TOPEKA— While many are familiar with the news of travelers stranded on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship due to coronavirus, most have not heard the work Kansas health officials and others did to get residents from Kansas home this week and into quarantine.

According to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman, officials in Kansas were sensitive to the fact that these vacationers had been caught off-guard while on their cruise holiday when the ship was forced to idle off the California coast because of coronavirus cases aboard.

Officials with U.S. Health and Human Services and the State Department notified authorities in Kansas. "We decided we wanted to help these ten travelers from seven households in five different counties in Kansas get home," said Norman.

A State Department&nbsp; aircraft flew the ten home.&nbsp; When they arrived at Kansas City International and Eisenhower Airport in Wichita, staff from the KDHE&nbsp; wearing protective clothing were there to greet them and escort them to their cars.

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted so that they were able to drive safely to their homes, according to Norman.&nbsp; "We had ten exhausted, frustrated and now very happy travelers safely home."

The KDHE also worked with their neighbors to make sure the travelers had groceries and other supplies necessary when they arrived.&nbsp; "It was a very happy outcome to a very difficult situation." 

The travelers remain under mandatory quarantine but none of them are ill, according to Norman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584621794280.png" alt="Diamond Princess Cruise passengers photo courtesy KABC TV" />
 <figcaption>Diamond Princess Cruise passengers photo courtesy KABC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— While many are familiar with the news of travelers stranded on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship due to coronavirus, most have not heard the work Kansas health officials and others did to get residents from Kansas home this week and into quarantine.According to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman, officials in Kansas were sensitive to the fact that these vacationers had been caught off-guard while on their cruise holiday when the ship was forced to idle off the California coast because of coronavirus cases aboard.Officials with U.S. Health and Human Services and the State Department notified authorities in Kansas. "We decided we wanted to help these ten travelers from seven households in five different counties in Kansas get home," said Norman.A State Department&nbsp; aircraft flew the ten home.&nbsp; When they arrived at Kansas City International and Eisenhower Airport in Wichita, staff from the KDHE&nbsp; wearing protective clothing were there to greet them and escort them to their cars.The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted so that they were able to drive safely to their homes, according to Norman.&nbsp; "We had ten exhausted, frustrated and now very happy travelers safely home."The KDHE also worked with their neighbors to make sure the travelers had groceries and other supplies necessary when they arrived.&nbsp; "It was a very happy outcome to a very difficult situation." The travelers remain under mandatory quarantine but none of them are ill, according to Norman.

KDHE, KHP assisted Kansas travelers from stranded cruise ship

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce wants to know local business they are there for them.

The Chamber released a weekly email update with COVID-19 business resources available, coronavirus response toolkit, ways to support local businesses, and the latest Chamber updates.

A link to the weekly update can be accessed by clicking the link below.

<a href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=116427&amp;f=5504&amp;s=12163&amp;m=772181&amp;t=a674f0c64383a24d29a1e996490b7720693bd59fc52a24332f7898b2e965c714&amp;fbclid=IwAR3dn3FA8tOgy5dHX8xw8aZSP1yOPMi_OmLmIJfoCQ5mCb2H5bN64PoKPpA">CLICK HERE - Chamber Weekly Update</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584565849680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce wants to know local business they are there for them.The Chamber released a weekly email update with COVID-19 business resources available, coronavirus response toolkit, ways to support local businesses, and the latest Chamber updates.A link to the weekly update can be accessed by clicking the link below.<a href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=116427&amp;f=5504&amp;s=12163&amp;m=772181&amp;t=a674f0c64383a24d29a1e996490b7720693bd59fc52a24332f7898b2e965c714&amp;fbclid=IwAR3dn3FA8tOgy5dHX8xw8aZSP1yOPMi_OmLmIJfoCQ5mCb2H5bN64PoKPpA">CLICK HERE - Chamber Weekly Update</a>

Great Bend Chamber reaching out to local businesses to show support

Great Bend Mexican restaurant offering discount to first responders 

Message from Great Bend Police Chief David Bailey...

We at the Great Bend Police Department are taking precautions to help safe-guard our employees and citizens from the Coronavirus AKA COVID-19.

The Great Bend Police Department will remain open to the general public.

To reduce citizen contact and walk in reporting of an incident:

Citizens are encouraged to call ahead (620-793-4120, as many questions or requests can be handled by the telephone which may be more convenient for the citizen and the Police Department employee.

The GBPD will handle as many calls as possible by using a telephone. These type calls will be lower level calls and less serious type of events etc. Great Bend Police will respond to all emergency calls.

The GBPD building itself will only be open to the public at the North door entrance. Officers and Records personnel will be on duty to assist citizens. GBPD Records Division hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

GBPD ride along program will be suspended until a future date.

GBPD employees encourage citizens to wash their hands with soap and water often. Use hand sanitizer when needed. Stay a social distance from others. Cover you cough. If you are ill stay at home.

The members of the Great Bend Police Department are here to help and assist the public. If you need help or assistance, please call 620-793-4120. If you need immediate help call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584630458803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Message from Great Bend Police Chief David Bailey...We at the Great Bend Police Department are taking precautions to help safe-guard our employees and citizens from the Coronavirus AKA COVID-19.The Great Bend Police Department will remain open to the general public.To reduce citizen contact and walk in reporting of an incident:Citizens are encouraged to call ahead (620-793-4120, as many questions or requests can be handled by the telephone which may be more convenient for the citizen and the Police Department employee.The GBPD will handle as many calls as possible by using a telephone. These type calls will be lower level calls and less serious type of events etc. Great Bend Police will respond to all emergency calls.The GBPD building itself will only be open to the public at the North door entrance. Officers and Records personnel will be on duty to assist citizens. GBPD Records Division hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.GBPD ride along program will be suspended until a future date.GBPD employees encourage citizens to wash their hands with soap and water often. Use hand sanitizer when needed. Stay a social distance from others. Cover you cough. If you are ill stay at home.The members of the Great Bend Police Department are here to help and assist the public. If you need help or assistance, please call 620-793-4120. If you need immediate help call 911.Thank you,David Bailey Chief of Police

Great Bend Police to alter procedures but still here to help

JACKSON COUNTY, Kansas —A northeast Kansas resident is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department officials report this is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Jackson County, Kansas. NEK officials have contacted people who recently visited the individual.

No details have been given about the person who displayed the symptoms.

The person is in isolation and is following the recommendations of health officials.

Officials in the Holton office recommend anyone with symptoms associated with the respiratory disease, such as a temperature of at least 100.4 and a dry cough, to stay home and call their doctor if symptoms require medical attention.

Authorities in Council Grove reported late Wednesday, two individuals in Morris County, Kansas tested positive for coronavirus, according to the county health department. The two also visited several locations in Council Grove while symptomatic including a grocery store and two restaurants.&nbsp;

The health department urged anyone who visited the same locations and time should call their healthcare provider.

The locations included Watts Coffee on the morning of March 12 and 13, Rays Apple Market on the morning of March 12, Life Center on the morning of March 13 and Ad Astra restaurant at 6:30p.m. March 13.

<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm">Click here fo</a>r the KDHE resource center.

JACKSON COUNTY, Kansas —A northeast Kansas resident is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department officials report this is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Jackson County, Kansas. NEK officials have contacted people who recently visited the individual.No details have been given about the person who displayed the symptoms.The person is in isolation and is following the recommendations of health officials.Officials in the Holton office recommend anyone with symptoms associated with the respiratory disease, such as a temperature of at least 100.4 and a dry cough, to stay home and call their doctor if symptoms require medical attention.Authorities in Council Grove reported late Wednesday, two individuals in Morris County, Kansas tested positive for coronavirus, according to the county health department. The two also visited several locations in Council Grove while symptomatic including a grocery store and two restaurants.&nbsp;The health department urged anyone who visited the same locations and time should call their healthcare provider.The locations included Watts Coffee on the morning of March 12 and 13, Rays Apple Market on the morning of March 12, Life Center on the morning of March 13 and Ad Astra restaurant at 6:30p.m. March 13.<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm">Click here fo</a>r the KDHE resource center.

Update: Morris, Jackson County report patients with coronavirus

Written by Fr. Don Bedore of the Prince of Peace Parish in Great Bend...

My dear friends, we are living in an historic, albeit troubling time. I want to assure you that Prince of Peace Parish is prepared to do all that we can to give support and aid to our people during this difficult time.

Our current situation: to inhibit the spread of the virus, Bishop John has directed that all public masses be suspended, except funeral masses. The State has also mandated that no gathering shall be attended by more than 50 people. Therefore, we have suspended all of our religious education programs, most of our commission meetings unless we can use virtual technology to limit personal contact. 

The remainder of the school year for Holy Family School has also been cancelled. Our hope is that these and other measures will curtail the spread of the virus, especially to those in our community who are most at risk. 

While these may be necessary steps, it is clear that things will have to be done differently.

Physical health is a major concern but Prince of Peace is also very concerned with your spiritual health. This Sunday, we will begin live streaming Holy Mass through the parish's Facebook page, Prince O Peace. Two masses will be broadcast each Sunday, English at 9 a.m. and Spanish at 10 a.m.

Other ways to maintain and strengthen your faith include watching EWTN, finding time to pray, whether the Rosary or to meditate on God's Word, and using daily meditation books. The FORMED website has many wonderful resources. These spiritual practices can help deepen our faith, hope and trust in God's presence with us. 

Prince of Peace will still provide ministry to the home bound and make emergency calls. Bulletins will be available in the outside boxes at both church buildings. I want to assure you that your priests are praying for you and I would ask that you pray for us.

While the current pandemic threatens the physical health of many and the spiritual health of the faithful, it also threatens the financial health of the parish. Live streamed masses means no collections. I am grateful for your faithful support in the past and I ask you to continue to support the parish financially. If you have not signed up for on-line giving, I would strongly encourage you to do so. It is easy and safe. Go to our website, greatbendcatholic.com - click online giving tab. 

If you choose to use the tithing envelops, you can mail them or put them in the mail slot in the front door of the office at St. Pat's. Please do not leave donations inside the church buildings; they will not be safe.

By God's grace, we will see our way through this crisis! Have faith! Be healthy. Be holy!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584628955083.jpeg" alt="Prince of Peace Parish&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Prince of Peace Parish&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Written by Fr. Don Bedore of the Prince of Peace Parish in Great Bend...My dear friends, we are living in an historic, albeit troubling time. I want to assure you that Prince of Peace Parish is prepared to do all that we can to give support and aid to our people during this difficult time.Our current situation: to inhibit the spread of the virus, Bishop John has directed that all public masses be suspended, except funeral masses. The State has also mandated that no gathering shall be attended by more than 50 people. Therefore, we have suspended all of our religious education programs, most of our commission meetings unless we can use virtual technology to limit personal contact. The remainder of the school year for Holy Family School has also been cancelled. Our hope is that these and other measures will curtail the spread of the virus, especially to those in our community who are most at risk. While these may be necessary steps, it is clear that things will have to be done differently.Physical health is a major concern but Prince of Peace is also very concerned with your spiritual health. This Sunday, we will begin live streaming Holy Mass through the parish's Facebook page, Prince O Peace. Two masses will be broadcast each Sunday, English at 9 a.m. and Spanish at 10 a.m.Other ways to maintain and strengthen your faith include watching EWTN, finding time to pray, whether the Rosary or to meditate on God's Word, and using daily meditation books. The FORMED website has many wonderful resources. These spiritual practices can help deepen our faith, hope and trust in God's presence with us. Prince of Peace will still provide ministry to the home bound and make emergency calls. Bulletins will be available in the outside boxes at both church buildings. I want to assure you that your priests are praying for you and I would ask that you pray for us.While the current pandemic threatens the physical health of many and the spiritual health of the faithful, it also threatens the financial health of the parish. Live streamed masses means no collections. I am grateful for your faithful support in the past and I ask you to continue to support the parish financially. If you have not signed up for on-line giving, I would strongly encourage you to do so. It is easy and safe. Go to our website, greatbendcatholic.com - click online giving tab. If you choose to use the tithing envelops, you can mail them or put them in the mail slot in the front door of the office at St. Pat's. Please do not leave donations inside the church buildings; they will not be safe.By God's grace, we will see our way through this crisis! Have faith! Be healthy. Be holy!&nbsp;Fr. Don Bedore, Pastor

Local pastor has a message for community during troubling times

Larned, KS – Fort Larned National Historic Site (NHS)&nbsp;is&nbsp;announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention</a>&nbsp;(CDC, and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of&nbsp;March 19, 2020,&nbsp;the Visitor Center which includes the museum will be closed. The remainder of the park grounds including most historic buildings will be open during the regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for self -guided tours and walks on the Nature-History Trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Restrooms in the parking lot and picnic area will be available during the hours of operation.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at&nbsp;Fort Larned NHS&nbsp;is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhigh-risk%2Fhigh-risk-complications.html" target="_blank">CDC guidance</a>&nbsp;for those at higher risk of serious illness.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/coronavirus</a>. Please check with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm" target="_blank">individual parks</a>&nbsp;for specific details about park operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584564255729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larned, KS – Fort Larned National Historic Site (NHS)&nbsp;is&nbsp;announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention</a>&nbsp;(CDC, and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of&nbsp;March 19, 2020,&nbsp;the Visitor Center which includes the museum will be closed. The remainder of the park grounds including most historic buildings will be open during the regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for self -guided tours and walks on the Nature-History Trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Restrooms in the parking lot and picnic area will be available during the hours of operation.The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at&nbsp;Fort Larned NHS&nbsp;is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhigh-risk%2Fhigh-risk-complications.html" target="_blank">CDC guidance</a>&nbsp;for those at higher risk of serious illness.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Updates about NPS operations will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/coronavirus</a>. Please check with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm" target="_blank">individual parks</a>&nbsp;for specific details about park operations.

Park grounds open but museum to close at Fort Larned

Because of precautions related to the coronavirus, Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club has canceled its “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” that was scheduled to be held 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on March 28 at the Great Bend Public Library.

Because of precautions related to the coronavirus, Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club has canceled its “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” that was scheduled to be held 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on March 28 at the Great Bend Public Library.

Children’s Easter Basket Workshop at GBPL canceled by Rosewood AKTION Club

(Additional virus cases have been reported since Wednesday's news conference)

TOPEKA—Wednesday's coronavirus press conference with KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman covered several  updates, including new testing procedures due to community spread in Johnson County, Kansas.&nbsp;

Watch the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KDHEnews/videos/300134447646003/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARA2tJT0v1wx3QxUQ5yh8P8twIdgRNHDUecczqftKP6nJ3nJ9SbpbxHk2fWmegqcbp-Zyxb11T1pRKUK">press conference here.</a>

During the press conference, Norman said that of the 21 who had tested positive for coronavirus in Kansas, 19 were tested at KDHE labs and two at private, commercial labs.

There is one case in Douglas County, one in Franklin County, two in Leavenworth County, five in Wyandotte County, one in Butler County and eleven in Johnson County. The patient in Ford County traveled from out of state and is not a part of the state total, according to Norman.&nbsp;

The state is testing between 130 -200 samples per day, according to Norman and he said he didn't expect that number to drop. Approximately 4 percent of the tests come back positive.

In addition, Johnson County has now reached the level of community transmission, according to Norman.&nbsp; "Five of the 11 cases were acquired locally and not through travel and not any known contacts. With that, the testing&nbsp;<a href="https://jocogov.org/press-release/county-management/joint-county-announcement-covid-19-kc-metro">strategies there will change.</a>&nbsp;Only those Johnson County patients hospitalized with illness that could be coronavirus will be tested.

Johnson County residents with mild symptoms that they would not typically seek care will not be tested. Those individual should isolate at home, away from others for at least seven days from after symptoms started or 72 hours from after the fever is gone. Anyone with more severe symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Those with mild symptoms should not expect to be tested."

Coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf">fact sheet here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580602266609.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary</figcaption>
 </figure>(Additional virus cases have been reported since Wednesday's news conference)TOPEKA—Wednesday's coronavirus press conference with KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman covered several updates, including new testing procedures due to community spread in Johnson County, Kansas.&nbsp;Watch the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KDHEnews/videos/300134447646003/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARA2tJT0v1wx3QxUQ5yh8P8twIdgRNHDUecczqftKP6nJ3nJ9SbpbxHk2fWmegqcbp-Zyxb11T1pRKUK">press conference here.</a>During the press conference, Norman said that of the 21 who had tested positive for coronavirus in Kansas, 19 were tested at KDHE labs and two at private, commercial labs.There is one case in Douglas County, one in Franklin County, two in Leavenworth County, five in Wyandotte County, one in Butler County and eleven in Johnson County. The patient in Ford County traveled from out of state and is not a part of the state total, according to Norman.&nbsp;The state is testing between 130 -200 samples per day, according to Norman and he said he didn't expect that number to drop. Approximately 4 percent of the tests come back positive.In addition, Johnson County has now reached the level of community transmission, according to Norman.&nbsp; "Five of the 11 cases were acquired locally and not through travel and not any known contacts. With that, the testing&nbsp;<a href="https://jocogov.org/press-release/county-management/joint-county-announcement-covid-19-kc-metro">strategies there will change.</a>&nbsp;Only those Johnson County patients hospitalized with illness that could be coronavirus will be tested.Johnson County residents with mild symptoms that they would not typically seek care will not be tested. Those individual should isolate at home, away from others for at least seven days from after symptoms started or 72 hours from after the fever is gone. Anyone with more severe symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Those with mild symptoms should not expect to be tested."Coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf">fact sheet here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584560418621.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 KDHE: New virus testing procedures due to community spread 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. Trump also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0373a78b0aacc49d1f6bd8901c8ccc67">an aid package</a>&nbsp;— which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.

Trump tapped his authority under the 70-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to give the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.

Yet he seemed to minimize the urgency of the decision, later tweeting that he “only signed the Defense Production Act to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">the Chinese Virus</a>&nbsp;should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future.”

“Hopefully there will be no need,” he added, “but we are all in this TOGETHER!”

The mixed messaging came as Trump took a series of other extraordinary steps to steady the nation, its day-to-day life suddenly and fundamentally altered.

The Canada-U.S. border, the world’s longest,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47f7d6b0de23ad98a6742aa725b30435">was effectively closed</a>, save for commerce and essential travel, while the administration pushed its plan to send relief checks to millions of Americans.

Trump said he will expand the nation’s diagnostic testing capacity and deploy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/379cf72b9fe2c0774d873a57afe44a94">a Navy hospital ship</a>&nbsp;to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast. And the Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April to help the growing number of Americans who face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.

But as Trump laid out efforts to help the economy, markets plummeted. Gone were nearly all the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.

The administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the capital, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a second coronavirus response bill, which Trump signed Wednesday night. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite worries by many Republicans about a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who get COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making tests for the virus free.

Meanwhile the administration pushed forward its broad economic rescue plan, which proposes $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6 if Congress approves.

The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.

“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”

Trump dismissed a suggestion from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.

That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”

The government has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”

“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”

No longer able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.

The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”

He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.

Trump later met nursing leaders and expressed “gratitude for those on the front lines in our war against the global pandemic” as he held out hope that the pandemic would be over soon.

“It’s been something, but we’re winning and we will win,” he said. “It’s a question of when and I think it’s going to go quickly. We hope it’s going to go quickly.”

A limited number of people gathered around a large table, their chairs spread apart in a display of social distancing.

The Defense Production Act gives the president broad authority to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis. The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to give priority to and accept contracts for required materials and services.

The executive order issued by Trump gives Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar the authority to determine “the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all health and medical resources, including controlling the distribution of such materials ... in the civilian market, for responding to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States.” It also applies to certain health services.

Azar released a statement Wednesday night, saying, “we are coordinating closely with private suppliers, healthcare purchasers, and our federal partners like the Commerce Department to ensure that resources are going where they’re needed.”

Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.

The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.

More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of supplies needed to run the tests, which officials urged to be given to those most likely to have COVID-19.

Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned that there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.

Asked about the administration’s mixed messages when it comes to the threat posed by the virus, Birx said new studies about how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood” that, she said. “We’re still working out how much is by human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She added, “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”

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.

As it tries to get its message to the public, the White House said a series of ads, digital and on television, will feature the president and first lady Melania Trump urging Americans to follow the guidelines. Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guidelines and stop meeting in groups.

She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to avoid groups of more than 10 people.

“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.

The White House has had several coronavirus-related health scares, with the president himself exposed to at least three people who later tested positive. Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Wednesday that she had tested negative for the virus. McDaniel, who met last week with the president and Senate Republicans, had previously been exposed to someone who tested positive.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate has overwhelming passed a second coronavirus response bill, and is sending it to President Donald Trump to enact with his signature. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite misgivings among many Republicans over a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who contract COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making diagnostic tests for the virus free.  

Confronting twin health and economic crises, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will invoke emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against a coronavirus pandemic threatening to overwhelm hospitals and other treatment centers.

Trump described himself as a “wartime president” as virus cases surged and the markets fell, and he took a series of extraordinary steps to steady a battered nation, its day-to-day life fundamentally altered.

Most immediately, Trump said he would employ the Defense Production Act as needed, giving the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.

Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April. A growing number of Americans face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.

But as Trump laid out efforts to steady the economy, the markets plummeted. Gone were the last of the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.

Administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the nation’s capitol, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.

The Senate approved financial aid package, economic relief plan provides $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6. 

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly announced that the U.S.-Canada border would be closed, except for essential personnel and for trade. The virus is afflicting people in both countries.

The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by rising cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.

Trump dismissed talk from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who suggested that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.

The administration has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”

No long able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.

The Defense Production Act gives the president a broad set of authorities to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.

The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritize and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.

More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of key supplies needed to run tests.

Vice President Mike Pence reiterated Wednesday that testing should give priority to those most likely to have COVID-19.

“It’s important to remember that people without symptoms should not get tested,” Pence said. “We want to make sure the supply of testing is there for those who need it most.”

Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.

Birx said the science discovering how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood the level of surface piece,” she said. “We’re still working out how much is it by human-human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She said: “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”

Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guideline and stop meeting in groups.

She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to not meet in groups of more than 10 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584547845573.png" alt="President Trump made the announcement Wednesday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump made the announcement Wednesday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. Trump also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0373a78b0aacc49d1f6bd8901c8ccc67">an aid package</a>&nbsp;— which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.Trump tapped his authority under the 70-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to give the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.Yet he seemed to minimize the urgency of the decision, later tweeting that he “only signed the Defense Production Act to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">the Chinese Virus</a>&nbsp;should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future.”“Hopefully there will be no need,” he added, “but we are all in this TOGETHER!”The mixed messaging came as Trump took a series of other extraordinary steps to steady the nation, its day-to-day life suddenly and fundamentally altered.The Canada-U.S. border, the world’s longest,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47f7d6b0de23ad98a6742aa725b30435">was effectively closed</a>, save for commerce and essential travel, while the administration pushed its plan to send relief checks to millions of Americans.Trump said he will expand the nation’s diagnostic testing capacity and deploy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/379cf72b9fe2c0774d873a57afe44a94">a Navy hospital ship</a>&nbsp;to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast. And the Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April to help the growing number of Americans who face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.But as Trump laid out efforts to help the economy, markets plummeted. Gone were nearly all the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.The administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the capital, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.The Senate overwhelmingly passed a second coronavirus response bill, which Trump signed Wednesday night. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite worries by many Republicans about a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who get COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making tests for the virus free.Meanwhile the administration pushed forward its broad economic rescue plan, which proposes $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6 if Congress approves.The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”Trump dismissed a suggestion from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”The government has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”No longer able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.Trump later met nursing leaders and expressed “gratitude for those on the front lines in our war against the global pandemic” as he held out hope that the pandemic would be over soon.“It’s been something, but we’re winning and we will win,” he said. “It’s a question of when and I think it’s going to go quickly. We hope it’s going to go quickly.”A limited number of people gathered around a large table, their chairs spread apart in a display of social distancing.The Defense Production Act gives the president broad authority to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis. The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to give priority to and accept contracts for required materials and services.The executive order issued by Trump gives Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar the authority to determine “the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all health and medical resources, including controlling the distribution of such materials ... in the civilian market, for responding to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States.” It also applies to certain health services.Azar released a statement Wednesday night, saying, “we are coordinating closely with private suppliers, healthcare purchasers, and our federal partners like the Commerce Department to ensure that resources are going where they’re needed.”Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of supplies needed to run the tests, which officials urged to be given to those most likely to have COVID-19.Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned that there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.Asked about the administration’s mixed messages when it comes to the threat posed by the virus, Birx said new studies about how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood” that, she said. “We’re still working out how much is by human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She added, “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”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.As it tries to get its message to the public, the White House said a series of ads, digital and on television, will feature the president and first lady Melania Trump urging Americans to follow the guidelines. Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guidelines and stop meeting in groups.She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to avoid groups of more than 10 people.“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.The White House has had several coronavirus-related health scares, with the president himself exposed to at least three people who later tested positive. Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Wednesday that she had tested negative for the virus. McDaniel, who met last week with the president and Senate Republicans, had previously been exposed to someone who tested positive.___-----------WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate has overwhelming passed a second coronavirus response bill, and is sending it to President Donald Trump to enact with his signature. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite misgivings among many Republicans over a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who contract COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making diagnostic tests for the virus free. Confronting twin health and economic crises, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will invoke emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against a coronavirus pandemic threatening to overwhelm hospitals and other treatment centers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future. Hopefully there will be no need, but we are all in this TOGETHER!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1240391871026864130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump described himself as a “wartime president” as virus cases surged and the markets fell, and he took a series of extraordinary steps to steady a battered nation, its day-to-day life fundamentally altered.Most immediately, Trump said he would employ the Defense Production Act as needed, giving the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast.The Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April. A growing number of Americans face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.But as Trump laid out efforts to steady the economy, the markets plummeted. Gone were the last of the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.Administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the nation’s capitol, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.The Senate approved financial aid package, economic relief plan provides $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly announced that the U.S.-Canada border would be closed, except for essential personnel and for trade. The virus is afflicting people in both countries.The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by rising cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”Trump dismissed talk from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who suggested that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”The administration has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”No long able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.The Defense Production Act gives the president a broad set of authorities to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritize and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of key supplies needed to run tests.Vice President Mike Pence reiterated Wednesday that testing should give priority to those most likely to have COVID-19.“It’s important to remember that people without symptoms should not get tested,” Pence said. “We want to make sure the supply of testing is there for those who need it most.”Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.Birx said the science discovering how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood the level of surface piece,” she said. “We’re still working out how much is it by human-human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She said: “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”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.Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guideline and stop meeting in groups.She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to not meet in groups of more than 10 people.“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.___

The Latest: Trump taps emergency powers as virus relief plan proceeds

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits during the first two days of this week. The tally during the same period the prior week: just 1,825.

In neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid in a single day — six times the total for the entire previous week.

Jobless claims are surging across the U.S. after government officials ordered millions of workers, students and shoppers to stay at home as a precaution against spreading the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

“We’ve been getting flooded with calls,” said John Dodds, director of the nonprofit Philadelphia Unemployment Project. “It's going to be a big mess, a double mess: illness and unemployment.”

<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;lawmakers worked quickly Tuesday to pass legislation that eliminates a one-week wait to begin receiving benefits and expands their duration from 16 to 26 weeks. But House Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican, expressed concern that the economic problems caused by the virus pandemic could deplete the state's unemployment fund in less than a year, even though it's ranked in the top quarter nationally.

"What we are seeing is something totally unique here, where the switch has flipped from historically low claims numbers to a dramatic escalation that's going to affect multiple segments of the economy," said Kansas Deputy Labor Department Secretary Brett Flachsbarth.

The growing number of people filing for unemployment checks raises fresh questions about whether states have stockpiled enough money since the last recession to tide over idled workers until the crisis ends. Some fear the demand for help could outpace the states' ability to pay claims.

“Our unemployment insurance fund is getting hit pretty hard right now,” said Gov. Gina Raimondo of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island">Rhode Island</a>, where coronavirus-related jobless claims accelerated from zero to nearly 18,000 in barely one week.

Raimondo, a Democrat, said the state needs to start replenishing its fund and appealed for help from the federal government.

President Donald Trump's administration is proposing an economic stimulus package that could approach $1 trillion and include sending checks to Americans within a matter of weeks to help them pay for groceries, bills, mortgages and rent. The Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a separate bill that would inject $1 billion into state unemployment insurance programs.

The federal aid could rival or exceed that of the Great Recession in 2008, when a financial industry crisis led to widespread layoffs. Economic analysts warn the country is likely entering — or already in — its first recession since then.

Valerie Costa, a 41-year-old mother of two, quickly applied for unemployment benefits after the Rhode Island casino where she worked as a bartender and cocktail server closed because of virus precautions. For now, her husband is still working.

“We’re limiting our spending. But we also really don’t know what to expect,” she said. “Most of us live through our tips, and if no tips are coming in, that makes things tough.”

The last recession led to the insolvency of unemployment trust funds in 35 states that collectively racked up more than $40 billion of debt to keep paying unemployed workers. In many states, those debts were repaid through higher taxes on employers.

To shore up their trust funds, some states also cut the amount and duration of benefits for those who became unemployed in the future.

"States aren’t really recession-ready, because it’s so hard for people to get benefits, stay in the program, and the benefits are insufficient,” said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>-based group that advocates for low-wage workers and the unemployed.

Jobless claims and unemployment also are rising around the globe. The U.N.’s International Labor Organization estimates that fallout from the coronavirus outbreak could lead to nearly 25 million job losses worldwide and drain up to $3.4 trillion worth of income by the end of this year.

In the U.S., state unemployment trust funds generally are in better financial shape than they were before the last recession. Yet 21 states began the year with less than the amount recommended to remain solvent in an average recession, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report. At the bottom of the solvency list are many of the most populous states —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>, Ohio and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/massachusetts">Massachusetts</a>.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, was among the first to shut down schools, sporting events and certain businesses because of the coronavirus. Unemployment claims have since skyrocketed.

DeWine's administration acknowledged that state lawmakers likely will have to intervene to shore up the state's shaky unemployment trust fund.

“The workers out there should not be worried. It will be funded for their needs," said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, also a Republican.

Pennsylvania in January finally made the last payment on billions of dollars of bonds issued in 2012 to cover the unemployment fund debt from the last recession. But its fund remains in danger of insolvency, according to the U.S. Labor Department report.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee">Tennessee</a>, new unemployment claims tripled over the past week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan">Michigan</a>'s unemployment agency said Wednesday that it has received over five times as many unemployment applications as normal.

Warnings to stay away from public gathering spots also have made it more complicated to apply for benefits, with some state unemployment offices closed to the public. Instead, states have shifted more applicants from offices to websites and phone calls, but even those systems are being taxed.

<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey">New Jersey</a>&nbsp;Gov. Phil Murphy said the number of unemployment insurance requests was so high at the start of this week that it crashed the state labor department's website.

New York's labor department said it's experiencing “an unprecedented increase” in calls and online visits for unemployment benefits. During the first half of Tuesday, it had 110,000 website visits and 21,000 phone calls. That's 2 1/2 times the web traffic and 10 times the phone calls of the entire previous Tuesday. At times, the surge was too much for the agency to handle.

Governors and lawmakers in many states took action this week to make unemployment benefits easier and quicker to get. Some also waived rules that disregard the first week of unemployment or extended the total number of weeks people can be eligible.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-carolina">North Carolina</a>, which offers less in jobless benefits than most states, displaced workers won't have to be actively looking for a new job, as is required for traditional benefits, and employers who must lay off workers won't be financially responsible for the benefits their workers receive.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits during the first two days of this week. The tally during the same period the prior week: just 1,825.In neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid in a single day — six times the total for the entire previous week.Jobless claims are surging across the U.S. after government officials ordered millions of workers, students and shoppers to stay at home as a precaution against spreading the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.“We’ve been getting flooded with calls,” said John Dodds, director of the nonprofit Philadelphia Unemployment Project. “It's going to be a big mess, a double mess: illness and unemployment.”<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;lawmakers worked quickly Tuesday to pass legislation that eliminates a one-week wait to begin receiving benefits and expands their duration from 16 to 26 weeks. But House Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican, expressed concern that the economic problems caused by the virus pandemic could deplete the state's unemployment fund in less than a year, even though it's ranked in the top quarter nationally."What we are seeing is something totally unique here, where the switch has flipped from historically low claims numbers to a dramatic escalation that's going to affect multiple segments of the economy," said Kansas Deputy Labor Department Secretary Brett Flachsbarth.The growing number of people filing for unemployment checks raises fresh questions about whether states have stockpiled enough money since the last recession to tide over idled workers until the crisis ends. Some fear the demand for help could outpace the states' ability to pay claims.“Our unemployment insurance fund is getting hit pretty hard right now,” said Gov. Gina Raimondo of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island">Rhode Island</a>, where coronavirus-related jobless claims accelerated from zero to nearly 18,000 in barely one week.Raimondo, a Democrat, said the state needs to start replenishing its fund and appealed for help from the federal government.President Donald Trump's administration is proposing an economic stimulus package that could approach $1 trillion and include sending checks to Americans within a matter of weeks to help them pay for groceries, bills, mortgages and rent. The Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a separate bill that would inject $1 billion into state unemployment insurance programs.The federal aid could rival or exceed that of the Great Recession in 2008, when a financial industry crisis led to widespread layoffs. Economic analysts warn the country is likely entering — or already in — its first recession since then.Valerie Costa, a 41-year-old mother of two, quickly applied for unemployment benefits after the Rhode Island casino where she worked as a bartender and cocktail server closed because of virus precautions. For now, her husband is still working.“We’re limiting our spending. But we also really don’t know what to expect,” she said. “Most of us live through our tips, and if no tips are coming in, that makes things tough.”The last recession led to the insolvency of unemployment trust funds in 35 states that collectively racked up more than $40 billion of debt to keep paying unemployed workers. In many states, those debts were repaid through higher taxes on employers.To shore up their trust funds, some states also cut the amount and duration of benefits for those who became unemployed in the future."States aren’t really recession-ready, because it’s so hard for people to get benefits, stay in the program, and the benefits are insufficient,” said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>-based group that advocates for low-wage workers and the unemployed.Jobless claims and unemployment also are rising around the globe. The U.N.’s International Labor Organization estimates that fallout from the coronavirus outbreak could lead to nearly 25 million job losses worldwide and drain up to $3.4 trillion worth of income by the end of this year.In the U.S., state unemployment trust funds generally are in better financial shape than they were before the last recession. Yet 21 states began the year with less than the amount recommended to remain solvent in an average recession, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report. At the bottom of the solvency list are many of the most populous states —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>, Ohio and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/massachusetts">Massachusetts</a>.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, was among the first to shut down schools, sporting events and certain businesses because of the coronavirus. Unemployment claims have since skyrocketed.DeWine's administration acknowledged that state lawmakers likely will have to intervene to shore up the state's shaky unemployment trust fund.“The workers out there should not be worried. It will be funded for their needs," said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, also a Republican.Pennsylvania in January finally made the last payment on billions of dollars of bonds issued in 2012 to cover the unemployment fund debt from the last recession. But its fund remains in danger of insolvency, according to the U.S. Labor Department report.In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee">Tennessee</a>, new unemployment claims tripled over the past week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan">Michigan</a>'s unemployment agency said Wednesday that it has received over five times as many unemployment applications as normal.Warnings to stay away from public gathering spots also have made it more complicated to apply for benefits, with some state unemployment offices closed to the public. Instead, states have shifted more applicants from offices to websites and phone calls, but even those systems are being taxed.<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey">New Jersey</a>&nbsp;Gov. Phil Murphy said the number of unemployment insurance requests was so high at the start of this week that it crashed the state labor department's website.New York's labor department said it's experiencing “an unprecedented increase” in calls and online visits for unemployment benefits. During the first half of Tuesday, it had 110,000 website visits and 21,000 phone calls. That's 2 1/2 times the web traffic and 10 times the phone calls of the entire previous Tuesday. At times, the surge was too much for the agency to handle.Governors and lawmakers in many states took action this week to make unemployment benefits easier and quicker to get. Some also waived rules that disregard the first week of unemployment or extended the total number of weeks people can be eligible.In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-carolina">North Carolina</a>, which offers less in jobless benefits than most states, displaced workers won't have to be actively looking for a new job, as is required for traditional benefits, and employers who must lay off workers won't be financially responsible for the benefits their workers receive.___

Coronavirus layoffs spark surge in state jobless claims

By Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.

I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.

To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15. Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.

As we make this change, associates will continue to work the hours and shifts they are scheduled, and our supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to move products and deliver to stores on their regular schedules. As a reminder, we have a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">policy</a>&nbsp;to support associates at this unprecedented time.

To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584230911475.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15. Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.As we make this change, associates will continue to work the hours and shifts they are scheduled, and our supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to move products and deliver to stores on their regular schedules. As a reminder, we have a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">policy</a>&nbsp;to support associates at this unprecedented time.To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.

Walmart temporarily changes store hours

Barton CC releases FAQ with change in spring classes

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

Great Bend's movie theater closes indefinitely 

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the staff at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington and Clinics have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of both our patients and our staff. At this time there are NO known cases of the coronavirus in Barton County, but we are continually monitoring the guidelines set forth by the KDHE and CDC to ensure we are adequately prepared if a member of our community contracted the virus. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest updates and procedures being implemented at Clara Barton to better protect you, your family, patients, and Clara Barton Employees.

As of March 18, 2020, please be aware of the following:

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be limiting visitors to one visitor at a time per patient.&nbsp; Children under 12 will not be&nbsp; allowed to visit at this time.&nbsp;

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients/visitors arriving at both Clara Barton Hospital or any Clara Barton Medical Clinic will be met at the door by a Clara Barton staff member and asked a series of questions upon arrival. These screening questions will assist us in determining if the patient/visitor has symptoms of the coronavirus. The staff member may ask you to put on a mask. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so in order to protect both yourself and other patients.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The front door to Clara Barton Hospital will be unlocked from 6 AM – 6 PM. Upon arrival you will be screened by a CBH staff member. From 6 PM – 6 AM the hospital doors will remain locked. Patients and visitors are asked to ring the buzzer on the outside of the front door and screening questions will be asked via intercom before the patient/visitor can enter the building. Clinic doors will be unlocked at their usual time and staff will ask the series of questions as the patient/visitor enter the lobby.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a precautionary measure, all non-emergent surgeries/procedures are being rescheduled. If you have a scheduled surgery/procedure, you will be notified by phone if your surgery/procedure is being rescheduled. If you do not hear from us and have questions whether your surgery/procedure is still proceeding as scheduled, please give us a call at 620-653-4191.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you feel as if you have symptoms of the coronavirus and plan to be seen at the clinic or in the ER, please call before your arrival. Calling ahead allows us to take the proper precautions necessary in order to avoid the potential spread of the virus to other patients or staff members.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara’s Corner Café is available for carry-out only. Please call 620-653-5055 to place your order. Please call 620-653-5055 upon your arrival to the café door and orders will be delivered to your vehicle.

Although these steps may seem excessive, please remember we are treading uncharted waters and are taking these precautionary measures to ensure your safety, the safety of other patients, and the safety of our staff. Please know we are fully prepared to care for you in the event you are diagnosed with the virus and are doing our very best to help prevent the spread of this virus throughout our communities. As always, we are here for you when you need us most!

For more information on the coronavirus, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information" target="_blank">https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information</a>, the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a>, or call the Barton County Coronavirus Hotline at 620-796-5609.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584124962921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the staff at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington and Clinics have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of both our patients and our staff. At this time there are NO known cases of the coronavirus in Barton County, but we are continually monitoring the guidelines set forth by the KDHE and CDC to ensure we are adequately prepared if a member of our community contracted the virus. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest updates and procedures being implemented at Clara Barton to better protect you, your family, patients, and Clara Barton Employees.As of March 18, 2020, please be aware of the following:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be limiting visitors to one visitor at a time per patient.&nbsp; Children under 12 will not be&nbsp; allowed to visit at this time.&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients/visitors arriving at both Clara Barton Hospital or any Clara Barton Medical Clinic will be met at the door by a Clara Barton staff member and asked a series of questions upon arrival. These screening questions will assist us in determining if the patient/visitor has symptoms of the coronavirus. The staff member may ask you to put on a mask. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so in order to protect both yourself and other patients.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The front door to Clara Barton Hospital will be unlocked from 6 AM – 6 PM. Upon arrival you will be screened by a CBH staff member. From 6 PM – 6 AM the hospital doors will remain locked. Patients and visitors are asked to ring the buzzer on the outside of the front door and screening questions will be asked via intercom before the patient/visitor can enter the building. Clinic doors will be unlocked at their usual time and staff will ask the series of questions as the patient/visitor enter the lobby.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a precautionary measure, all non-emergent surgeries/procedures are being rescheduled. If you have a scheduled surgery/procedure, you will be notified by phone if your surgery/procedure is being rescheduled. If you do not hear from us and have questions whether your surgery/procedure is still proceeding as scheduled, please give us a call at 620-653-4191.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you feel as if you have symptoms of the coronavirus and plan to be seen at the clinic or in the ER, please call before your arrival. Calling ahead allows us to take the proper precautions necessary in order to avoid the potential spread of the virus to other patients or staff members.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara’s Corner Café is available for carry-out only. Please call 620-653-5055 to place your order. Please call 620-653-5055 upon your arrival to the café door and orders will be delivered to your vehicle.Although these steps may seem excessive, please remember we are treading uncharted waters and are taking these precautionary measures to ensure your safety, the safety of other patients, and the safety of our staff. Please know we are fully prepared to care for you in the event you are diagnosed with the virus and are doing our very best to help prevent the spread of this virus throughout our communities. As always, we are here for you when you need us most!For more information on the coronavirus, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information" target="_blank">https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information</a>, the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a>, or call the Barton County Coronavirus Hotline at 620-796-5609.

Coronavirus Update