SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Discussion and possible action on Reno County regulations regarding wind farms will have to wait for at least a month. 

County Commissioner Chair Ron Sellers announced Wednesday that Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting has been postponed because of concerns with COVID-19. 

It was determined the meeting room does not meet the requirements of Gov. Kelly’s executive order for gatherings of 50 people or fewer with a six-foot separation rule. The meeting was expected to draw a large crowd as the controversial wind farm issue was on the agenda.

The meeting has been rescheduled for April 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility located at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson. 

The COVID-19 situation will be monitored and any changes to this date will be communicated to all media outlets as soon as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576875802998.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Discussion and possible action on Reno County regulations regarding wind farms will have to wait for at least a month. County Commissioner Chair Ron Sellers announced Wednesday that Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting has been postponed because of concerns with COVID-19. It was determined the meeting room does not meet the requirements of Gov. Kelly’s executive order for gatherings of 50 people or fewer with a six-foot separation rule. The meeting was expected to draw a large crowd as the controversial wind farm issue was on the agenda.The meeting has been rescheduled for April 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility located at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson. The COVID-19 situation will be monitored and any changes to this date will be communicated to all media outlets as soon as possible.

Planning Commission meeting canceled

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Four youth sports tournaments originally scheduled to be held on weekends from March 28 to April 25 at Fun Valley Sports Complex have been canceled.

Tournaments include: USSSA Baseball Valley Opener (March 28-29); USSSA Fast Pitch Battle for the Rings (April 4-5); USSSA Baseball Battle for the Rings (April 18-19); and IFA Fast Pitch Fun Valley Spring Invitational (April 25).

This decision comes based on the most recent recommendations from the Reno County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

At this time, youth baseball and fast pitch tournaments scheduled for May, June and July are on as scheduled. Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets and on Hutch Rec's social media pages. 

Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fvhutch/">Fun Valley Sports Complex on Facebook</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-sports-tournaments/">funvalleysports.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584572819718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Four youth sports tournaments originally scheduled to be held on weekends from March 28 to April 25 at Fun Valley Sports Complex have been canceled.Tournaments include: USSSA Baseball Valley Opener (March 28-29); USSSA Fast Pitch Battle for the Rings (April 4-5); USSSA Baseball Battle for the Rings (April 18-19); and IFA Fast Pitch Fun Valley Spring Invitational (April 25).This decision comes based on the most recent recommendations from the Reno County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention At this time, youth baseball and fast pitch tournaments scheduled for May, June and July are on as scheduled. Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets and on Hutch Rec's social media pages. Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fvhutch/">Fun Valley Sports Complex on Facebook</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/overview-of-sports-tournaments/">funvalleysports.com</a>.

Hutch Rec announces tournament cancellations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced today that the potential spread of the coronavirus has necessitated restricting access to the hospital effective Wednesday.

Ken Johnson, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said public access will be limited to two entrances and visitors will be limited to one per patient.

“The hospital’s main entrance will be used for patients scheduled for outpatient surgery and visitors,” Johnson said. “Only one visitor per patient will be allowed and no visitor under the age of 14 will be allowed access to the hospital. Pediatric patients can have two visitors. All visitors will be screened upon entering the hospital and are required to check in with staff on the unit they are visiting.”

• Outpatient entry hours will be 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, which includes one caregiver for each patient.

• Visitor entry hours are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

• The cafeteria and walking tunnels are also closed to the general public until further notice.

• The Emergency Department entrance will remain open but will be restricted to physicians and patients seeking emergency care. Patients seeking emergency care will be allowed one caregiver or family member.

Johnson said any exceptions to the new rules on visitors will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“These are not normal times and we realize these restrictions may be stressful, but they are necessary to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff,” Johnson said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we thank everyone for their support. In collaboration with our community healthcare colleagues, we are taking a thoughtful and balanced approach to this health crisis.”

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is an entity of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Other entities are Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, Health-E-Quip and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579797775553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced today that the potential spread of the coronavirus has necessitated restricting access to the hospital effective Wednesday.Ken Johnson, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said public access will be limited to two entrances and visitors will be limited to one per patient.“The hospital’s main entrance will be used for patients scheduled for outpatient surgery and visitors,” Johnson said. “Only one visitor per patient will be allowed and no visitor under the age of 14 will be allowed access to the hospital. Pediatric patients can have two visitors. All visitors will be screened upon entering the hospital and are required to check in with staff on the unit they are visiting.”Other hospital restrictions include:• Outpatient entry hours will be 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, which includes one caregiver for each patient.• Visitor entry hours are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.• The cafeteria and walking tunnels are also closed to the general public until further notice.• The Emergency Department entrance will remain open but will be restricted to physicians and patients seeking emergency care. Patients seeking emergency care will be allowed one caregiver or family member.Johnson said any exceptions to the new rules on visitors will be considered on a case-by-case basis.“These are not normal times and we realize these restrictions may be stressful, but they are necessary to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff,” Johnson said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we thank everyone for their support. In collaboration with our community healthcare colleagues, we are taking a thoughtful and balanced approach to this health crisis.”Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is an entity of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Other entities are Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, Health-E-Quip and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.

HMRC restricting visitors

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — All of the news and the ever-changing environment in connection with COVID-19 is certainly causing more anxiety and stress than normal.

So what are some things you can do to ease that stress?

“One of the important things to do is to reconnect with what you have control over,” Horizons COO Brenda Brown said. “Often times we are in situations where we don’t have control and, if we start focusing on that, it enhances our anxiety. But if you focus on the things you can control, that will help.”

Brown says it is also a good time to reconnect with things you may have at home, such as whittling away that honey-do list.

“If you’re confined to your house or stuck at home with your kids . . . what are some things you have been wanting to do with that to-do list? We all have a to-do list,” Brown said. “It’s something that’s going to make you feel like you’re productive.”

Brown says, with children at home because of school closings, it’s a great time to interact again and keep children in a good frame of mind at this time.

“This is a great time to reconnect with your kids and get some board games out,” Brown said. “Get back to the basics, maybe pull out a game of Monopoly. Kids can really be influenced by these scary situations, but they’re going to follow our lead. I think as parents if we can provide that calm and reassuring nature that they’re going to follow their lead with that.”

Brown says getting exercise and getting outdoors whenever possible is also helpful. 

She added that if you feel things are starting to slip away from you a bit, you can call the Horizons hotline at 1-800-794-0163.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584566299957.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — All of the news and the ever-changing environment in connection with COVID-19 is certainly causing more anxiety and stress than normal.So what are some things you can do to ease that stress?“One of the important things to do is to reconnect with what you have control over,” Horizons COO Brenda Brown said. “Often times we are in situations where we don’t have control and, if we start focusing on that, it enhances our anxiety. But if you focus on the things you can control, that will help.”Brown says it is also a good time to reconnect with things you may have at home, such as whittling away that honey-do list.“If you’re confined to your house or stuck at home with your kids . . . what are some things you have been wanting to do with that to-do list? We all have a to-do list,” Brown said. “It’s something that’s going to make you feel like you’re productive.”Brown says, with children at home because of school closings, it’s a great time to interact again and keep children in a good frame of mind at this time.“This is a great time to reconnect with your kids and get some board games out,” Brown said. “Get back to the basics, maybe pull out a game of Monopoly. Kids can really be influenced by these scary situations, but they’re going to follow our lead. I think as parents if we can provide that calm and reassuring nature that they’re going to follow their lead with that.”Brown says getting exercise and getting outdoors whenever possible is also helpful. She added that if you feel things are starting to slip away from you a bit, you can call the Horizons hotline at 1-800-794-0163.

Horizons offers some tips to deal with the stress of the day

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of changing circumstances on dealing with COVID-19, the construction work on Halstead Street between 4th and East Avenue G has been postponed. 

According to Hutchinson Public Works, the contractor has tentatively moved the start date of the work to April 1.  

The intersection of Halstead Street and Carey Boulevard will be under construction through April 22.  There will be local access, however, the intersection under construction will not be open. Detour routes will be provided.  

As businesses lock down to follow recommendations, this date may change.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of changing circumstances on dealing with COVID-19, the construction work on Halstead Street between 4th and East Avenue G has been postponed. According to Hutchinson Public Works, the contractor has tentatively moved the start date of the work to April 1. The intersection of Halstead Street and Carey Boulevard will be under construction through April 22. There will be local access, however, the intersection under construction will not be open. Detour routes will be provided. As businesses lock down to follow recommendations, this date may change.

Halstead Street project delayed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Hutch Rec facilities closed, the Senior Center at Elmdale Park is looking for ways to continue to serve its customers. Starting Monday, senior center members will have the opportunity to purchase and pick up lunches at the center at 400 E. Ave. E. This is being done in an effort to continue providing meals while the center remains temporarily closed.

This curbside delivery lunch service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Members may call the senior center at 620-663-2811 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and noon, to place their lunch orders. To guarantee lunch, the order must be placed by noon the day before. Lunches will cost the regular $4 member price and be deducted from the member’s lunch card.

The first day of lunch orders for March 23 will be taken starting Thursday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The monthly menu will be posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/334287143987254/">Senior Center at Elmdale Park Facebook group page</a>&nbsp;and will be available on the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/hutch-rec-facilities/senior-center-at-elmdale-park/">senior center facility page at hutchrec.com</a>. A menu is available through April 29 contingent on the number of members purchasing lunches.

Once ordered, members will be given a pick-up time between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Pick-up will take place on the south side of the center. In an effort to protect the health of members, senior center staff will deliver bagged meals to members’ vehicles and will wear gloves during deliveries. 

Hutch Rec’s Senior Center at Elmdale Park currently serves more than 600 social members. The senior center is currently closed to the public until further notice, with staff available from 9 a.m. to noon taking phone calls and answering emails. 

All ongoing activities, events, programming and group travel have been canceled during this time. Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets, <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission/?ref=br_rs">Hutch Rec Facebook page</a>.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Hutch Rec facilities closed, the Senior Center at Elmdale Park is looking for ways to continue to serve its customers. Starting Monday, senior center members will have the opportunity to purchase and pick up lunches at the center at 400 E. Ave. E. This is being done in an effort to continue providing meals while the center remains temporarily closed.This curbside delivery lunch service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Members may call the senior center at 620-663-2811 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and noon, to place their lunch orders. To guarantee lunch, the order must be placed by noon the day before. Lunches will cost the regular $4 member price and be deducted from the member’s lunch card.The first day of lunch orders for March 23 will be taken starting Thursday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.The monthly menu will be posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/334287143987254/">Senior Center at Elmdale Park Facebook group page</a>&nbsp;and will be available on the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/hutch-rec-facilities/senior-center-at-elmdale-park/">senior center facility page at hutchrec.com</a>. A menu is available through April 29 contingent on the number of members purchasing lunches.Once ordered, members will be given a pick-up time between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Pick-up will take place on the south side of the center. In an effort to protect the health of members, senior center staff will deliver bagged meals to members’ vehicles and will wear gloves during deliveries. Hutch Rec’s Senior Center at Elmdale Park currently serves more than 600 social members. The senior center is currently closed to the public until further notice, with staff available from 9 a.m. to noon taking phone calls and answering emails. All ongoing activities, events, programming and group travel have been canceled during this time. Ongoing details and updates will be shared with media outlets, <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission/?ref=br_rs">Hutch Rec Facebook page</a>.

Elmdale Senior Center to offer meals for members

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 school district is going through calendars and work schedules as it waits to see what the state’s task force will do to keep education moving forward in light of the school shutdown.

The biggest challenge going is making sure online services are available to students. District Spokesperson Ray Hemman says nearly one-third of the district’s students do not have access to the internet. Getting lessons to those students will be one of the issues to be discussed.

Hemman says, once the task force makes its announcement this evening, the district will meet and decide what direction to take including the meal program, which was already put in place this week.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 school district is going through calendars and work schedules as it waits to see what the state’s task force will do to keep education moving forward in light of the school shutdown.The biggest challenge going is making sure online services are available to students. District Spokesperson Ray Hemman says nearly one-third of the district’s students do not have access to the internet. Getting lessons to those students will be one of the issues to be discussed.Hemman says, once the task force makes its announcement this evening, the district will meet and decide what direction to take including the meal program, which was already put in place this week.

USD 308 waiting for next steps in educating students

TOPEKA&nbsp;- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issued new mandates Wednesday surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.

KDHE is now&nbsp;mandating&nbsp;14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:

There is no need for returning travelers to notify KDHE about their return. Information on COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and states with community transmission can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Findex.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6cce6db4259f4318515108d7cb80c906%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637201626289069435&amp;sdata=vfq8RNsgDqfUkvBVZNP9RC%2FXG%2F%2BH2Xm4GgC7FgYz5R0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.&nbsp;

Those who are under home quarantine should not attend school, work or any other setting where they are not able to maintain at about a 6-foot distance from other people.

If a person under quarantine develops symptoms of COVID-19 during their 14-day quarantine period, including a measured fever of 100.4 (F) or higher and lower respiratory symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, they should contact their healthcare provider and tell them about their recent travel or other COVID-19 exposure.

Healthcare providers should evaluate exposure history and symptoms and call KDHE if COVID-19 is suspected. COVID-19 is a reportable condition in Kansas and all suspect cases should be reported by healthcare providers. COVID-19 testing requests can only be made by healthcare providers and local health departments.

In counties with known community transmission, currently Johnson County, testing will be limited to people hospitalized with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Johnson County residents&nbsp;with mild symptoms should isolate at home and away from others for at least seven days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medications and symptoms have significantly improved, whichever is longer. Anyone with more severe symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Individuals who have mild symptoms should not expect to be tested at this time.&nbsp;Testing needs to be prioritized to the sickest patients who are seriously ill and require admission to the hospital. Excessive testing of patients with minor symptoms may put too much strain on laboratories and hospital resources. Since there is no treatment currently for COVID-19 testing patients with mild illness needs to be a lower priority.

People who are currently being tested for COVID-19 should remain in home isolation, or hospital isolation if symptoms are severe enough to be hospitalized, until test results are available. If the test result is negative, isolation is no longer required. If test results are positive for COVID-19, the person must remain in isolation until released by public health.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6cce6db4259f4318515108d7cb80c906%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637201626289069435&amp;sdata=TIqM1cZklDAmdpy%2BZfSugUU7pII%2FhgGyMuMViwW1Z%2Bc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, COVID-19@ks.gov.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issued new mandates Wednesday surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.KDHE is now&nbsp;mandating&nbsp;14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:<ol>
 <li>Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California,&nbsp;Florida, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.</li><li>Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week prior to March 15 or after.</li><li>Traveled on a cruise ship or&nbsp;river cruise&nbsp;on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Traveled internationally on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.&nbsp; (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)</li>
 </ol>There is no need for returning travelers to notify KDHE about their return. Information on COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and states with community transmission can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Findex.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6cce6db4259f4318515108d7cb80c906%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637201626289069435&amp;sdata=vfq8RNsgDqfUkvBVZNP9RC%2FXG%2F%2BH2Xm4GgC7FgYz5R0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.&nbsp;Home Quarantine GuidelinesThose who are under home quarantine should not attend school, work or any other setting where they are not able to maintain at about a 6-foot distance from other people.If a person under quarantine develops symptoms of COVID-19 during their 14-day quarantine period, including a measured fever of 100.4 (F) or higher and lower respiratory symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, they should contact their healthcare provider and tell them about their recent travel or other COVID-19 exposure.Testing for COVID-19Healthcare providers should evaluate exposure history and symptoms and call KDHE if COVID-19 is suspected. COVID-19 is a reportable condition in Kansas and all suspect cases should be reported by healthcare providers. COVID-19 testing requests can only be made by healthcare providers and local health departments.In counties with known community transmission, currently Johnson County, testing will be limited to people hospitalized with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Johnson County residents&nbsp;with mild symptoms should isolate at home and away from others for at least seven days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medications and symptoms have significantly improved, whichever is longer. Anyone with more severe symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Individuals who have mild symptoms should not expect to be tested at this time.&nbsp;Testing needs to be prioritized to the sickest patients who are seriously ill and require admission to the hospital. Excessive testing of patients with minor symptoms may put too much strain on laboratories and hospital resources. Since there is no treatment currently for COVID-19 testing patients with mild illness needs to be a lower priority.People who are currently being tested for COVID-19 should remain in home isolation, or hospital isolation if symptoms are severe enough to be hospitalized, until test results are available. If the test result is negative, isolation is no longer required. If test results are positive for COVID-19, the person must remain in isolation until released by public health.PreventionThere is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.To reduce risk, everyone should:<ol>
 <li>Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.</li><li>Stay home if you are sick.</li><li>Cover coughs and sneezes.</li><li>Clean and disinfect surfaces daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6cce6db4259f4318515108d7cb80c906%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637201626289069435&amp;sdata=TIqM1cZklDAmdpy%2BZfSugUU7pII%2FhgGyMuMViwW1Z%2Bc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, COVID-19@ks.gov.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

KDHE issues new mandates for quarantine, isolation of those tested

Due to the growing concerns of Coronavirus COVID-19 and an abundance of caution for the safety of our staff, listeners and advertisers, the offices of Eagle Radio in Hutchinson will be closed to all visitors until at least April 5th, 2020. During this time we will be staffing with essential on-air personnel only. 

 Advertisers with questions are encouraged to reach out to your account representative, listeners with questions are welcome to email pat.james@eagleradio.net.  We appreciate your patience during this time.  

As always, we will continue to bring you the latest local and regional information on our Eagle Radio stations, Country 102.9, My 93.1 and KWBW 1450 AM and 98.5 FM, and online at hutchpost.com.

Due to the growing concerns of Coronavirus COVID-19 and an abundance of caution for the safety of our staff, listeners and advertisers, the offices of Eagle Radio in Hutchinson will be closed to all visitors until at least April 5th, 2020. During this time we will be staffing with essential on-air personnel only. Advertisers with questions are encouraged to reach out to your account representative, listeners with questions are welcome to email pat.james@eagleradio.net. We appreciate your patience during this time. As always, we will continue to bring you the latest local and regional information on our Eagle Radio stations, Country 102.9, My 93.1 and KWBW 1450 AM and 98.5 FM, and online at hutchpost.com.

Eagle Radio Hutchinson offices closed to public through April 5

NEW YORK (AP) — Can my kids go on a play date? Is it OK if I visit the gym?

In this time of coronavirus, once-easy questions have suddenly become complex.

Here are some questions and answers about the “social distancing” efforts to slow the epidemic in the U.S.

Social distancing are practices implemented by public health officials to keep contagious diseases from spreading.

The measures are aimed at trying to cut down the amount of virus spreading around, and ultimately protect those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Governments have closed borders, and millions of workers and students have been ordered to stay home. On Monday, U.S. officials recommended that older people and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people.” The U.S. is also telling people not to gather in large groups.

And experts also recommend people try to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 meters) away from each other.

Experts believe the virus is mainly spread through droplets that come out of your mouth and nose. When an infected person speaks or exhales or coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) before gravity pulls them to the ground.

“They fall pretty quickly,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

It's important to try to block coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, so as to not send those droplet flying directly toward someone nearby.

Yes, with some exceptions. And the guidelines vary based on where you live.

“We're not being told to stay at home and lock the doors," said Dr. Willam Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert. “We're not there yet, and I don't think we'll get there.”

People who have coughs and sneezes should stay home as much as possible, and call ahead to the doctor's office if they're planning to get their illness checked out, he added.

People who have confirmed coronavirus illness should stay home, as should those who were in close contact with a confirmed case.

Options are becoming limited, with school, gym and restaurant closures in some places, and work-from-home edicts.

Officials in six San Francisco-area counties on Monday told nearly 7 million people to stay inside and venture out only for necessities.

If you live someplace without such restrictions, it's best just to use good judgment. If restaurants are open, it's OK to go to eat. But go in a small group and try to get a table away from others.

It's necessary to buy food. But try to go to the supermarket at times when it's less crowded, stay 6 feet away from other shoppers as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.

Exercise is important. But maybe stick to the machines, wiping them down before and after you use them, and skip games of basketball or other activities that put you in close physical contact with others. If possible, cut back on the gym and go for jogs, walks or bike rides instead, experts said.

The CDC on Sunday recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers put off events that would draw at least 50 people. On Monday, the number was reduced to 10.

That could ice a lot of weddings, family reunions and birthday parties.

Dr. Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the federal response to the virus, said the change from 50 to 10 was influenced by research that tried to estimate the impact of different possible steps.

A CDC official, Dr. Jay Butler, said Monday there's no hard-and-fast rule. Officials are simply trying to set a reasonable parameter to “increase social distancing while not creating social isolation,” he said in an interview streamed by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

CAN I GO ON DATES? OR SEND MY KIDS ON PLAY DATES?

There's some debate among experts about dates and play dates.

Adults who are not sick or considered to be at risk can still date, Schaffner said. But skip the bars, concerts and crowded theaters, and instead think about an intimate dinner at home.

For kids, play dates can be OK, especially if they're outside in parks and involve a small number of kids, he said. Of course, kids who are sick or who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness should not go, he added.

Weatherhead had different advice, saying play dates are not recommended. Children generally have had more mild COVID-19 illnesses and therefore might spread the disease before anyone realizes they are sick.

It will be tricky to prove these measures made a difference.

Testing for the coronavirus was delayed in the U.S., but it is now starting to come online. That means a lot of new cases may be diagnosed in the coming days, as labs finally find infections that happened weeks ago.

“We're going to see increasing (case) numbers, and that's going to be frustrating to people who are doing social distancing. But that doesn't mean social distancing isn't working” Weatherhead said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462056058.png" alt="Reporters practice social distancing in the White House press room Tuesday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Reporters practice social distancing in the White House press room Tuesday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Can my kids go on a play date? Is it OK if I visit the gym?In this time of coronavirus, once-easy questions have suddenly become complex.Here are some questions and answers about the “social distancing” efforts to slow the epidemic in the U.S.WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?Social distancing are practices implemented by public health officials to keep contagious diseases from spreading.The measures are aimed at trying to cut down the amount of virus spreading around, and ultimately protect those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN?Governments have closed borders, and millions of workers and students have been ordered to stay home. On Monday, U.S. officials recommended that older people and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people.” The U.S. is also telling people not to gather in large groups.And experts also recommend people try to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 meters) away from each other.WHY 6 FEET?Experts believe the virus is mainly spread through droplets that come out of your mouth and nose. When an infected person speaks or exhales or coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) before gravity pulls them to the ground.“They fall pretty quickly,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.It's important to try to block coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, so as to not send those droplet flying directly toward someone nearby.CAN I GO OUTSIDE AT ALL?Yes, with some exceptions. And the guidelines vary based on where you live.“We're not being told to stay at home and lock the doors," said Dr. Willam Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert. “We're not there yet, and I don't think we'll get there.”People who have coughs and sneezes should stay home as much as possible, and call ahead to the doctor's office if they're planning to get their illness checked out, he added.People who have confirmed coronavirus illness should stay home, as should those who were in close contact with a confirmed case.WHERE CAN I GO?Options are becoming limited, with school, gym and restaurant closures in some places, and work-from-home edicts.Officials in six San Francisco-area counties on Monday told nearly 7 million people to stay inside and venture out only for necessities.If you live someplace without such restrictions, it's best just to use good judgment. If restaurants are open, it's OK to go to eat. But go in a small group and try to get a table away from others.It's necessary to buy food. But try to go to the supermarket at times when it's less crowded, stay 6 feet away from other shoppers as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.CAN I GO TO THE GYM?Exercise is important. But maybe stick to the machines, wiping them down before and after you use them, and skip games of basketball or other activities that put you in close physical contact with others. If possible, cut back on the gym and go for jogs, walks or bike rides instead, experts said.WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL GATHERINGS?The CDC on Sunday recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers put off events that would draw at least 50 people. On Monday, the number was reduced to 10.That could ice a lot of weddings, family reunions and birthday parties.Dr. Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the federal response to the virus, said the change from 50 to 10 was influenced by research that tried to estimate the impact of different possible steps.A CDC official, Dr. Jay Butler, said Monday there's no hard-and-fast rule. Officials are simply trying to set a reasonable parameter to “increase social distancing while not creating social isolation,” he said in an interview streamed by the Journal of the American Medical Association.CAN I GO ON DATES? OR SEND MY KIDS ON PLAY DATES?There's some debate among experts about dates and play dates.Adults who are not sick or considered to be at risk can still date, Schaffner said. But skip the bars, concerts and crowded theaters, and instead think about an intimate dinner at home.For kids, play dates can be OK, especially if they're outside in parks and involve a small number of kids, he said. Of course, kids who are sick or who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness should not go, he added.Weatherhead had different advice, saying play dates are not recommended. Children generally have had more mild COVID-19 illnesses and therefore might spread the disease before anyone realizes they are sick.WILL SOCIAL DISTANCING WORK?It will be tricky to prove these measures made a difference.Testing for the coronavirus was delayed in the U.S., but it is now starting to come online. That means a lot of new cases may be diagnosed in the coming days, as labs finally find infections that happened weeks ago.“We're going to see increasing (case) numbers, and that's going to be frustrating to people who are doing social distancing. But that doesn't mean social distancing isn't working” Weatherhead said.

How social distancing works and what it means for you

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Treasury Department wants to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month as the centerpiece of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy as the coronavirus epidemic threatens a body slam to taxpayers and businesses.

In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Treasury is calling for two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: A first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size.

The Treasury plan, which requires approval by Congress, also recommends $50 billion to stabilize the airlines, $150 billion to issue loan guarantees to other struggling sectors, and $300 billion to for small businesses. The plan appears to anticipate that many of the loans would not be repaid.

The details are for the third coronavirus response bill that lawmakers hope to pass next week. It comes as the Senate turned Wednesday to a House-passed coronavirus response bill.

The Treasury outline provides a basis for lawmakers to work from in an unprecedented government response and is likely to be broadened to include additional emergency funding for federal agencies.

The price tag for the upcoming economic package alone promises to exceed Treasury's $1 trillion request, a rescue plan not seen since the Great Recession. Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks — a huge logistical task — and is urging Congress to pass the eye-popping stimulus package in a matter of days. A more realistic timeframe is next week.

As analysts warn the country is surely entering a recession, the government is grappling with an enormous political undertaking with echoes of the 2008 financial crisis.

Wednesday's legislation would speed the delivery of testing for the virus and provide paid sick leave to workers, but the focus in Washington has already moved to development of a far, far larger response bill that would inject hundreds of billions of dollars into the faltering economy, provide relief to shuttered businesses, and help keep airlines from going under.

At the Capitol on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared his colleagues for unprecedented steps to deal with the epidemic's body slam to the economy.

“I will not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package,” McConnell said. “We aren't leaving until we deliver.”

But first, McConnell said, the Senate will vote on a House-passed package of sick pay, emergency food and free testing, putting it back on track for Trump's signature — despite Republican objections over the potential impact on small businesses saddled with a new mandate to pay sick leave — subject to reimbursement from the government.

“We're going to vote to pass the House bill, but it's imperfections will just make our more comprehensive package more urgent," McConnell said.

Overnight, the White House sent lawmakers a separate $46 billion emergency funding request to boost medical care for military service members and veterans, fund production of vaccines and medicines, build 13 quarantine centers at the southern border for migrants, make federal buildings safer, and reimburse Amtrak for $500 million in anticipated revenue losses, among other purposes.

The Trump request also reverses cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health that Trump proposed in his February budget for next year and would create a $3 billion fund for unanticipated needs.

Economists doubted that the massive economic rescue package being drafted would enough to stop millions of jobs losses, even if in the short term.

The as-yet-unreleased measure is on a par with $700 billion 2008 bank bailout or the nearly $800 billion 2009 recovery act. The White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses. But nothing is set in concrete, and all the pressure is for the package to keep growing.

The amount that would be sent out in checks Americans is also not yet decided. The White House said it liked GOP Sen. Mitt Romney's idea for $1,000 checks, though not necessarily at that sum and not for wealthier people.

Senate Democrats produced their own $750 billion proposal, which includes $400 billion to shore up hospitals and other emergency operations in response to the global pandemic and $350 billion to bolster the safety net with unemployment checks and other aid to Americans.

“The aid has to be workers first," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, not what happened in 2008, when the big banks took precedence. Schumer also said it's time to call out the National Guard to provide security as communities reel from the crisis.

A roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers and even casinos — lined up for hoped-for aid.

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

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

Still, health officials are urging Americans to stay home to prevent an onslaught of cases that could overwhelm hospitals as happened in Italy, among the countries hardest hit.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who marshaled the earlier package through a bipartisan vote last week, fielded a call from Mnuchin on Tuesday morning and another from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in the afternoon, encouraged by the Fed chairman’s perspective that Congress could think big with interest rates at nearly zero.

In the call with Mnuchin, she and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation committee, “emphasized that protecting workers' paychecks and benefits was their top priority, and that immediate action was needed,” said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter.

The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush eras.

Much about the proposed checks is not known, such as whether the amount would vary by the income of the recipient or whether everyone would get the same sum. Mnuchin said “it's clear we don't need to send people who make $1 million a year checks, OK?”

Economists from both parties endorsed mailing checks of at least $1,000 to all American households as the quickest way to offset the sharp slowdown in economic activity.

"We need to pay people to stay at home," said Heidi Shierholz, a senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think-tank. The group predicted that without a huge stimulus package, the U.S. economy could lose three million jobs by this summer.

Still, some GOP senators were skeptical about the massive aid on the table. “I’m going to be very leery of doing something like in 2008,” said Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun.

“Right now, the plan around here is basically to just to start shoveling money out of a helicopter," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. “This is a bad idea. … We don’t need a policy where Washington, D.C., handpicks winners and losers.”

Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus outbreak, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday.

“The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at the White House briefing. He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it.

The White House on Tuesday was asking Congress to approve a massive emergency rescue package to help businesses as well as taxpayers cope with the economic crisis that is paired with the pandemic.

Mnuchin planned to outline that roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.

The White House was asking Congress on Tuesday to approve a sweeping emergency stimulus package to help businesses and taxpayers cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. It's the most far-reaching economic rescue package since the Great Recession of 2008.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin planned to outline the roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.

“The Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm," McConnell said.

Bigger than the 2008 bank bailout or the 2009 recovery act, the White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and relief for small businesses.

Two people familiar with the request described it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

“There's great spirit” among lawmakers, President Donald Trump said at the White House briefing Tuesday as he outlined several elements of the rescue plan. “I can say that for Republicans and Democrats.”

But it's an enormous political and economic undertaking as a slow-moving Congress tries to rise to the occasion of these fast times.

The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush era. Particularly striking is McConnell's urgency after having adjourned the Senate over the weekend while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled through an aid package.

Angry senators from both parties boarded planes returning to a changed Washington, as Trump declared a state of emergency, the virus spread and the economic free-fall worsened.

The White House hopes the measure will pass quickly, possibly this week, an enormous political undertaking as the administration scrambled to contain the economic fallout of the severe disruptions to American life from the outbreak.

White House officials offered senators a preliminary briefing late Monday at the Capitol, saying they want the plan approved by Congress as soon as possible, suggesting in a matter of days.

“ASAP,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late Monday. “There's an urgency.”

The rush to inject cash and resources into the economy is an effort unlike any since the 2008 economic crisis, with political and economic interventions and eye-popping sums to try to protect Americans from the health and financial fallout.

The new proposal is beyond the House 's estimated $100 billion aid package of sick pay, emergency food aid and free virus testing that was approved over the weekend and is pending before the Senate.

Now Congress will be rushing to pass two — a massive, sweeping response to the virus outbreak that is rewriting America's way of life.

Muscling the aid will test Congress and the White House at a pivotal moment in the crisis and in an election year when the two parties have vastly different outlooks on the best way to prop up the economy and help Americans.

Senate Democrats have proposed their own $750 billion package — boosting hospital capacity and unemployment checks for the suddenly jobless — with deep negotiations to come.

All sides — the House, Senate and White House — agree more federal resources are needed to handle what's coming.

At the start of the month, Congress approved $8.3 billion in initial aid. Trump quickly signed into law the measure, which provided federal agencies money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments, and funding to help state and local governments respond to the threat.

During the recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, passed in February of that year, had an initial price tag of $787 billion which was revised later to $831 billion. That was under Barack Obama.

The Tarp passed in the fall of 2008 to help troubled banks had a price tag of $700 billion. It was put together by the George W. Bush administration, and provided money for the auto bailouts for General Motors and Chrysler. All of that money for the banks and the auto companies was paid back.

Now, Republicans often reluctant to spend federal dollars did not flinch at the head-spinning number, as a roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers — lined up for aid.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called for sending $1,000 to every adult American.

The president conveyed that lawmakers should “not be impeded by the price tag,” said Eric Ueland, the White House legislative director.

Industries representing a broad swath of the economy are seeking help in withstanding the fallout as schools close and Americans are being told they should stay inside, skip nonessential travel and avoid gatherings with 10 people or more.

That means no dining out, no boarding planes, no shopping the malls as a great national shutdown sparks business closures, layoffs and lost paychecks for rents, mortgages and everyday needs.

The nation's largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, asked the Trump administration and Congress on Monday to act rapidly to help companies have access to cash and avert a “potentially devastating” hit to the economy.

The request from the U.S. airlines alone could easily top $50 billion, according to Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers.

Pulling together the new package will challenge the basic logistics of governing as Congress itself struggled to adapt to the new normal.

House Democrats were told on a conference call they won't be recalled to Washington until the next package is ready for action, according to people familiar with the call but unauthorized to discuss it and granted anonymity.

The 100-member Senate convened for an evening vote — in the new era of social distancing. While different authorities around the country have issued conflicting advice, the Trump administration said that Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people over the next 15 days. All older people are asked to stay at home.

The No. 2 Senate Democratic leader, Dick Durbin of Illinois, counting the number of senators on the floor, questioned what example they were setting. He urged swift passage of the House package. “What are we waiting for?” he asked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force press conference- White House image" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force press conference- White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Treasury Department wants to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month as the centerpiece of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy as the coronavirus epidemic threatens a body slam to taxpayers and businesses.In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Treasury is calling for two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: A first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size.The Treasury plan, which requires approval by Congress, also recommends $50 billion to stabilize the airlines, $150 billion to issue loan guarantees to other struggling sectors, and $300 billion to for small businesses. The plan appears to anticipate that many of the loans would not be repaid.The details are for the third coronavirus response bill that lawmakers hope to pass next week. It comes as the Senate turned Wednesday to a House-passed coronavirus response bill.The Treasury outline provides a basis for lawmakers to work from in an unprecedented government response and is likely to be broadened to include additional emergency funding for federal agencies.The price tag for the upcoming economic package alone promises to exceed Treasury's $1 trillion request, a rescue plan not seen since the Great Recession. Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks — a huge logistical task — and is urging Congress to pass the eye-popping stimulus package in a matter of days. A more realistic timeframe is next week.As analysts warn the country is surely entering a recession, the government is grappling with an enormous political undertaking with echoes of the 2008 financial crisis.Wednesday's legislation would speed the delivery of testing for the virus and provide paid sick leave to workers, but the focus in Washington has already moved to development of a far, far larger response bill that would inject hundreds of billions of dollars into the faltering economy, provide relief to shuttered businesses, and help keep airlines from going under.At the Capitol on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared his colleagues for unprecedented steps to deal with the epidemic's body slam to the economy.“I will not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package,” McConnell said. “We aren't leaving until we deliver.”But first, McConnell said, the Senate will vote on a House-passed package of sick pay, emergency food and free testing, putting it back on track for Trump's signature — despite Republican objections over the potential impact on small businesses saddled with a new mandate to pay sick leave — subject to reimbursement from the government.“We're going to vote to pass the House bill, but it's imperfections will just make our more comprehensive package more urgent," McConnell said.Overnight, the White House sent lawmakers a separate $46 billion emergency funding request to boost medical care for military service members and veterans, fund production of vaccines and medicines, build 13 quarantine centers at the southern border for migrants, make federal buildings safer, and reimburse Amtrak for $500 million in anticipated revenue losses, among other purposes.The Trump request also reverses cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health that Trump proposed in his February budget for next year and would create a $3 billion fund for unanticipated needs.Economists doubted that the massive economic rescue package being drafted would enough to stop millions of jobs losses, even if in the short term.The as-yet-unreleased measure is on a par with $700 billion 2008 bank bailout or the nearly $800 billion 2009 recovery act. The White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses. But nothing is set in concrete, and all the pressure is for the package to keep growing.The amount that would be sent out in checks Americans is also not yet decided. The White House said it liked GOP Sen. Mitt Romney's idea for $1,000 checks, though not necessarily at that sum and not for wealthier people.Senate Democrats produced their own $750 billion proposal, which includes $400 billion to shore up hospitals and other emergency operations in response to the global pandemic and $350 billion to bolster the safety net with unemployment checks and other aid to Americans.“The aid has to be workers first," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, not what happened in 2008, when the big banks took precedence. Schumer also said it's time to call out the National Guard to provide security as communities reel from the crisis.A roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers and even casinos — lined up for hoped-for aid.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.Still, health officials are urging Americans to stay home to prevent an onslaught of cases that could overwhelm hospitals as happened in Italy, among the countries hardest hit.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who marshaled the earlier package through a bipartisan vote last week, fielded a call from Mnuchin on Tuesday morning and another from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in the afternoon, encouraged by the Fed chairman’s perspective that Congress could think big with interest rates at nearly zero.In the call with Mnuchin, she and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation committee, “emphasized that protecting workers' paychecks and benefits was their top priority, and that immediate action was needed,” said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter.The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush eras.Much about the proposed checks is not known, such as whether the amount would vary by the income of the recipient or whether everyone would get the same sum. Mnuchin said “it's clear we don't need to send people who make $1 million a year checks, OK?”Economists from both parties endorsed mailing checks of at least $1,000 to all American households as the quickest way to offset the sharp slowdown in economic activity."We need to pay people to stay at home," said Heidi Shierholz, a senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think-tank. The group predicted that without a huge stimulus package, the U.S. economy could lose three million jobs by this summer.Still, some GOP senators were skeptical about the massive aid on the table. “I’m going to be very leery of doing something like in 2008,” said Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun.“Right now, the plan around here is basically to just to start shoveling money out of a helicopter," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. “This is a bad idea. … We don’t need a policy where Washington, D.C., handpicks winners and losers.”---------------Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus outbreak, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday.“The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at the White House briefing. He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it.The White House on Tuesday was asking Congress to approve a massive emergency rescue package to help businesses as well as taxpayers cope with the economic crisis that is paired with the pandemic.Mnuchin planned to outline that roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.The White House was asking Congress on Tuesday to approve a sweeping emergency stimulus package to help businesses and taxpayers cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. It's the most far-reaching economic rescue package since the Great Recession of 2008.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin planned to outline the roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.“The Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm," McConnell said.Bigger than the 2008 bank bailout or the 2009 recovery act, the White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and relief for small businesses.Two people familiar with the request described it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.“There's great spirit” among lawmakers, President Donald Trump said at the White House briefing Tuesday as he outlined several elements of the rescue plan. “I can say that for Republicans and Democrats.”But it's an enormous political and economic undertaking as a slow-moving Congress tries to rise to the occasion of these fast times.The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush era. Particularly striking is McConnell's urgency after having adjourned the Senate over the weekend while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled through an aid package.Angry senators from both parties boarded planes returning to a changed Washington, as Trump declared a state of emergency, the virus spread and the economic free-fall worsened.The White House hopes the measure will pass quickly, possibly this week, an enormous political undertaking as the administration scrambled to contain the economic fallout of the severe disruptions to American life from the outbreak.White House officials offered senators a preliminary briefing late Monday at the Capitol, saying they want the plan approved by Congress as soon as possible, suggesting in a matter of days.“ASAP,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late Monday. “There's an urgency.”The rush to inject cash and resources into the economy is an effort unlike any since the 2008 economic crisis, with political and economic interventions and eye-popping sums to try to protect Americans from the health and financial fallout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584461219833.png" alt="“We’ve got a lot of work to do from here,” Mnuchin told reporters late Monday." />
 <figcaption>“We’ve got a lot of work to do from here,” Mnuchin told reporters late Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new proposal is beyond the House 's estimated $100 billion aid package of sick pay, emergency food aid and free virus testing that was approved over the weekend and is pending before the Senate.Now Congress will be rushing to pass two — a massive, sweeping response to the virus outbreak that is rewriting America's way of life.Muscling the aid will test Congress and the White House at a pivotal moment in the crisis and in an election year when the two parties have vastly different outlooks on the best way to prop up the economy and help Americans.Senate Democrats have proposed their own $750 billion package — boosting hospital capacity and unemployment checks for the suddenly jobless — with deep negotiations to come.All sides — the House, Senate and White House — agree more federal resources are needed to handle what's coming.At the start of the month, Congress approved $8.3 billion in initial aid. Trump quickly signed into law the measure, which provided federal agencies money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments, and funding to help state and local governments respond to the threat.During the recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, passed in February of that year, had an initial price tag of $787 billion which was revised later to $831 billion. That was under Barack Obama.The Tarp passed in the fall of 2008 to help troubled banks had a price tag of $700 billion. It was put together by the George W. Bush administration, and provided money for the auto bailouts for General Motors and Chrysler. All of that money for the banks and the auto companies was paid back.Now, Republicans often reluctant to spend federal dollars did not flinch at the head-spinning number, as a roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers — lined up for aid.Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called for sending $1,000 to every adult American.The president conveyed that lawmakers should “not be impeded by the price tag,” said Eric Ueland, the White House legislative director.Industries representing a broad swath of the economy are seeking help in withstanding the fallout as schools close and Americans are being told they should stay inside, skip nonessential travel and avoid gatherings with 10 people or more.That means no dining out, no boarding planes, no shopping the malls as a great national shutdown sparks business closures, layoffs and lost paychecks for rents, mortgages and everyday needs.The nation's largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, asked the Trump administration and Congress on Monday to act rapidly to help companies have access to cash and avert a “potentially devastating” hit to the economy.The request from the U.S. airlines alone could easily top $50 billion, according to Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers.Pulling together the new package will challenge the basic logistics of governing as Congress itself struggled to adapt to the new normal.House Democrats were told on a conference call they won't be recalled to Washington until the next package is ready for action, according to people familiar with the call but unauthorized to discuss it and granted anonymity.The 100-member Senate convened for an evening vote — in the new era of social distancing. While different authorities around the country have issued conflicting advice, the Trump administration said that Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people over the next 15 days. All older people are asked to stay at home.The No. 2 Senate Democratic leader, Dick Durbin of Illinois, counting the number of senators on the floor, questioned what example they were setting. He urged swift passage of the House package. “What are we waiting for?” he asked.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.___

Treasury wants to send checks to Americans, starting April 6


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 will be starting a breakfast and lunch program next week, when they would have been back to in-building instruction.

"We weren't allowed to serve meals during spring break," Finance Director Shane Hecox said on Facebook Live Wednesday. "We have applied for a waiver to allow us to provide meals for all children ages 1 to 18. We're going to have two locations starting on Monday, Buhler High School and Union Valley."

Lunches would be available from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. 

"It's free of charge for anyone 1 to 18," Hecox said. "The child does have to be present in order to receive the meal. They will get a lunch and then if they wish, they will also get a kind of a to-go breakfast for the following day."

Unlike in other area districts, the delivery in USD 313 may not be all drive-through.

"For example, in Hutchinson USD 308, they have the ability to keep lunches hot for transporting, because they have one location where they cook all their meals and then they disburse out," Hecox said. "We don't have that capability, so it's still in the works of how that's going to look."

Hecox also said they would allow adults to purchase meals. Those would be $3.70 for lunch and $2.25 for breakfast.

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 will be starting a breakfast and lunch program next week, when they would have been back to in-building instruction."We weren't allowed to serve meals during spring break," Finance Director Shane Hecox said on Facebook Live Wednesday. "We have applied for a waiver to allow us to provide meals for all children ages 1 to 18. We're going to have two locations starting on Monday, Buhler High School and Union Valley."Lunches would be available from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. "It's free of charge for anyone 1 to 18," Hecox said. "The child does have to be present in order to receive the meal. They will get a lunch and then if they wish, they will also get a kind of a to-go breakfast for the following day."Unlike in other area districts, the delivery in USD 313 may not be all drive-through."For example, in Hutchinson USD 308, they have the ability to keep lunches hot for transporting, because they have one location where they cook all their meals and then they disburse out," Hecox said. "We don't have that capability, so it's still in the works of how that's going to look."Hecox also said they would allow adults to purchase meals. Those would be $3.70 for lunch and $2.25 for breakfast.

Buhler USD 313 to start lunch program Monday

TORONTO — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports.

Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump tweeted.

Truck drivers and Canadian snowbirds, who live in the U.S. for part of the year and are returning to Canada, are among those expected to get an exemption. Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the U.S. and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., and and 98% of its oil exports go to the U.S.

About 18% of American exports go to Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he would close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident, and even then they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Trudeau said the exemption for Americans, despite the rapid rise of cases in the U.S., was due to “the level of integration of our two economies.”

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

The United States has seen about 6,500 coronavirus cases and more than 110 deaths while Canada has seen about 600 cases and eight deaths.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the border is vital to the daily life to people on both sides.

“Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day, and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border,” Freeland said.

“We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border,” she said. “Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day. So it is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.”

But many people in Canada criticized the decision to give Americans an exemption. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he vehemently disagreed with the American exemption given the surge in cases in neighboring Washington state.

Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said both countries recognize how many people cross the border daily.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584542151826.png" alt="Washington State Dept. of Transportation border traffic camera looking south from Canada 9:37 a.m. CDT Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Washington State Dept. of Transportation border traffic camera looking south from Canada 9:37 a.m. CDT Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1240271178692005889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries.“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump tweeted.Truck drivers and Canadian snowbirds, who live in the U.S. for part of the year and are returning to Canada, are among those expected to get an exemption. Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the U.S. and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., and and 98% of its oil exports go to the U.S.About 18% of American exports go to Canada.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he would close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident, and even then they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.Trudeau said the exemption for Americans, despite the rapid rise of cases in the U.S., was due to “the level of integration of our two economies.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.The United States has seen about 6,500 coronavirus cases and more than 110 deaths while Canada has seen about 600 cases and eight deaths.Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the border is vital to the daily life to people on both sides.“Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day, and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border,” Freeland said.“We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border,” she said. “Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day. So it is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.”But many people in Canada criticized the decision to give Americans an exemption. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he vehemently disagreed with the American exemption given the surge in cases in neighboring Washington state.Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said both countries recognize how many people cross the border daily.“Border traffic has already slowed and in line with recommendations to stay home and eliminate nonessential movement,” Heyman said. “New rules jointly accepted for our shared border makes sense.”Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, noted the government-to-government accord merely ratifies what is already in place.“Tourism in the age of the coronavirus is a contradiction in terms,” Bothwell said. “And no Canadian in his or her right mind would want to be caught with the virus on the U.S. side of the border, given the predatory U.S. medical pricing system. Actually, the insurance companies have already taken care of the problem. Many of us have received notices that they will not pay for virus treatment south of the border.”

Coronavirus Update