."Some of the people who have gotten sick in Reno County have recovered."Two of those cases have gone through the full timeline in terms of being recovered," Baldetti said. "I'm happy to report that two of our nine have met the disease investigation guidelines in terms of being recovered."To be clear, just because you or someone you love gets sick doesn't mean they're going to die. It does have a higher death rate than other seasonal conditions like the flu, but as long as we can keep the hospitals from getting overrun, there's a good chance any individual will survive, unless they already had other comorbidities."It's important to know or at least understand that, being a novel virus, there's not a large enough sample set of those who have recovered long-term to know if there's any long-standing ramifications of having contracted COVID-19," Baldetti said. The biggest point of the social distancing requirements that we remain under is to keep the rate of people who are sick down to the point where health care workers can manage the caseload. It will likely be weeks before we can begin to reopen life to the degree it was prior to the stay at home orders issued a few days ago.

Potential communal transmission, but also recoveries in Reno County

KANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. 

This new program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies. Students from all three of the medical school’s campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered.

“There is a potential for extreme stress on health care systems in urban and rural settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Kennedy, M.D., professor and associate dean of Rural Health Education in the KU School of Medicine. “Many rural physicians are already overworked, and the addition of a surge in health care utilization could overburden these physicians to the breaking point.”

Kennedy noted that there are 34 counties in Kansas that have only one or two physicians for the entire county. There are also many rural practices and health care systems that are under significant financial strain and may be insolvent without help by the end of the pandemic.

“This all-volunteer program will provide assistance where it’s needed in Kansas, including rural Kansas where the need may quickly outpace the available physicians,” said Jeff Colyer, M.D., former governor of Kansas, a clinical associate professor at the KU Medical School and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). “It could be a national model for how recent medical school graduates can help meet critical rural needs.”

“These senior medical students may provide meaningful relief during this time of crisis,” Kennedy added.

“We are pleased our students have stepped up to assist their fellow Kansans,” said Douglas A. Girod, chancellor of the University of Kansas. “These medical students have met all requirements for graduation at KU and the university is happy to assist by conferring their degrees early.”

Fourth-year medical students who wish to volunteer in this capacity will be immediately granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the university and will be eligible for a special permit to practice medicine from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and their early graduation has been approved by the national accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. 

They will be provided with stipends for expenses and will receive immediate relevant training. 

These new physicians will be required to work with existing physicians rather than independently, and they will not supervise advanced practice providers. The program will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“The additional manpower provided by these medical students will be invaluable,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas state surgeon and a colonel in the Kansas Army National Guard. “The state of Kansas supports this endeavor and, as an Army officer myself, I am pleased to activate the Kansas National Guard to provide the personnel to assist in placing these students where they can be most helpful to our state.”

John Alley, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery at the KU School of Medicine and a major with the Kansas National Guard, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.

“With this program, we are making valuable resources available to our colleagues around the state,” Alley said. “These students are to be commended for their willingness to serve. They truly embody the spirit of medicine in giving of oneself for the greater good.”

The program will be funded by a $1 million gift from the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Originally established by late Cerner Corporation co-founder Neal Patterson and Jeanne Lillig-Patterson in 2007, the Patterson Family Foundation has been led since 2017 by their children, and it has a focus on health care, education and rural communities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic could have devastating effects on the region we call home, challenging the most vulnerable among us,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation. “In Kansas, more than 30 percent of elderly people live in rural areas, and many rural physicians are themselves at high risk. The Patterson family is inspired by the volunteerism of the new graduates who have signed up for this initiative, and we are honored to support these new physicians as they serve where they are needed most.”

Health care facilities and physicians in need of assistance from this program should contact pandemicvolunteer@kumc.edu to inquire about requesting volunteers from this program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585917785994.png" alt="Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine" />
 <figcaption>Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine</figcaption>
 </figure>KUMCKANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. This new program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies. Students from all three of the medical school’s campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered.“There is a potential for extreme stress on health care systems in urban and rural settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Kennedy, M.D., professor and associate dean of Rural Health Education in the KU School of Medicine. “Many rural physicians are already overworked, and the addition of a surge in health care utilization could overburden these physicians to the breaking point.”Kennedy noted that there are 34 counties in Kansas that have only one or two physicians for the entire county. There are also many rural practices and health care systems that are under significant financial strain and may be insolvent without help by the end of the pandemic.“This all-volunteer program will provide assistance where it’s needed in Kansas, including rural Kansas where the need may quickly outpace the available physicians,” said Jeff Colyer, M.D., former governor of Kansas, a clinical associate professor at the KU Medical School and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). “It could be a national model for how recent medical school graduates can help meet critical rural needs.”“These senior medical students may provide meaningful relief during this time of crisis,” Kennedy added.“We are pleased our students have stepped up to assist their fellow Kansans,” said Douglas A. Girod, chancellor of the University of Kansas. “These medical students have met all requirements for graduation at KU and the university is happy to assist by conferring their degrees early.”Fourth-year medical students who wish to volunteer in this capacity will be immediately granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the university and will be eligible for a special permit to practice medicine from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and their early graduation has been approved by the national accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. They will be provided with stipends for expenses and will receive immediate relevant training. These new physicians will be required to work with existing physicians rather than independently, and they will not supervise advanced practice providers. The program will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).“The additional manpower provided by these medical students will be invaluable,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas state surgeon and a colonel in the Kansas Army National Guard. “The state of Kansas supports this endeavor and, as an Army officer myself, I am pleased to activate the Kansas National Guard to provide the personnel to assist in placing these students where they can be most helpful to our state.”John Alley, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery at the KU School of Medicine and a major with the Kansas National Guard, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.“With this program, we are making valuable resources available to our colleagues around the state,” Alley said. “These students are to be commended for their willingness to serve. They truly embody the spirit of medicine in giving of oneself for the greater good.”The program will be funded by a $1 million gift from the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Originally established by late Cerner Corporation co-founder Neal Patterson and Jeanne Lillig-Patterson in 2007, the Patterson Family Foundation has been led since 2017 by their children, and it has a focus on health care, education and rural communities.“The COVID-19 pandemic could have devastating effects on the region we call home, challenging the most vulnerable among us,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation. “In Kansas, more than 30 percent of elderly people live in rural areas, and many rural physicians are themselves at high risk. The Patterson family is inspired by the volunteerism of the new graduates who have signed up for this initiative, and we are honored to support these new physicians as they serve where they are needed most.”Health care facilities and physicians in need of assistance from this program should contact pandemicvolunteer@kumc.edu to inquire about requesting volunteers from this program.

KU Med students step up for state during pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.

The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.

President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.

“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.

The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.

The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.

Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”

Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.

The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.

Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.

Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.

On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.

In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.

The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.

U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.

But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.

Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.

The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.

The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.

The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.

“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.

That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”

Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.

Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585909675405.png" alt="President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

Trump tested again for virus; new face mask guidelines expected

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Commissioner Bob Bush filmed a short video clip discussing COVID-19.  The purpose of the video is for citizens to hear from an elected official about the pandemic and that, as citizens, it is up to us to follow the stay-at-home order and to use proper sanitary techniques.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585859973745.png" alt="County Commissioner Bob Bush" />
 <figcaption>County Commissioner Bob Bush</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Commissioner Bob Bush filmed a short video clip discussing COVID-19. The purpose of the video is for citizens to hear from an elected official about the pandemic and that, as citizens, it is up to us to follow the stay-at-home order and to use proper sanitary techniques.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_G-G895Psug" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

A message from Reno County Commissioner Bob Bush

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official faced questions Thursday over the state’s monitoring of GPS data gleaned from people’s cellphones about how residents have cut down on travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, has cited the data in at least two briefings and has used it to publicly scold Kansas residents for not taking social distancing seriously enough. The information is provided by data-analysis firm Unacast on a publicly accessible&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard" target="_blank">website&nbsp;</a>that grades states and counties on social distancing based on how much they’ve reduced their travel.

A public-interest law firm, the Kansas Justice Institute,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ltr-to-Governor-Kelly-Re-KDHE-4-1-20.pdf" target="_blank">is demanding</a>&nbsp;that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provide more information about how the information is collected and used, expressing concerns about privacy and other civil liberties. The law firm is a subsidiary of the free-market, small-government Kansas Policy Institute, a think tank that is influential among conservatives in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;also sent copies of its letter to legislative leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Samuel MacRoberts, its general counsel, said the state so far has been “circumspect” in moving to contain the COVID-19 threat, but the disclosure of the use of Unacast data was a surprise, and, “the details matter.”

“There’s definitely concerns on privacy,” said state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a conservative Hiawatha Republican. “We need answers.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cc283afc526355e6b1ca4c7de0fe32b">cited Unacast data&nbsp;</a>on March 24 in praising his state’s social distancing. That was a day before he issued a stay-at-home order.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff" target="_blank">A similar order&nbsp;</a>from Kelly took effect Monday.

Unacast said in a statement Thursday that it uses aggregated mobility and anonymous data from tens of millions of devices, but, “Our data is always in aggregate or anonymized and never shows individuals’ behavior.”

The data measures how much people collectively have reduced travel from normal and gives each state and county a letter grade. The latest grade for Kansas is a C-minus, with 18 of its 105 counties mostly in western Kansas, receiving an F.

Norman said Wednesday that the message isn’t that the state is watching its residents but that it wants “to give people feedback.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989189392.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a recent media briefing on the virus" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a recent media briefing on the virus</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official faced questions Thursday over the state’s monitoring of GPS data gleaned from people’s cellphones about how residents have cut down on travel during the coronavirus pandemic.Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, has cited the data in at least two briefings and has used it to publicly scold Kansas residents for not taking social distancing seriously enough. The information is provided by data-analysis firm Unacast on a publicly accessible&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard" target="_blank">website&nbsp;</a>that grades states and counties on social distancing based on how much they’ve reduced their travel.A public-interest law firm, the Kansas Justice Institute,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ltr-to-Governor-Kelly-Re-KDHE-4-1-20.pdf" target="_blank">is demanding</a>&nbsp;that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provide more information about how the information is collected and used, expressing concerns about privacy and other civil liberties. The law firm is a subsidiary of the free-market, small-government Kansas Policy Institute, a think tank that is influential among conservatives in the Republican-controlled Legislature.<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;also sent copies of its letter to legislative leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Samuel MacRoberts, its general counsel, said the state so far has been “circumspect” in moving to contain the COVID-19 threat, but the disclosure of the use of Unacast data was a surprise, and, “the details matter.”“There’s definitely concerns on privacy,” said state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a conservative Hiawatha Republican. “We need answers.”Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cc283afc526355e6b1ca4c7de0fe32b">cited Unacast data&nbsp;</a>on March 24 in praising his state’s social distancing. That was a day before he issued a stay-at-home order.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff" target="_blank">A similar order&nbsp;</a>from Kelly took effect Monday.Unacast said in a statement Thursday that it uses aggregated mobility and anonymous data from tens of millions of devices, but, “Our data is always in aggregate or anonymized and never shows individuals’ behavior.”The data measures how much people collectively have reduced travel from normal and gives each state and county a letter grade. The latest grade for Kansas is a C-minus, with 18 of its 105 counties mostly in western Kansas, receiving an F.Norman said Wednesday that the message isn’t that the state is watching its residents but that it wants “to give people feedback.”___

Kansas' review of cellphone GPS data raises privacy concerns

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Area convenience stores are taking steps to keep their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Kwik Shop has enhanced standards and procedures for cleaning protocols. Kwik Shop also announced it is temporarily discontinuing reusable cups, have blocked all in-store seating areas and have temporarily suspended consumption of food onsite. 

Kwik Shop is also giving free coffee to all healthcare workers, first responders and military personnel to thank them for their work.

At local Yesway stores, similar steps are being taken. The stores will not take refillable mugs, although disposable cups will be available. There is no expiration date for the mugs, so they can be used once the restriction is lifted.

Yesway has also enhanced cleaning practices especially around fuel pumps, door handles and restrooms. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575047302686.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Area convenience stores are taking steps to keep their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kwik Shop has enhanced standards and procedures for cleaning protocols. Kwik Shop also announced it is temporarily discontinuing reusable cups, have blocked all in-store seating areas and have temporarily suspended consumption of food onsite. Kwik Shop is also giving free coffee to all healthcare workers, first responders and military personnel to thank them for their work.At local Yesway stores, similar steps are being taken. The stores will not take refillable mugs, although disposable cups will be available. There is no expiration date for the mugs, so they can be used once the restriction is lifted.Yesway has also enhanced cleaning practices especially around fuel pumps, door handles and restrooms.

Convenience stores limiting some services to keep customers safe

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec’s Summer Activity Guide arrived in mailboxes this week for all Hutchinson residents living in the 67501 and 67502 zip codes. The guide is also available to view online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/activity-guide/">hutchrec.com.</a>

In response to the most recent COVID-19 executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly, Hutch Rec is announcing the following updates to summer activities and programs. Please note dates are subject to change per any new COVID-19 restrictions.

Youth Summer Sports Leagues – Recreation and Competitive

• Recreation Leagues include: T-ball (3-6 yr olds); baseball (8U; 10U &amp; 12U leagues); and softball (8U; 10U, 12U &amp; 14U leagues)

• Registration Deadline: May 9 – Register online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a> or mail registration form (available to download at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/register-now/">hutchrec.com</a>) to 17 E. 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501

• Practices Begin after Coaches Meeting

• Games start the week of June 1 (T-ball) and the week of June 8 (baseball and softball)

• Competitive Leagues include: Central Kansas Baseball League (8U; 10U; 12U; 14U); and Central Kansas Fast Pitch League (10U; 12U; 14U)

• Registration Deadline: May 8 (done as a team)

Stay to Play State-Licensed Day Camp for K-6th grades

• Camp will start the week of June 1 (camp will not meet as originally scheduled the week of May 24)

• At this time, Hutch Rec is accepting phone-in registrations for parents to reserve their children’s spots in camp. The $30 registration fee and first week of camp fees are required. Call 663-6179 to register your child or email <a href="mailto:rcarter@hutchrec.com">rcarter@hutchrec.com</a> for more information.

Summer Adventure Camp at Dillon Nature Center

• No date changes to camp at this time; however, camp registration can now be done online at <a href="http://hutchrec.com">hutchrec.com</a> to reserve camper’s spot. Camp forms <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-rec-leagues-programs-2/rec-camps/">may be downloaded on the Enrichment/Camps</a>&nbsp;page and must be filled out and turned in before the camper’s first day. Call Dillon Nature Center at 663-7411 for more information.

· Employment Opportunities: Salt City Splash staff continues to accept applications for lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Training is available through Hutch Rec – contact Ted Nelson, superintendent of aquatics, at <a href="mailto:https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-rec-leagues-programs-2/rec-camps/">tnelson@hutchrec.com</a> for more information. Lifeguards must be a minimum of 15 years old; Water Safety Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years old.

· Follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saltcitysplash/">Salt City Splash Facebook page</a>&nbsp;for updates regarding the Memorial Day weekend opening of the facility. At this time, Hutch Rec is planning to open the pool on opening day (May 23, but is working on contingency plans.

· American Red Cross swim lessons are on as scheduled. Parents may register their children online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>. Additional swim lesson information and a FAQ video will be released on the social media pages and <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/hutch-rec-facilities/salt-city-splash/">saltcitysplash.com</a> in April.

At this time, activities featured in the Summer Activity Guide with June, July, and August dates, are on as scheduled. Residents may register for these activities online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>. Any programs or activities that are canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions will be issued a full refund.

Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets and on social media. Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission/">Hutch Rec on Facebook</a> and Instagram, as well as the following facilities: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dillonnaturecenter/">Dillon Nature Center</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchsportsarena/">Hutchinson Sports Arena</a>, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/334287143987254/">Senior Center at Elmdale Park</a>.

The mission of Hutch Rec is to provide the community with lifelong wellness, cultural, natural, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy minds and bodies through innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and protected open spaces. It is Hutch Rec's goal to be of a community mindset during this time of COVD-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584563985382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec’s Summer Activity Guide arrived in mailboxes this week for all Hutchinson residents living in the 67501 and 67502 zip codes. The guide is also available to view online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/activity-guide/">hutchrec.com.</a>In response to the most recent COVID-19 executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly, Hutch Rec is announcing the following updates to summer activities and programs. Please note dates are subject to change per any new COVID-19 restrictions.Youth Summer Sports Leagues – Recreation and Competitive• Recreation Leagues include: T-ball (3-6 yr olds); baseball (8U; 10U &amp; 12U leagues); and softball (8U; 10U, 12U &amp; 14U leagues)• Registration Deadline: May 9 – Register online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a> or mail registration form (available to download at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/register-now/">hutchrec.com</a>) to 17 E. 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501• Coaches Meeting: May 20• Practices Begin after Coaches Meeting• Games start the week of June 1 (T-ball) and the week of June 8 (baseball and softball)• Competitive Leagues include: Central Kansas Baseball League (8U; 10U; 12U; 14U); and Central Kansas Fast Pitch League (10U; 12U; 14U)• Registration Deadline: May 8 (done as a team)• Coaches Meeting: May 13• Pre-Season Tournament: May 30• League Begins: Week of June 1Stay to Play State-Licensed Day Camp for K-6th grades• Camp will start the week of June 1 (camp will not meet as originally scheduled the week of May 24)• At this time, Hutch Rec is accepting phone-in registrations for parents to reserve their children’s spots in camp. The $30 registration fee and first week of camp fees are required. Call 663-6179 to register your child or email <a href="mailto:rcarter@hutchrec.com">rcarter@hutchrec.com</a> for more information.Summer Adventure Camp at Dillon Nature Center• No date changes to camp at this time; however, camp registration can now be done online at <a href="http://hutchrec.com">hutchrec.com</a> to reserve camper’s spot. Camp forms <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-rec-leagues-programs-2/rec-camps/">may be downloaded on the Enrichment/Camps</a>&nbsp;page and must be filled out and turned in before the camper’s first day. Call Dillon Nature Center at 663-7411 for more information.Salt City Splash Aquatic Center· Employment Opportunities: Salt City Splash staff continues to accept applications for lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Training is available through Hutch Rec – contact Ted Nelson, superintendent of aquatics, at <a href="mailto:https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-rec-leagues-programs-2/rec-camps/">tnelson@hutchrec.com</a> for more information. Lifeguards must be a minimum of 15 years old; Water Safety Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years old.· Follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saltcitysplash/">Salt City Splash Facebook page</a>&nbsp;for updates regarding the Memorial Day weekend opening of the facility. At this time, Hutch Rec is planning to open the pool on opening day (May 23, but is working on contingency plans.· American Red Cross swim lessons are on as scheduled. Parents may register their children online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>. Additional swim lesson information and a FAQ video will be released on the social media pages and <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/hutch-rec-facilities/salt-city-splash/">saltcitysplash.com</a> in April.At this time, activities featured in the Summer Activity Guide with June, July, and August dates, are on as scheduled. Residents may register for these activities online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>. Any programs or activities that are canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions will be issued a full refund.Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets and on social media. Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission/">Hutch Rec on Facebook</a> and Instagram, as well as the following facilities: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dillonnaturecenter/">Dillon Nature Center</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchsportsarena/">Hutchinson Sports Arena</a>, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/334287143987254/">Senior Center at Elmdale Park</a>.The mission of Hutch Rec is to provide the community with lifelong wellness, cultural, natural, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy minds and bodies through innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and protected open spaces. It is Hutch Rec's goal to be of a community mindset during this time of COVD-19.

Hutch Rec releases revised summer guide

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coronavirus cases swelled nearly 15% in one day as an outbreak at a nursing home grew and officials urged people to stay away from each other to control the virus’ spread.

Health&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData" target="_blank">officials&nbsp;</a>reported 552 cases in Kansas on Thursday, up from 482 a day earlier.

Thirteen people have died, including a 90-year-old resident of the Life Care Center of Burlington.

Twenty-five other residents and staff members at the facility about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Topeka are sickened, Coffey County officials said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/78e495c299d67e60d45729352f2c0d44">company&nbsp;</a>also runs a nursing home near Seattle tied to 40 deaths and one in Kansas City, Kansas, where a resident died last month.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees long-term care facilities, rated the Burlington home overall as “much below average” and gave it similar ratings for health inspections and quality measures, while rating the facility’s staffing as average.

The Burlington nursing home hasn’t responded to telephone messages seeking comment.

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

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a statewide stay-at-home-order as part of efforts to contain the virus, but getting everyone to follow it has proved challenging. People are supposed to stay at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) from each other and not gather in groups of more than 10.

The Shawnee Mission School District, which is among the state’s largest with more than 27,000 students, announced that it would begin issuing trespassing warnings Thursday for people who violate social distancing rules at its fields and stadiums.

Those facilities remain open so people can exercise. But officials say the district and local police departments have received numerous complaints about large groups playing organized sports.

The virus also has taken a financial toll. New unemployment benefit data released Thursday show that claims in Kansas increased to 54,739 for the week ending March 28, up from 25,563 the prior week. That’s a sharp spike from last year when there were 1,508 new claims for the week ending March 30, 2019, and 1,271 the week before that.

The University of Kansas also&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.ku.edu/sites/coronavirus.ku.edu/files/docs/Notice%20for%20Lawrence%20and%20Edwards%20Campus.pdf" target="_blank">announced&nbsp;</a>Thursday that it was postponing its graduation until late summer or early fall. It also is instituting a hiring and salary freeze.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585657534018.png" alt="Life Care Center -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Life Care Center -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coronavirus cases swelled nearly 15% in one day as an outbreak at a nursing home grew and officials urged people to stay away from each other to control the virus’ spread.Health&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData" target="_blank">officials&nbsp;</a>reported 552 cases in Kansas on Thursday, up from 482 a day earlier.Thirteen people have died, including a 90-year-old resident of the Life Care Center of Burlington.Twenty-five other residents and staff members at the facility about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Topeka are sickened, Coffey County officials said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/78e495c299d67e60d45729352f2c0d44">company&nbsp;</a>also runs a nursing home near Seattle tied to 40 deaths and one in Kansas City, Kansas, where a resident died last month.The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees long-term care facilities, rated the Burlington home overall as “much below average” and gave it similar ratings for health inspections and quality measures, while rating the facility’s staffing as average.The Burlington nursing home hasn’t responded to telephone messages seeking comment.For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a statewide stay-at-home-order as part of efforts to contain the virus, but getting everyone to follow it has proved challenging. People are supposed to stay at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) from each other and not gather in groups of more than 10.The Shawnee Mission School District, which is among the state’s largest with more than 27,000 students, announced that it would begin issuing trespassing warnings Thursday for people who violate social distancing rules at its fields and stadiums.Those facilities remain open so people can exercise. But officials say the district and local police departments have received numerous complaints about large groups playing organized sports.The virus also has taken a financial toll. New unemployment benefit data released Thursday show that claims in Kansas increased to 54,739 for the week ending March 28, up from 25,563 the prior week. That’s a sharp spike from last year when there were 1,508 new claims for the week ending March 30, 2019, and 1,271 the week before that.The University of Kansas also&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.ku.edu/sites/coronavirus.ku.edu/files/docs/Notice%20for%20Lawrence%20and%20Edwards%20Campus.pdf" target="_blank">announced&nbsp;</a>Thursday that it was postponing its graduation until late summer or early fall. It also is instituting a hiring and salary freeze.

Kansas nursing home outbreak swells: 1 dead, 25 sickened

Latest report from the KDHE on coronavirus numbers in Kansas.&nbsp; 

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

Latest report from the KDHE on coronavirus numbers in Kansas.&nbsp; <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for</a> more details&nbsp;<figure>
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 13 deaths


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Though there is not local testing yet for COVID-19, Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is confident that given enough time, the hospital can meet the needs of its patients.

"Every day that we can continue to practice social distancing, spreading this out, practicing hygiene, not allowing that virus to jump, every day we do that, we're one day closer to not only a vaccine or a treatment, but rapid testing," Welch said. "Just the rapid testing alone would help us in the hospital so much."

The problem is the wait for tests makes every case that comes in as probable have to be treated as if its positive.

"Those tests take sometimes a day or two to get back," Welch said. "Meanwhile, they are sitting in an isolation room waiting for the test. If we could turn those tests in 45 minutes, it would change the battle landscape tremendously."

Knowing whether or not a case is positive, especially when many more tests come back negative than positive, would be invaluable in conserving resources.

"With the speed that this viral fire is burning across Kansas, we can't afford not to vet those people that look like they have it," Welch said.

The issue, as it has been since the virus made it to the state in March is that not everyone that has it looks like they have it and they can have it for days and not know that they do, especially if tests are unavailable due to costs or lack of supplies.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Though there is not local testing yet for COVID-19, Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is confident that given enough time, the hospital can meet the needs of its patients."Every day that we can continue to practice social distancing, spreading this out, practicing hygiene, not allowing that virus to jump, every day we do that, we're one day closer to not only a vaccine or a treatment, but rapid testing," Welch said. "Just the rapid testing alone would help us in the hospital so much."The problem is the wait for tests makes every case that comes in as probable have to be treated as if its positive."Those tests take sometimes a day or two to get back," Welch said. "Meanwhile, they are sitting in an isolation room waiting for the test. If we could turn those tests in 45 minutes, it would change the battle landscape tremendously."Knowing whether or not a case is positive, especially when many more tests come back negative than positive, would be invaluable in conserving resources."With the speed that this viral fire is burning across Kansas, we can't afford not to vet those people that look like they have it," Welch said.The issue, as it has been since the virus made it to the state in March is that not everyone that has it looks like they have it and they can have it for days and not know that they do, especially if tests are unavailable due to costs or lack of supplies.

Hospital still awaiting faster testing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Lisa Gleason with the United Way of Reno County put out a plea on Thursday for people to contribute to their unmet needs fund.

"United Way is trying to look at long-term recovery," Gleason said. "We know the needs are going to be great as we continue to hear about businesses within Reno County that are laying people off and or reducing their hours."

The funds need to match the impact that the virus is having on the economy and that's almost impossible.

"The unmet needs fund that we're trying to collect to help people who are being impacted by this needs to grow exponentially," Gleason said. "I'm putting a plea out there, a shameless plug to go out to Rally Reno County, buy gift cards, help local businesses and then you help us support individuals with rent and utilities and all that other stuff that's going to come."

Gleason said even if you don't want to buy a gift card, you can still donate in care of Rally Reno County unmet needs fund by calling 211, donate on the Reno County VOAD Facebook page or send your donation to United Way of Reno County at PO Box 2230, Hutchinson, KS 67504, or drop off a donation at the United Way office at 924 N. Main in Hutchinson.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Lisa Gleason with the United Way of Reno County put out a plea on Thursday for people to contribute to their unmet needs fund."United Way is trying to look at long-term recovery," Gleason said. "We know the needs are going to be great as we continue to hear about businesses within Reno County that are laying people off and or reducing their hours."The funds need to match the impact that the virus is having on the economy and that's almost impossible."The unmet needs fund that we're trying to collect to help people who are being impacted by this needs to grow exponentially," Gleason said. "I'm putting a plea out there, a shameless plug to go out to Rally Reno County, buy gift cards, help local businesses and then you help us support individuals with rent and utilities and all that other stuff that's going to come."Gleason said even if you don't want to buy a gift card, you can still donate in care of Rally Reno County unmet needs fund by calling 211, donate on the Reno County VOAD Facebook page or send your donation to United Way of Reno County at PO Box 2230, Hutchinson, KS 67504, or drop off a donation at the United Way office at 924 N. Main in Hutchinson.

Unmet needs fund must grow exponentially to meet future demand


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;It's still incredibly difficult to track the spread of COVID-19, even when the numbers are good, because there aren't enough tests to know for sure exactly how many people have the virus.

"Our testing capacity is still lacking in terms of the holistic picture, if you will," said Reno County Health Department director Nick Baldetti. "It's encouraging that our percentage isn't necessarily matching with the national growth trend. At the same time, the caveat of testing inventory and capacity at the state is an issue. It's not only for Kansas, but a number of the centralized states in the United States. I would venture to say that we're going to see our growth lag behind greater metropolitan areas in the nation, just simply because of our geographic proximity."

There aren't enough tests and what there are aren't getting to Kansas yet.

"It's going to be awhile before we have a more accurate picture of exactly what the environment is in its totality," Baldetti said. "That's just as much of the challenge, outside of actual presentation of those ill and requiring medical assistance."

There are currently around 50 tests outstanding, but right now, they still are only testing those with serious enough symptoms to be hospitalized or with known risk factors like travel or proximity to previous positive cases. Expanding notifications out to those who have symptoms beyond that requires narrowing down what symptoms you count and that is still nebulous.

"Do we classify only upper respiratory symptoms as those that resemble symptomology, or all with a fever, or both?," Baldetti said. "You're basically describing the challenge that we're having in terms of what we do and do not report, because we also want to be careful to not underinflate or overinflate presentation."

Until large numbers of tests are available, it's still impossible to know who exactly is currently infected, has been infected and has recovered and who has not been exposed.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;It's still incredibly difficult to track the spread of COVID-19, even when the numbers are good, because there aren't enough tests to know for sure exactly how many people have the virus."Our testing capacity is still lacking in terms of the holistic picture, if you will," said Reno County Health Department director Nick Baldetti. "It's encouraging that our percentage isn't necessarily matching with the national growth trend. At the same time, the caveat of testing inventory and capacity at the state is an issue. It's not only for Kansas, but a number of the centralized states in the United States. I would venture to say that we're going to see our growth lag behind greater metropolitan areas in the nation, just simply because of our geographic proximity."There aren't enough tests and what there are aren't getting to Kansas yet."It's going to be awhile before we have a more accurate picture of exactly what the environment is in its totality," Baldetti said. "That's just as much of the challenge, outside of actual presentation of those ill and requiring medical assistance."There are currently around 50 tests outstanding, but right now, they still are only testing those with serious enough symptoms to be hospitalized or with known risk factors like travel or proximity to previous positive cases. Expanding notifications out to those who have symptoms beyond that requires narrowing down what symptoms you count and that is still nebulous."Do we classify only upper respiratory symptoms as those that resemble symptomology, or all with a fever, or both?," Baldetti said. "You're basically describing the challenge that we're having in terms of what we do and do not report, because we also want to be careful to not underinflate or overinflate presentation."Until large numbers of tests are available, it's still impossible to know who exactly is currently infected, has been infected and has recovered and who has not been exposed.

Baldetti: Testing capacity still X factor in COVID-19 data

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is gearing up for a large increase in testing as it works to bring an outbreak of the coronavirus under control.

Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health and environment, said Wednesday that he expects to have up to 64,000 test kits that can produce results in 45 minutes in the coming weeks, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.

“Very clearly we need to do population studies, meaning testing people who are well,” he said. “It’s very fundamental work and will push the analysis (of the virus) upstream. But until that time, social distancing is the name of the game.”

Health officials reported 482 cases Wednesday, up 54 from Tuesday. Also, the number of COVID-19 fatalities has grown to 11 following the death Tuesday of a 90-year-old woman in Coffey County. The county is battling an outbreak at the Life Care Center of Burlington, located about 60 miles south of Topeka.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585769259410.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during Wednesday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during Wednesday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is gearing up for a large increase in testing as it works to bring an outbreak of the coronavirus under control.Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health and environment, said Wednesday that he expects to have up to 64,000 test kits that can produce results in 45 minutes in the coming weeks, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.“Very clearly we need to do population studies, meaning testing people who are well,” he said. “It’s very fundamental work and will push the analysis (of the virus) upstream. But until that time, social distancing is the name of the game.”Health officials reported 482 cases Wednesday, up 54 from Tuesday. Also, the number of COVID-19 fatalities has grown to 11 following the death Tuesday of a 90-year-old woman in Coffey County. The county is battling an outbreak at the Life Care Center of Burlington, located about 60 miles south of Topeka.For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Kansas plans to increase testing soon in fight against virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the new coronavirus</a>&nbsp;despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own.

Trump said Wednesday he wants to give governors’ “flexibility” on whether a stay-at-home policy is the best option for their constituents but acknowledged that he’s looking at limiting air and rail travel between hot spots within the United States. The Republican president remains hesitant to press a unified policy even after the White House released “sobering”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8a9da5569b191ae278e60fffcc855f7">new projections&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday the nation’s federalist system leaves much of the authority on how to properly respond to catastrophes to state governors and local officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the new coronavirus</a>&nbsp;despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own.Trump said Wednesday he wants to give governors’ “flexibility” on whether a stay-at-home policy is the best option for their constituents but acknowledged that he’s looking at limiting air and rail travel between hot spots within the United States. The Republican president remains hesitant to press a unified policy even after the White House released “sobering”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8a9da5569b191ae278e60fffcc855f7">new projections&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584976508622.png" alt="Surgeon General Jerome Adams-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Surgeon General Jerome Adams-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday the nation’s federalist system leaves much of the authority on how to properly respond to catastrophes to state governors and local officials.On Wednesday alone, five more states — Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada and Pennsylvania — added or expanded their stay-at-home orders.But the invocation of federalism in the midst of a crisis that threatens a nationwide body count on par with some of the deadliest American wars suggests that Trump and his advisers are cognizant of the political ramifications of their response. Republican governors in states like Florida, Texas and Nebraska have questioned the necessity of applying strong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing rules</a>&nbsp;to rural or exurban areas that haven’t reported much evidence of the virus.The lack of a unified, 50-state response also collides with evidence emerging that coronavirus infections are being spread by people who have no clear symptoms, complicating efforts to gain control of the pandemic. A study conducted by researchers in Singapore and published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday is the latest to estimate that around 10% of new coronavirus infections may be spread by people who were infected with the virus but not experiencing symptom<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Even while deferring to governors. the Trump administration has issued guidelines that have urged Americans to work from home if possible, cancel on-site instruction at schools and avoid large gatherings. The resistance to a more robust response comes even as Vice President Mike Pence said White House models for the coronavirus toll show the country on a trajectory akin to hard-hit Italy.Speaking to CNN, Pence said, “We think Italy may be the most comparable area to the United States at this point.” Italy, which has already recorded more than 13,000 deaths, has issued a nationwide quarantine, shutting down almost all industrial production and offices and largely prohibiting residents from leaving their homes. The U.S. has recorded more than 5,000 deaths, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.The White House’s best-case projection for loss of life assumes statewide stay-at-home orders, according to a senior administration official familiar with Trump’s thinking. Trump, the official said, is a believer in federalism and that it is up to governors to set restrictions for their states. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.More than 285 million people live in the 40 states where governors have declared statewide shelter-in-place orders or have recommended that residents stay home. In other states — places like Iowa and Nebraska, among others — governors have resisted state-level decisions, but some localities have declared residents should stay at home.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1a7c1f7f226c6d04fa7ca380998a7e9a">a poll published Wednesday</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 78% of U.S. adults, including 84% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans, favor requiring Americans to stay in their homes except for essential errands. Americans in states that already had stay-at-home orders in place when the survey began are more likely than those in states that did not to approve of their state’s response, 63% to 51%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585690758211.png" alt="President Trump answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Still, Trump — who has conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">long, near-daily briefings</a>&nbsp;on his administration’s response to the virus outbreak over the last three weeks — has been reluctant to use his bully pulpit to urge governors to issue orders that would help effectively create a national quarantine.“There are some states that are different,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “There are some states that don’t have much of a problem.”But there are signs that Trump administration officials are pushing behind the scenes for holdout governors to issue statewide quarantines.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had resisted issuing a statewide order but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5bac343ca91824ecd6c7699bf371183">reversed course and issued one</a>&nbsp;Wednesday as federal and local pressure mounted for him to abandon the county-by-county approach he had implemented.DeSantis, a Republican, told reporters that he decided to issue the order after consulting with Trump and White House advisers.Rep. Donna Shalala, a Florida Democrat, said earlier Wednesday that Trump should be pressing governors for a unified approach to help stem the spread of the disease, calling his response so far “fragmented, weak and uneven.”“He hasn’t made a national plea to say we’re all in this together, and he hasn’t even talked to the governors about all doing the same thing,” Shalala, who was secretary of health and human services under President Bill Clinton, said in an interview.Authority to order quarantines inside states rests almost entirely with states under provisions in the U.S. Constitution ceding power not explicitly delegated to the federal government to states, courts have ruled consistently for years. While the federal government itself can’t order nationwide quarantines or impose quarantines on states, courts have said it has clear power under constitutional clauses regulating commerce to quarantine international travelers or those traveling state to state who might be carriers of deadly diseases.A few legal scholars have argued that the Constitution’s Commerce Clause may vest Trump with powers to impose a multiple state or national lockdown with or without states’ approval, though any such move under that minority interpretation would almost certainly be challenged immediately as unconstitutional.Pence told CNN that leaders and residents of states that haven’t been hard hit are already taking action to slow the virus’ spread.In Nebraska, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he’s basing his decisions on the advice he gets from public health experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has dealt extensively with outbreaks and served as a quarantine space for Ebola patients. In Iowa, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has resisted a mandatory shelter-in- place order, saying the data she looks at doesn’t yet justify it in her state.South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, another Republican, said her voluntary guidance had helped slow the infection rate. “The calls to apply a one-size-fits-all approach is herd mentality, it’s not leadership,” she said.Ricketts, a vocal Trump supporter, has repeatedly said he won’t impose a stay-at-home order in Nebraska but has ordered restaurants either to close their dining areas or allow no more than 10 people inside at once, depending on their location in the state.In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered schools to stay closed through at least May and imposed restrictions that doctors and even his critics say are tantamount to a stay-at-home order for the state. Still, Abbott refused to call it that.“This is not a stay-at-home strategy. A stay-at-home strategy would mean that you have to stay home,” Abbott said. “This is a standard based upon essential services and essential activities.”___

Coronavirus Update