TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 271 to a total of 2482, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. 

This is the largest 24-hour increase in the number of positive cases in Kansas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 271 to a total of 2482, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. This is the largest 24-hour increase in the number of positive cases in Kansas.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths increased to 112<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON(AP)—The Trump administration is barring most international students and all students who entered the U.S. illegally from receiving emergency college grants approved by Congress as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">a $2.2 trillion coronavirus rescue package</a>.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued the restriction in new guidelines released Tuesday telling colleges how to distribute more than $6 billion in grants meant to help students cover unexpected costs triggered by the pandemic. Earlier guidance from the Education Department suggested universities would have wide flexibility in distributing the grants, but the new guidelines said that only students who qualify for other federal student aid can receive the aid.

More than 400,000 students are estimated to have entered the U.S. illegally. More than 1 million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges.

University leaders and immigration groups blasted the change, saying DeVos is imposing new limits that were not included in Congress’ legislation. The rescue package did not specify which students are eligible for grants, and many colleges had planned to distribute emergency grants to needy students regardless of their citizenship status.

Some prestigious universities cited the new policy in decisions to reject the funding. Princeton University announced Wednesday that it would refuse its $2.4 million share of coronavirus relief over the policy. Harvard University also cited the change in its decision to reject $8.7 million in aid.

The Education Department said its guidance is aligned with other federal laws. The agency cited the Higher Education Act, a sweeping law that says only U.S. citizens and a narrow set of “eligible noncitizens” are eligible for federal student aid. Angela Morabito, a department spokeswoman, said the rescue package legislation “makes clear that this taxpayer funded relief fund should be targeted to U.S. citizens, which is consistently echoed throughout the law.”

But some higher education advocates challenged that claim. The American Council on Education, an association of college presidents, said the rescue package placed no limits on student eligibility.

“The statute says almost nothing about who is eligible to receive a grant. The Department of Education owns this decision. Period,” said Terry Hartle, the group’s senior vice president. He added that the group is disappointed by DeVos’ policy. “We strongly believed many of these students needed help.”

The guidelines have created confusion about exactly which students can receive the grants, Hartle said. It’s clear that the department is excluding immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and international students, he said, but it’s unclear how schools should determine eligibility. Most colleges don’t ask students if they’re U.S. citizens, he said, and officials have no easy way to check.

“A college could give an emergency grant to a Dreamer without realizing the person is a Dreamer,” he said, referring to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally but allowed to stay under the under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

At the University of California, Riverside, officials had been planning to award grants to some of the campus’ estimated 600 DACA recipients. Now, officials will turn to fundraising or other revenue sources to help students excluded by the Education Department.

Chancellor Kim Wilcox said he’s grateful for the federal relief but was disheartened by DeVos’ policy.

“I was disappointed for students here at UCR, for students across California, and I was disappointed for the nation,” Wilcox said. “This is a huge economic hit and there are pressing needs everywhere.”

Student advocates see DeVos’ update as a reversal from her previous guidance. When DeVos made the funding available in early April, she said colleges would be given flexibility in deciding how to award grants. She told colleges to focus on helping the neediest students. And in paperwork that colleges sign to receive the funding, the agency says the relief isn’t considered federal financial aid.

That earlier guidance led some schools to believe the grants were exempt from citizenship requirements.

Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University, said the new requirements are cruel to students who were counting on the grants to cover food, housing and other costs, and to colleges that now have to scramble to revise plans for distributing the funding. Losing access to the grants will likely force some students to drop out, she said, especially those whose families are dealing with unemployment amid the pandemic.

“They’re not going to have the money that they need to stay connected to their college. And people who drop out of college often do not come back,” said Goldrick-Rab, who founded the nonprofit Hope Center for College, Community and Justice.

Critics say the policy is particularly unjust because the same students now barred from receiving grants were counted in the formula used to allocate money for schools. The rescue package provided $14 billion for the nation’s colleges, offering them varying sums based on their student enrollment and the percentage of students they teach from poorer backgrounds.

The United We Dream Network, which advocates for DACA recipients, said it was “callous” of DeVos to block so many students from access to funding. Sanaa Abrar, the group’s advocacy director, urged Congress and colleges to find other ways to help students excluded by DeVos’ directive.

“Every single relief package being discussed in Congress must include both the health care and financial assistance immigrant communities need,” Abrar said, “especially as the Trump administration continues to attack and scapegoat our communities amidst a pandemic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585353417200.png" alt="Education Secretary Betsy DeVos answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Education Secretary Betsy DeVos answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON(AP)—The Trump administration is barring most international students and all students who entered the U.S. illegally from receiving emergency college grants approved by Congress as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">a $2.2 trillion coronavirus rescue package</a>.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued the restriction in new guidelines released Tuesday telling colleges how to distribute more than $6 billion in grants meant to help students cover unexpected costs triggered by the pandemic. Earlier guidance from the Education Department suggested universities would have wide flexibility in distributing the grants, but the new guidelines said that only students who qualify for other federal student aid can receive the aid.More than 400,000 students are estimated to have entered the U.S. illegally. More than 1 million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges.University leaders and immigration groups blasted the change, saying DeVos is imposing new limits that were not included in Congress’ legislation. The rescue package did not specify which students are eligible for grants, and many colleges had planned to distribute emergency grants to needy students regardless of their citizenship status.Some prestigious universities cited the new policy in decisions to reject the funding. Princeton University announced Wednesday that it would refuse its $2.4 million share of coronavirus relief over the policy. Harvard University also cited the change in its decision to reject $8.7 million in aid.The Education Department said its guidance is aligned with other federal laws. The agency cited the Higher Education Act, a sweeping law that says only U.S. citizens and a narrow set of “eligible noncitizens” are eligible for federal student aid. Angela Morabito, a department spokeswoman, said the rescue package legislation “makes clear that this taxpayer funded relief fund should be targeted to U.S. citizens, which is consistently echoed throughout the law.”But some higher education advocates challenged that claim. The American Council on Education, an association of college presidents, said the rescue package placed no limits on student eligibility.“The statute says almost nothing about who is eligible to receive a grant. The Department of Education owns this decision. Period,” said Terry Hartle, the group’s senior vice president. He added that the group is disappointed by DeVos’ policy. “We strongly believed many of these students needed help.”The guidelines have created confusion about exactly which students can receive the grants, Hartle said. It’s clear that the department is excluding immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and international students, he said, but it’s unclear how schools should determine eligibility. Most colleges don’t ask students if they’re U.S. citizens, he said, and officials have no easy way to check.“A college could give an emergency grant to a Dreamer without realizing the person is a Dreamer,” he said, referring to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally but allowed to stay under the under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.At the University of California, Riverside, officials had been planning to award grants to some of the campus’ estimated 600 DACA recipients. Now, officials will turn to fundraising or other revenue sources to help students excluded by the Education Department.Chancellor Kim Wilcox said he’s grateful for the federal relief but was disheartened by DeVos’ policy.“I was disappointed for students here at UCR, for students across California, and I was disappointed for the nation,” Wilcox said. “This is a huge economic hit and there are pressing needs everywhere.”Student advocates see DeVos’ update as a reversal from her previous guidance. When DeVos made the funding available in early April, she said colleges would be given flexibility in deciding how to award grants. She told colleges to focus on helping the neediest students. And in paperwork that colleges sign to receive the funding, the agency says the relief isn’t considered federal financial aid.That earlier guidance led some schools to believe the grants were exempt from citizenship requirements.Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University, said the new requirements are cruel to students who were counting on the grants to cover food, housing and other costs, and to colleges that now have to scramble to revise plans for distributing the funding. Losing access to the grants will likely force some students to drop out, she said, especially those whose families are dealing with unemployment amid the pandemic.“They’re not going to have the money that they need to stay connected to their college. And people who drop out of college often do not come back,” said Goldrick-Rab, who founded the nonprofit Hope Center for College, Community and Justice.Critics say the policy is particularly unjust because the same students now barred from receiving grants were counted in the formula used to allocate money for schools. The rescue package provided $14 billion for the nation’s colleges, offering them varying sums based on their student enrollment and the percentage of students they teach from poorer backgrounds.The United We Dream Network, which advocates for DACA recipients, said it was “callous” of DeVos to block so many students from access to funding. Sanaa Abrar, the group’s advocacy director, urged Congress and colleges to find other ways to help students excluded by DeVos’ directive.“Every single relief package being discussed in Congress must include both the health care and financial assistance immigrant communities need,” Abrar said, “especially as the Trump administration continues to attack and scapegoat our communities amidst a pandemic.”

DACA kids, foreign students excluded from virus relief grants

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Wednesday that the state is considering testing all prison inmates and residents of long-term care homes for the coronavirus, as such homes have accounted for more than half of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths and a prison has had a major outbreak.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said the state also is looking at testing all of those institutions’ employees. He said such testing represents population studies the state must do to determine the true extent of the virus.

“We haven’t had the testing materials to do that,” Norman said during an Associated Press interview. “We’re just coming up to that now.”

Gov. Laura Kelly, who issued a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;on March 30, has said that expanded testing is key to gradually reopening the state’s economy. Kansas has had among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, 6.94 per 1,000 residents as of Wednesday, which was well below the national rate.

State officials said it’s been difficult to get supplies. Norman said Wednesday that there’s been under-reporting of tests by private labs.

Norman said the state has seen 17 clusters of coronavirus cases in long-term care homes, accounting for 58 of the state’s 110 COVID-19-related deaths reported as of Wednesday. Twenty-seven deaths, alone, were from an outbreak at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c367ab69c32d393755bdf1509e8e429">Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation&nbsp;</a>in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas officials said state and federal inspectors are looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the Riverbend facility.

Norman said during a Statehouse news conference: “They should be able to go back to a full and normal existence once the cleansing and once the ‘X’ number of days out are sufficient so that there’s not transmission of new cases.”

Cory Schulte, Riverbend’s executive director, didn’t immediately reply to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment.

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

The state reported Wednesday that it has 2,211 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 9.2% or 186 from Tuesday. However, with Kansas testing at a low rate — and not people who don’t show symptoms — the number very likely under-reports cases. The state reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday.

The state prison in Lansing, outside Kansas City, has had 110 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 50 among inmates. The state faces an American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates and Kelly said she’s “very close” to announcing a plan, though, it won’t affect “a whole huge number.”

Like some other states, Kansas has seen outbreaks in meatpacking plants. Of the 19 coronavirus-case clusters among businesses, six involve meatpacking plants, accounting for 168 confirmed cases but no deaths, Norman said.

Kelly said there have been no discussions with the companies yet about closing meatpacking plants, just how to protect their workers. In Iowa, Tyson Foods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34">suspended operations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday at its largest pork processing plant.

Kansas accounts for roughly a quarter of the nation’s beef, and Kelly said, “It’s a very, very important supply chain that we need to keep as productive as we can.”

Meanwhile, the Legislature is not expecting to reconvene Monday from an unusually long, coronavirus-inspired spring break as previously planned. Legislative leaders postponed a decision on when to return to as late as May 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587582681620.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Wednesday news briefing." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Wednesday news briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Wednesday that the state is considering testing all prison inmates and residents of long-term care homes for the coronavirus, as such homes have accounted for more than half of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths and a prison has had a major outbreak.Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said the state also is looking at testing all of those institutions’ employees. He said such testing represents population studies the state must do to determine the true extent of the virus.“We haven’t had the testing materials to do that,” Norman said during an Associated Press interview. “We’re just coming up to that now.”Gov. Laura Kelly, who issued a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;on March 30, has said that expanded testing is key to gradually reopening the state’s economy. Kansas has had among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, 6.94 per 1,000 residents as of Wednesday, which was well below the national rate.State officials said it’s been difficult to get supplies. Norman said Wednesday that there’s been under-reporting of tests by private labs.Norman said the state has seen 17 clusters of coronavirus cases in long-term care homes, accounting for 58 of the state’s 110 COVID-19-related deaths reported as of Wednesday. Twenty-seven deaths, alone, were from an outbreak at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c367ab69c32d393755bdf1509e8e429">Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation&nbsp;</a>in Kansas City, Kansas.Kansas officials said state and federal inspectors are looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the Riverbend facility.Norman said during a Statehouse news conference: “They should be able to go back to a full and normal existence once the cleansing and once the ‘X’ number of days out are sufficient so that there’s not transmission of new cases.”Cory Schulte, Riverbend’s executive director, didn’t immediately reply to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment.For some people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.The state reported Wednesday that it has 2,211 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 9.2% or 186 from Tuesday. However, with Kansas testing at a low rate — and not people who don’t show symptoms — the number very likely under-reports cases. The state reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday.The state prison in Lansing, outside Kansas City, has had 110 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 50 among inmates. The state faces an American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates and Kelly said she’s “very close” to announcing a plan, though, it won’t affect “a whole huge number.”Like some other states, Kansas has seen outbreaks in meatpacking plants. Of the 19 coronavirus-case clusters among businesses, six involve meatpacking plants, accounting for 168 confirmed cases but no deaths, Norman said.Kelly said there have been no discussions with the companies yet about closing meatpacking plants, just how to protect their workers. In Iowa, Tyson Foods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34">suspended operations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday at its largest pork processing plant.Kansas accounts for roughly a quarter of the nation’s beef, and Kelly said, “It’s a very, very important supply chain that we need to keep as productive as we can.”Meanwhile, the Legislature is not expecting to reconvene Monday from an unusually long, coronavirus-inspired spring break as previously planned. Legislative leaders postponed a decision on when to return to as late as May 6.___

Kansas mulls coronavirus tests for all in prison, care homes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday played down the possibility that the coronavirus could be worse this winter despite medical experts’ warnings that COVID-19 could combine with the flu to make a more complicated return to the United States.

Trump, who has been pushing for states to begin reopening their economies, batted down notions that COVID-19 could return in large waves, as has happened in previous pandemics. Health experts and members of the White House coronavirus task force have warned of a possible comeback for the virus next fall.

“It’s not going to be what we’ve gone through, in any way, shape or form,” Trump said flatly.

He continued: “If it comes back, though, it won’t be coming back in the form that it was. It will be coming back in smaller doses that we can contain. ... You could have some embers of corona ... (but) we will not go through what we went through for the last two months.”

Trump then turned to Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the coronavirus task force, and asked, “Doctor, wouldn’t you say there’s a good chance that COVID will not come back?”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said later in the same briefing: “We will have coronavirus in the fall. I am convinced of that.”

He stressed that in the fall, the nation would be better prepared to manage it.

“Whether or not it’s going to be big or small is going to depend on our response,” Fauci said.

Trump’s insistence that the virus won’t pose a grave danger later this year could run the risk of creating a false sense of security when health experts are still urging Americans to take precautions. Moreover, it could stand as a precarious political prediction when he goes before voters in November.

Trump opened his daily briefing by calling up the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, to address his assertion a day earlier that “there’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through.”

Redfield said he wanted to clarify those remarks to The Washington Post, although he confirmed the statement was accurately reported.

“I didn’t say that this was going to be worse,” Redfield said. “I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated.”

He added, “We are building that public healthcare capacity now to make sure that we stay in the containment mode for the upcoming fall and winter season so we will not need to resort to the kind of mitigation that we had to in the spring.”

Trump had been unhappy about Redfield’s remarks, which conflicted with the administration’s optimistic messaging that the country will soon move beyond the virus. The president tweeted earlier in the day that Redfield’s comments had been misconstrued.

Trump has frequently taken an optimistic view regarding the severity of the virus, including declarations last month that COVID-19 would “disappear.” In recent days, he has pushed for the nation to begin restarting its economy.

But his own health experts on Wednesday continued to urge caution. Fauci said that states beginning to reopen “should be careful” and that rushing to lift social distancing guidelines would likely accelerate infections.

Trump also said Wednesday that the Pentagon is planning a multicity tour by the U.S. military’s top flight demonstration teams to “champion national unity” amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, the demonstration squadrons for the Navy and Air Force, will fly over a number of cities. And he promised a July Fourth celebration for the public on the National Mall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587638181985.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Coronavirus Task Force, during Wednesday's media briefing- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Coronavirus Task Force, during Wednesday's media briefing- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday played down the possibility that the coronavirus could be worse this winter despite medical experts’ warnings that COVID-19 could combine with the flu to make a more complicated return to the United States.Trump, who has been pushing for states to begin reopening their economies, batted down notions that COVID-19 could return in large waves, as has happened in previous pandemics. Health experts and members of the White House coronavirus task force have warned of a possible comeback for the virus next fall.“It’s not going to be what we’ve gone through, in any way, shape or form,” Trump said flatly.He continued: “If it comes back, though, it won’t be coming back in the form that it was. It will be coming back in smaller doses that we can contain. ... You could have some embers of corona ... (but) we will not go through what we went through for the last two months.”Trump then turned to Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the coronavirus task force, and asked, “Doctor, wouldn’t you say there’s a good chance that COVID will not come back?”“We don’t know,” Birx responded.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said later in the same briefing: “We will have coronavirus in the fall. I am convinced of that.”He stressed that in the fall, the nation would be better prepared to manage it.“Whether or not it’s going to be big or small is going to depend on our response,” Fauci said.Trump’s insistence that the virus won’t pose a grave danger later this year could run the risk of creating a false sense of security when health experts are still urging Americans to take precautions. Moreover, it could stand as a precarious political prediction when he goes before voters in November.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587593775654.png" alt="President Trump and Director of the CDC Dr. Robert Redfield answer questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Director of the CDC Dr. Robert Redfield answer questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump opened his daily briefing by calling up the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, to address his assertion a day earlier that “there’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through.”Redfield said he wanted to clarify those remarks to The Washington Post, although he confirmed the statement was accurately reported.“I didn’t say that this was going to be worse,” Redfield said. “I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated.”He added, “We are building that public healthcare capacity now to make sure that we stay in the containment mode for the upcoming fall and winter season so we will not need to resort to the kind of mitigation that we had to in the spring.”Trump had been unhappy about Redfield’s remarks, which conflicted with the administration’s optimistic messaging that the country will soon move beyond the virus. The president tweeted earlier in the day that Redfield’s comments had been misconstrued.Trump has frequently taken an optimistic view regarding the severity of the virus, including declarations last month that COVID-19 would “disappear.” In recent days, he has pushed for the nation to begin restarting its economy.But his own health experts on Wednesday continued to urge caution. Fauci said that states beginning to reopen “should be careful” and that rushing to lift social distancing guidelines would likely accelerate infections.Trump also said Wednesday that the Pentagon is planning a multicity tour by the U.S. military’s top flight demonstration teams to “champion national unity” amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, the demonstration squadrons for the Navy and Air Force, will fly over a number of cities. And he promised a July Fourth celebration for the public on the National Mall.___

Experts, Trump debate impact of coronavirus this fall

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their 35-minute Wednesday afternoon press conference.

The Governor opened the news conference with the latest numbers on coronavirus cases from the Kansas Department of Health. There are now 70 of the state's 105 counties with confirmed cases of the virus and 110 deaths.

She shared what her staff has been doing to prepare to reopen the Kansas economy. "This will be a gradual rollout. There is no blueprint for what comes next and far more complex than simply flipping a switch."

Kelly also said she has signed <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-no-20-26/">a new executive order</a> that assists healthcare workers by temporarily easing license restrictions. "Our healthcare facilities need as much flexibility as possible as we approach our peak virus infection rate in the coming days."

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their 35-minute Wednesday afternoon press conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F233133637768654%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Governor opened the news conference with the latest numbers on coronavirus cases from the Kansas Department of Health. There are now 70 of the state's 105 counties with confirmed cases of the virus and 110 deaths.She shared what her staff has been doing to prepare to reopen the Kansas economy. "This will be a gradual rollout. There is no blueprint for what comes next and far more complex than simply flipping a switch."Kelly also said she has signed <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-no-20-26/">a new executive order</a> that assists healthcare workers by temporarily easing license restrictions. "Our healthcare facilities need as much flexibility as possible as we approach our peak virus infection rate in the coming days."

🎥  Kansas Governor talks about reopening the economy

TOPEKA – The Kansas Chamber released survey results on Wednesday that show a major shift among the Kansas business community and its desire for the state economy to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, according to a media release from the organization.

“While our studies are NOT replacements for health data and do not in any way seek to minimize the steps taken by governments at different levels to slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe it is important for elected leaders and decision makers to understand the point of view of those on the front line of the economy,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.

Cole Hargrave Snodgrass &amp; Associates recently conducted two surveys of Kansas Chamber members. The first from March 29th – April 7th and then the second from April 16th – 18th. There was one question repeated in the two studies conducted.

“Earlier in the month, 20% of Chamber members believed the state’s actions had been too restrictive on economic activity and 10% believed the state should do more,” pollster Pat McFerron explained. “Today, that has moved to 38% believing the state has done too much and only 1% saying it has not done enough. This shows attitudes in the Kansas businesses community are rapidly changing.”

McFerron said the first study also demonstrated just how serious the crack down on the state’s economic activity has been on Kansas businesses. It found 66% were having supply chain issues and 76% have altered work schedules for their employees.

“While many of these changes are allowing employees to work from home, the study found that 23% of employers had been forced to lay off employees, 22% had reduced employee hours, and 25% were providing paid time off. Furthermore, 64% believed it would take six months or longer for their businesses to get back to normal,” McFerron continued.

The second survey also revealed 84% of chamber members believe the time to reopen the economy is either now (38%) or in the next two weeks (46%).

“This sentiment transcends all industry groupings and is pervasive throughout the state. Those in Sedgwick and neighboring counties are particularly interested in reopening the economy,” said McFerron.

The second study further revealed Kansas employers also are largely united on believing the state should not take a slower approach than the federal government. When asked if the state should allow business activity allowed on the federal level, 76% agree and 23% disagree.

“Furthermore, these employers appear supportive of Kansas taking a tiered approach to reopening the state’s economy. Eighty-seven percent believe that one-size does not fit all and that those parts of the state where COVID-19 has not been as pervasive or are further ahead on the down slope of the virus decline should be able to open sooner than others,” McFerron concluded.

Chamber President Cobb said the Kansas Chamber stands ready to help the state navigate this crisis and to move Kansas from a criteria of “essential businesses” to a plan for “safe businesses”.

“I talk every day with Kansas business leaders across the state that are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their workers and customers to ensure we don’t return to the exponential spread of this virus we once experienced,” said Cobb. “However, the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis will have long-term consequences. Kansas needs to begin planning now so our businesses, their employees and citizens have confidence in the safety of their workplaces so we can begin to reopen the Kansas economy.”

Last week the Chamber released more than 40 recommendations gathered from the state’s business community to help restart the state’s economy.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Kansas-Chamber-Relief-Recovery-Agenda-Final-1.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the Chamber’s&nbsp;Relief and Recovery Agenda.

<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Member-Online-Surveys-March-April-2020.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for more on the recent surveys.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Chamber released survey results on Wednesday that show a major shift among the Kansas business community and its desire for the state economy to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, according to a media release from the organization.“While our studies are NOT replacements for health data and do not in any way seek to minimize the steps taken by governments at different levels to slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe it is important for elected leaders and decision makers to understand the point of view of those on the front line of the economy,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.Cole Hargrave Snodgrass &amp; Associates recently conducted two surveys of Kansas Chamber members. The first from March 29th – April 7th and then the second from April 16th – 18th. There was one question repeated in the two studies conducted.“Earlier in the month, 20% of Chamber members believed the state’s actions had been too restrictive on economic activity and 10% believed the state should do more,” pollster Pat McFerron explained. “Today, that has moved to 38% believing the state has done too much and only 1% saying it has not done enough. This shows attitudes in the Kansas businesses community are rapidly changing.”McFerron said the first study also demonstrated just how serious the crack down on the state’s economic activity has been on Kansas businesses. It found 66% were having supply chain issues and 76% have altered work schedules for their employees.“While many of these changes are allowing employees to work from home, the study found that 23% of employers had been forced to lay off employees, 22% had reduced employee hours, and 25% were providing paid time off. Furthermore, 64% believed it would take six months or longer for their businesses to get back to normal,” McFerron continued.The second survey also revealed 84% of chamber members believe the time to reopen the economy is either now (38%) or in the next two weeks (46%).“This sentiment transcends all industry groupings and is pervasive throughout the state. Those in Sedgwick and neighboring counties are particularly interested in reopening the economy,” said McFerron.The second study further revealed Kansas employers also are largely united on believing the state should not take a slower approach than the federal government. When asked if the state should allow business activity allowed on the federal level, 76% agree and 23% disagree.“Furthermore, these employers appear supportive of Kansas taking a tiered approach to reopening the state’s economy. Eighty-seven percent believe that one-size does not fit all and that those parts of the state where COVID-19 has not been as pervasive or are further ahead on the down slope of the virus decline should be able to open sooner than others,” McFerron concluded.Chamber President Cobb said the Kansas Chamber stands ready to help the state navigate this crisis and to move Kansas from a criteria of “essential businesses” to a plan for “safe businesses”.“I talk every day with Kansas business leaders across the state that are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their workers and customers to ensure we don’t return to the exponential spread of this virus we once experienced,” said Cobb. “However, the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis will have long-term consequences. Kansas needs to begin planning now so our businesses, their employees and citizens have confidence in the safety of their workplaces so we can begin to reopen the Kansas economy.”Last week the Chamber released more than 40 recommendations gathered from the state’s business community to help restart the state’s economy.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Kansas-Chamber-Relief-Recovery-Agenda-Final-1.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the Chamber’s&nbsp;Relief and Recovery Agenda.<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Member-Online-Surveys-March-April-2020.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for more on the recent surveys.

Survey: Kansas businesses ready to safely reopen state economy

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 186 to a total of 2211, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 186 to a total of 2211, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.Coronavirus deaths increased to 110<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587576584813.png" alt="" />
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MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Inspections are underway at a Kansas City, Kansas, rehabilitation facility where 25 people have died of COVID-19 and another 91 have contracted the disease.

The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation started after a staff member who wasn’t wearing appropriate personal protective equipment worked two shifts last month with a fever and cough before being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wycokck.org/WycoKCK/media/Health-Department/Documents/Communicable%20Disease/COVID19/Riverbend-report-4-16-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;that local health officials released last week.

State and federal inspectors are now looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the facility, said Cara Sloan, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

The deaths at Riverbend, which provides short-term rehabilitation for people recovering from medical issues as well as long-term care, account for nearly a quarter of Kansas’ 107 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Wyandotte County, where the facility is based, is the hardest hit in the state, accounting for 433 of the state’s 2,025 cases.

Eight of the sickened Riverbend residents remained hospitalized Tuesday, the Kansas City-Wyandotte County health agency&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1252711348439592962/photo/1" target="_blank">said.</a>&nbsp;Riverbend said on its website this week that there were signs of improvement, noting that 90% of the sickened residents were medically stable.

Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities have been particularly hard-hit nationwide. For most people, the coronavirus 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586045672182.png" alt="Photo courtesy Riverbend" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Riverbend</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Inspections are underway at a Kansas City, Kansas, rehabilitation facility where 25 people have died of COVID-19 and another 91 have contracted the disease.The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation started after a staff member who wasn’t wearing appropriate personal protective equipment worked two shifts last month with a fever and cough before being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wycokck.org/WycoKCK/media/Health-Department/Documents/Communicable%20Disease/COVID19/Riverbend-report-4-16-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;that local health officials released last week.State and federal inspectors are now looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the facility, said Cara Sloan, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.The deaths at Riverbend, which provides short-term rehabilitation for people recovering from medical issues as well as long-term care, account for nearly a quarter of Kansas’ 107 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Wyandotte County, where the facility is based, is the hardest hit in the state, accounting for 433 of the state’s 2,025 cases.Eight of the sickened Riverbend residents remained hospitalized Tuesday, the Kansas City-Wyandotte County health agency&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1252711348439592962/photo/1" target="_blank">said.</a>&nbsp;Riverbend said on its website this week that there were signs of improvement, noting that 90% of the sickened residents were medically stable.Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities have been particularly hard-hit nationwide. For most people, the coronavirus 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.___

Kansas rehab site where 25 have died of virus gets inspected

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.

In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.

“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.

From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.

That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.

And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.

To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.

“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.

Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.

Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?

To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.

As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.

“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”

Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.

The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.

One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.

But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.

“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”

There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.

Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.

“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587558008598.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.Three big unknowns top the worry list:WHO’S CONTAGIOUS?“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.WHO’S IMMUNE?Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.WHO’S AT-RISK?One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

Big unknowns about virus complicate getting back to normal

WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.

Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.

“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.

After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.

“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.

A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.

Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.

Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.

Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.

Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.

Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.

Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.

Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.

The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.

Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.

“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.

But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.

“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”

Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.

The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.

Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.

The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.

Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.

The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.

Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.

While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.

Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.

Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.

The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587503869494.png" alt="The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing." />
 <figcaption>The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587510136858.png" alt="President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.___

Senate's $483B virus aid deal finally headed to the House 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has relaxed its guidelines on coronavirus testing so that residents who don’t have a fever but who are showing other symptoms can be tested, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday.

Kelly’s announcement came as the state prison system saw the coronavirus spread to a third facility and the number of confirmed cases among staff and inmates top 100.

The number of people in Kansas infected with the virus rose by 39 to 2,025 on Tuesday — a 2% bump representing the state’s lowest growth rate in infections since March 12. The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased 7%, up seven to 107.

Kansas has had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">among the the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, and officials have complained of struggling to find supplies. On Tuesday, the state was testing 6.56 people per 1,000 residents, compared to 12.30 nationally, based on numbers compiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website operated by journalists and analysts.

The state previously had recommended that people not be tested unless they were running a fever while also showing two symptoms, such as a cough and shortness of breath. Expanded testing is key for Kelly and public health officials in determining how and when to reopen the state’s economy.

Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all 2.9 million of the state’s residents that took effect March 30, and she’s under increasing pressure from the Republican-controlled Legislature to outline a plan for lifting the restrictions. She said she plans to announce her plan next week but that the state must be able to do enough testing to find and isolate infected people then trace their contacts.

“Those two items need to be solidly in place before we can actually think about opening the doors,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference.

Steps taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus have damaged the economy, and Kansas now faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">a $653 million shortfall</a>&nbsp;in its budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins in July. Kelly said Tuesday that spending on public schools is essential and that she will work to avoid cutting it.

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

Prisons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/05ff86f09e8dc6a485287d4f345126b5">nationally</a>&nbsp;have been hit hard by the virus, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d" target="_blank">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking the release of vulnerable inmates. Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released, but concrete steps have yet to be announced.

Almost all of the prison’s confirmed cases are at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City, where 54 staff — about 13% of the prison’s workforce — and 46 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita tested positive earlier this month, and the Department of Corrections said a staffer at the state’s only prison for women in Topeka tested positive Monday.

Another 20 Lansing-based inmates who may have been exposed but aren’t showing symptoms are quarantined, said Rebecca Witte, a department spokeswoman.

Witte said inmates at the Topeka prison and one in Hutchinson are making cloth masks, and all inmates and corrections staff have been issued two each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587495989773.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during her Tuesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during her Tuesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has relaxed its guidelines on coronavirus testing so that residents who don’t have a fever but who are showing other symptoms can be tested, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday.Kelly’s announcement came as the state prison system saw the coronavirus spread to a third facility and the number of confirmed cases among staff and inmates top 100.The number of people in Kansas infected with the virus rose by 39 to 2,025 on Tuesday — a 2% bump representing the state’s lowest growth rate in infections since March 12. The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased 7%, up seven to 107.Kansas has had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">among the the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, and officials have complained of struggling to find supplies. On Tuesday, the state was testing 6.56 people per 1,000 residents, compared to 12.30 nationally, based on numbers compiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website operated by journalists and analysts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587156578878.png" alt="Drive up&nbsp; virus testing -photo courtesy Johnson County Department of Health" />
 <figcaption>Drive up&nbsp; virus testing -photo courtesy Johnson County Department of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>The state previously had recommended that people not be tested unless they were running a fever while also showing two symptoms, such as a cough and shortness of breath. Expanded testing is key for Kelly and public health officials in determining how and when to reopen the state’s economy.Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all 2.9 million of the state’s residents that took effect March 30, and she’s under increasing pressure from the Republican-controlled Legislature to outline a plan for lifting the restrictions. She said she plans to announce her plan next week but that the state must be able to do enough testing to find and isolate infected people then trace their contacts.“Those two items need to be solidly in place before we can actually think about opening the doors,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference.Steps taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus have damaged the economy, and Kansas now faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">a $653 million shortfall</a>&nbsp;in its budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins in July. Kelly said Tuesday that spending on public schools is essential and that she will work to avoid cutting it.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.Prisons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/05ff86f09e8dc6a485287d4f345126b5">nationally</a>&nbsp;have been hit hard by the virus, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d" target="_blank">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking the release of vulnerable inmates. Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released, but concrete steps have yet to be announced.Almost all of the prison’s confirmed cases are at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City, where 54 staff — about 13% of the prison’s workforce — and 46 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita tested positive earlier this month, and the Department of Corrections said a staffer at the state’s only prison for women in Topeka tested positive Monday.Another 20 Lansing-based inmates who may have been exposed but aren’t showing symptoms are quarantined, said Rebecca Witte, a department spokeswoman.Witte said inmates at the Topeka prison and one in Hutchinson are making cloth masks, and all inmates and corrections staff have been issued two each.___

Kansas eases coronavirus testing guidelines

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.

The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.

Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.

For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.

The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.

More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587480608332.png" alt="Image courtesy Lab Corp" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Lab Corp</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

US OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home

Barton County reports a ninth positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19, this case is from the City of Great Bend. This is our second positive case today.

This does not mean that unidentified cases do not exist elsewhere in the county and precautions should be taken by ALL residents of the county in all areas.

Please refer to the KDHE (Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment) website for additional information and statewide statistics at: http://www.kdheks.gov/

This is a very serious and sometimes deadly virus. We strongly encourage the public to take this pandemic seriously by practicing social distancing and staying home if at all possible.

We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available.

Barton County reports a ninth positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19, this case is from the City of Great Bend. This is our second positive case today.This does not mean that unidentified cases do not exist elsewhere in the county and precautions should be taken by ALL residents of the county in all areas.Please refer to the KDHE (Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment) website for additional information and statewide statistics at: http://www.kdheks.gov/This is a very serious and sometimes deadly virus. We strongly encourage the public to take this pandemic seriously by practicing social distancing and staying home if at all possible.We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available.

Up to 9 cases of COVID-19 in Barton County

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's daily press conference Tuesday afternoon lasted 20 minutes. She opened the discussion with the latest coronavirus numbers from the KDHE.&nbsp; The agency reported 37 more positive virus cases and 7 additional deaths Tuesday.

Kelly confirmed the KDHE has expanded their criteria for virus testing. Only two symptoms are now required and you don't need to have a fever to get tested.

The Governor also mentioned and answered questions about the large budget deficit facing the state. State agencies have already been asked to freeze non-critical or non-covid-19 necessary hires.

While discussing budget cuts, one reporter reminded Kelly she is the education governor.&nbsp; Kelly said she is committed to education as a critical service but could not say whether K-12 education will ultimately face cuts.

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's daily press conference Tuesday afternoon lasted 20 minutes. She opened the discussion with the latest coronavirus numbers from the KDHE.&nbsp; The agency reported 37 more positive virus cases and 7 additional deaths Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F253168479197216%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kelly confirmed the KDHE has expanded their criteria for virus testing. Only two symptoms are now required and you don't need to have a fever to get tested.The Governor also mentioned and answered questions about the large budget deficit facing the state. State agencies have already been asked to freeze non-critical or non-covid-19 necessary hires.While discussing budget cuts, one reporter reminded Kelly she is the education governor.&nbsp; Kelly said she is committed to education as a critical service but could not say whether K-12 education will ultimately face cuts.

 🎥 Gov. Kelly discusses virus testing, state budget cuts

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s attorney general on Tuesday sued the Chinese government over the coronavirus, claiming Chinese officials are to blame for the global pandemic.

<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2019/key-factual-allegations.pdf?sfvrsn=ccae0b94_2">Click here to read</a> more on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Missouri, alleges Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.”

“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office said in a written statement. “They must be held accountable for their actions.”

Schmitt's office is seeking unspecified damages for deaths in Missouri and the hit the virus has taken on the state’s economy.

The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose by 16 Tuesday to 215, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The number of cases rose by 156 to 5,963

For most people, the coronavirus 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/2020/4/1587494259039.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Schmitt made his announcement Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy KMOV TV" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Schmitt made his announcement Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy KMOV TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s attorney general on Tuesday sued the Chinese government over the coronavirus, claiming Chinese officials are to blame for the global pandemic.<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2019/key-factual-allegations.pdf?sfvrsn=ccae0b94_2">Click here to read</a> more on the lawsuit.The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Missouri, alleges Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.”“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office said in a written statement. “They must be held accountable for their actions.”Schmitt's office is seeking unspecified damages for deaths in Missouri and the hit the virus has taken on the state’s economy.The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose by 16 Tuesday to 215, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The number of cases rose by 156 to 5,963For most people, the coronavirus 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.

Coronavirus Update