By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/03/facing-financial-strain-saint-francis-ministries-shuts-down-services-for-refugees/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Saint Francis 
Ministries is eliminating its support network for refugees in Kansas, 
citing financial strains within the organization and a desire to focus 
resources on foster care services.

Employees learned of the decision on Nov. 20, a day after the organization <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/19/foster-care-provider-removes-top-leaders-after-investigation-into-mismanagement/">fired top leadership</a> at the conclusion of an investigation into undisclosed mismanagement problems.

Morgan Rothenberger, a 
spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization was eliminating 
seven positions within its International Ministries division, and 
another 19 related positions in administrative areas. The division 
served refugees in the Wichita area.

“Recent changes placed a 
financial strain on our efforts with this work,” Rothenberger said. 
“Even though we were able to shift employees to other work supporting 
the refugee and immigrant community, the program’s sustainability became
 challenging.”

Saint Francis was one of <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/25/kansas-refugee-programs-struggle-as-funding-resettlements-dwindle/">a handful of organizations in Kansas providing integration services</a>
 for legal immigrants fleeing violence and other hardships. Those 
services include helping refugees find a place to live, employment, 
training, and language assistance.

Forrest Ehmke, a volunteer
 for Saint Francis’s migration program in Wichita, says he worries that 
schools and other organizations will be left to serve refugees, 
including their children, without any additional funding. He said the 
community also stands to lose about $410,000 in federal grants because 
of the decision by Saint Francis.

Ehmke said he has provided
 furniture for families, and helped with transportation, job 
applications, school enrollment and general problem solving.

“This is an unspeakable 
tragedy to families who are fleeing violence, have been vetted many 
times over prior to authorization to come as a refugee and are learning 
how to be Americans,” Ehmke said. “This means that there will be limited
 or no support from an agency to support them with all the 
school-related issues of the year. There will be limited support 
regarding employment should they lose employment secondary to COVID-19. 
There will be limited support to assist in becoming good citizens, which
 they all wish to be.”

Federal funding for the 
refugee program has been undercut in recent years by President Donald 
Trump’s orders to reduce the number of refugees who are allowed into the
 country each year.

The cap was set at 85,000 
during President Barack Obama’s final year in office, and dropped to 
18,000 this year. In October, Trump <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-determination-refugee-admissions-fiscal-year-2021/">lowered the number</a>
 of refugees who could resettle in the United States in 2021 to just 
15,000. The actual number of refugees falls below the cap each year 
because of bureaucratic restrictions.

Saint Francis informed 
staff last month that the Rev. Robert Smith and CEO Tom Blythe wouldn’t 
return to the organization following an investigation into a 
whistleblower’s report on mismanagement. William Clark, who had been 
chief of staff, is serving as interim president and CEO.

As the organization faced 
“a variety of challenges” in recent weeks, Rothenberger said, the 
leadership team began realigning work to meet its core mission of 
providing foster care and prevention services for children and families.
 Saint Francis is the largest private contractor for the state foster 
care system.

“This has been a very 
difficult decision because of the impact on the immigrant and refugee 
community and our employees,” Clark said. “All of these employees have 
been committed to serving children and families and have done excellent 
work for Saint Francis. We are working closely with stakeholders so they
 understand our commitment to keeping Saint Francis strong.”

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607009943891.png" alt="Yeni Telles, director of International Ministries for Saint Francis Ministries, speaks about her immigration story at World Refugee Day in June. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Yeni Telles, director of International Ministries for Saint Francis Ministries, speaks about her immigration story at World Refugee Day in June. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/03/facing-financial-strain-saint-francis-ministries-shuts-down-services-for-refugees/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Saint Francis 
Ministries is eliminating its support network for refugees in Kansas, 
citing financial strains within the organization and a desire to focus 
resources on foster care services.Employees learned of the decision on Nov. 20, a day after the organization <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/19/foster-care-provider-removes-top-leaders-after-investigation-into-mismanagement/">fired top leadership</a> at the conclusion of an investigation into undisclosed mismanagement problems.Morgan Rothenberger, a 
spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization was eliminating 
seven positions within its International Ministries division, and 
another 19 related positions in administrative areas. The division 
served refugees in the Wichita area.“Recent changes placed a 
financial strain on our efforts with this work,” Rothenberger said. 
“Even though we were able to shift employees to other work supporting 
the refugee and immigrant community, the program’s sustainability became
 challenging.”Saint Francis was one of <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/25/kansas-refugee-programs-struggle-as-funding-resettlements-dwindle/">a handful of organizations in Kansas providing integration services</a>
 for legal immigrants fleeing violence and other hardships. Those 
services include helping refugees find a place to live, employment, 
training, and language assistance.Forrest Ehmke, a volunteer
 for Saint Francis’s migration program in Wichita, says he worries that 
schools and other organizations will be left to serve refugees, 
including their children, without any additional funding. He said the 
community also stands to lose about $410,000 in federal grants because 
of the decision by Saint Francis.Ehmke said he has provided
 furniture for families, and helped with transportation, job 
applications, school enrollment and general problem solving.“This is an unspeakable 
tragedy to families who are fleeing violence, have been vetted many 
times over prior to authorization to come as a refugee and are learning 
how to be Americans,” Ehmke said. “This means that there will be limited
 or no support from an agency to support them with all the 
school-related issues of the year. There will be limited support 
regarding employment should they lose employment secondary to COVID-19. 
There will be limited support to assist in becoming good citizens, which
 they all wish to be.”Federal funding for the 
refugee program has been undercut in recent years by President Donald 
Trump’s orders to reduce the number of refugees who are allowed into the
 country each year.The cap was set at 85,000 
during President Barack Obama’s final year in office, and dropped to 
18,000 this year. In October, Trump <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-determination-refugee-admissions-fiscal-year-2021/">lowered the number</a>
 of refugees who could resettle in the United States in 2021 to just 
15,000. The actual number of refugees falls below the cap each year 
because of bureaucratic restrictions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607009996678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saint Francis informed 
staff last month that the Rev. Robert Smith and CEO Tom Blythe wouldn’t 
return to the organization following an investigation into a 
whistleblower’s report on mismanagement. William Clark, who had been 
chief of staff, is serving as interim president and CEO.As the organization faced 
“a variety of challenges” in recent weeks, Rothenberger said, the 
leadership team began realigning work to meet its core mission of 
providing foster care and prevention services for children and families.
 Saint Francis is the largest private contractor for the state foster 
care system.“This has been a very 
difficult decision because of the impact on the immigrant and refugee 
community and our employees,” Clark said. “All of these employees have 
been committed to serving children and families and have done excellent 
work for Saint Francis. We are working closely with stakeholders so they
 understand our commitment to keeping Saint Francis strong.”Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

Saint Francis Ministries shuts down services for refugees

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest Wednesday in Salina.

On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to Walmart, 2900 South Ninth Street in Salina for report of suspicious activity involving a FedEx truck driving in the parking lot, according to&nbsp; Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; The truck was a 2008 Utility Truck valued at $22,000.

The driver later identified as&nbsp;Raymond Lawrence, 33, of Lincoln, was reported to be wearing a leather jacket, hat and jeans and not a FedEx uniform. 

&nbsp;An officer observed the truck and a Lawrence in the northwest corner of the parking lot.&nbsp; Lawrence was pouring a liquid into the engine compartment of the truck and the liquid was running onto the ground.

Officers contacted FedEx and learned that the truck had been taken from Randy’s Auto Repair, 1015 West North Street in Salina, a short time prior to the officers being called to Walmart.

Police arrested Lawrence on requested charges of felony theft and driving while suspended, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607005961959.jpeg" alt="Lawrence has previous convictions for aggravated battery and abuse of toxic vapors, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence has previous convictions for aggravated battery and abuse of toxic vapors, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest Wednesday in Salina.On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to Walmart, 2900 South Ninth Street in Salina for report of suspicious activity involving a FedEx truck driving in the parking lot, according to&nbsp; Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; The truck was a 2008 Utility Truck valued at $22,000.The driver later identified as&nbsp;Raymond Lawrence, 33, of Lincoln, was reported to be wearing a leather jacket, hat and jeans and not a FedEx uniform. &nbsp;An officer observed the truck and a Lawrence in the northwest corner of the parking lot.&nbsp; Lawrence was pouring a liquid into the engine compartment of the truck and the liquid was running onto the ground.Officers contacted FedEx and learned that the truck had been taken from Randy’s Auto Repair, 1015 West North Street in Salina, a short time prior to the officers being called to Walmart.Police arrested Lawrence on requested charges of felony theft and driving while suspended, according to Forrester.

Police find Kansas felon with missing FedEx truck

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden swung behind a bipartisan COVID-19 relief effort Wednesday and his top Capitol Hill allies cut their demands for a $2 trillion-plus measure by more than half in hopes of breaking a monthslong logjam and delivering much-sought aid as the tempestuous congressional session speeds to a close.

Biden said the developing aid package “wouldn’t be the answer, but it would be the immediate help for a lot of things.” He wants a relief bill to pass Congress now, with more aid to come next year.

Biden’s remarks followed an announcement by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer of New York in support of an almost $1 trillion approach as the “basis” for discussions. The announcement appeared aimed at budging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who so far has been unwilling to abandon a $550 billion Senate GOP plan that has failed twice this fall.

The Democrats embraced a $908 billion approach from moderate Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, among others. It would establish a $300 per week jobless benefit, send $160 billion to help state and local governments, boost schools and universities, revive popular “paycheck protection” subsidies for businesses, and bail out transit systems and airlines.

“In the spirit of compromise we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by Senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations,” Pelosi and Schumer said. They said they would try to build upon the approach, which has support in the House from a bipartisan “problem solvers” coalition.

The statement was a significant concession by Pelosi and Schumer, who played hardball this fall during failed preelection discussions with the administration on a costlier bill. They wanted a more generous unemployment benefit and far more for state and local government. Their embrace of the $908 billion measure was a retreat from a secret $1.3 trillion offer the two Democrats gave McConnell just on Monday.

It’s another sign of urgency for additional COVID aid and economic stimulus as the economy struggles to recover from being slammed by the novel coronavirus. While the jobless rate isn’t as high as was feared, the restaurant and airline industries are desperate for aid, as are other businesses, state and local officials, transit systems and the Postal Service, among others.

The new plan includes a liability shield for businesses and other organizations that have reopened their doors during the pandemic. It’s the first time Pelosi and Schumer have shown a willingness to consider the idea, a top priority of McConnell, though there’s been no discussion on the details, which are sure to be tricky.

McConnell had dismissed the bipartisan offer on Tuesday, instead aiming to rally Republicans around the $550 billion GOP proposal. But McConnell himself endorsed a $1 trillion-or so plan this summer, only to encounter resistance from conservatives that prompted him to retrench. He has acknowledged that another infusion of aid to states and local governments, a key Pelosi demand, probably will pass eventually.

McConnell wouldn’t respond when asked about the Democratic statement. His top deputy, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said GOP leaders might agree to merging the bipartisan proposal with McConnell’s bill.

“I think there’s still time, although it’s short, to put a bill together,” Thune said.

Any relief package would be attached to a $1.4 trillion year-end spending bill required to avert a government shutdown next weekend. Talks on that measure are proceeding but if lawmakers should stumble, a temporary spending bill would be needed as a bridge into next year.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed a split-the-difference solution to the protracted impasse, hoping to speed overdue help to a hurting nation before Congress adjourns for the holidays. It was a sign that some lawmakers reluctant to adjourn for the year without approving some pandemic aid.

Their proposal includes $228 billion to extend and upgrade “paycheck protection” subsidies for businesses for a second round of relief to hard-hit businesses such as restaurants. It would revive a special jobless benefit, but at a reduced level of $300 per week rather than the $600 benefit enacted in March. State and local governments would receive $160 billion.

There’s also $45 billion for transportation, including aid to transit systems and Amtrak; $82 billion to reopen schools and universities; and money for vaccines and health care providers, as well as for food stamps, rental assistance and the Postal Service.

The new effort follows a split-decision election that delivered the White House to Democrats and gave Republicans down-ballot success.

Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin struggled over a relief bill for weeks before the November election, discussing legislation of up to $2 trillion. Senate GOP conservatives opposed their efforts and Pelosi refused to yield on key points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606837391482.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi struggled over a relief bill for weeks before the November election. On Tuesday, Mnuchin called on Congress to take additional action to pass coronavirus pandemic economic relief." />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi struggled over a relief bill for weeks before the November election. On Tuesday, Mnuchin called on Congress to take additional action to pass coronavirus pandemic economic relief.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden swung behind a bipartisan COVID-19 relief effort Wednesday and his top Capitol Hill allies cut their demands for a $2 trillion-plus measure by more than half in hopes of breaking a monthslong logjam and delivering much-sought aid as the tempestuous congressional session speeds to a close.Biden said the developing aid package “wouldn’t be the answer, but it would be the immediate help for a lot of things.” He wants a relief bill to pass Congress now, with more aid to come next year.Biden’s remarks followed an announcement by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer of New York in support of an almost $1 trillion approach as the “basis” for discussions. The announcement appeared aimed at budging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who so far has been unwilling to abandon a $550 billion Senate GOP plan that has failed twice this fall.The Democrats embraced a $908 billion approach from moderate Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, among others. It would establish a $300 per week jobless benefit, send $160 billion to help state and local governments, boost schools and universities, revive popular “paycheck protection” subsidies for businesses, and bail out transit systems and airlines.“In the spirit of compromise we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by Senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations,” Pelosi and Schumer said. They said they would try to build upon the approach, which has support in the House from a bipartisan “problem solvers” coalition.The statement was a significant concession by Pelosi and Schumer, who played hardball this fall during failed preelection discussions with the administration on a costlier bill. They wanted a more generous unemployment benefit and far more for state and local government. Their embrace of the $908 billion measure was a retreat from a secret $1.3 trillion offer the two Democrats gave McConnell just on Monday.It’s another sign of urgency for additional COVID aid and economic stimulus as the economy struggles to recover from being slammed by the novel coronavirus. While the jobless rate isn’t as high as was feared, the restaurant and airline industries are desperate for aid, as are other businesses, state and local officials, transit systems and the Postal Service, among others.The new plan includes a liability shield for businesses and other organizations that have reopened their doors during the pandemic. It’s the first time Pelosi and Schumer have shown a willingness to consider the idea, a top priority of McConnell, though there’s been no discussion on the details, which are sure to be tricky.McConnell had dismissed the bipartisan offer on Tuesday, instead aiming to rally Republicans around the $550 billion GOP proposal. But McConnell himself endorsed a $1 trillion-or so plan this summer, only to encounter resistance from conservatives that prompted him to retrench. He has acknowledged that another infusion of aid to states and local governments, a key Pelosi demand, probably will pass eventually.McConnell wouldn’t respond when asked about the Democratic statement. His top deputy, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said GOP leaders might agree to merging the bipartisan proposal with McConnell’s bill.“I think there’s still time, although it’s short, to put a bill together,” Thune said.Any relief package would be attached to a $1.4 trillion year-end spending bill required to avert a government shutdown next weekend. Talks on that measure are proceeding but if lawmakers should stumble, a temporary spending bill would be needed as a bridge into next year.The bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed a split-the-difference solution to the protracted impasse, hoping to speed overdue help to a hurting nation before Congress adjourns for the holidays. It was a sign that some lawmakers reluctant to adjourn for the year without approving some pandemic aid.Their proposal includes $228 billion to extend and upgrade “paycheck protection” subsidies for businesses for a second round of relief to hard-hit businesses such as restaurants. It would revive a special jobless benefit, but at a reduced level of $300 per week rather than the $600 benefit enacted in March. State and local governments would receive $160 billion.There’s also $45 billion for transportation, including aid to transit systems and Amtrak; $82 billion to reopen schools and universities; and money for vaccines and health care providers, as well as for food stamps, rental assistance and the Postal Service.The new effort follows a split-decision election that delivered the White House to Democrats and gave Republicans down-ballot success.Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin struggled over a relief bill for weeks before the November election, discussing legislation of up to $2 trillion. Senate GOP conservatives opposed their efforts and Pelosi refused to yield on key points.

Bipartisan virus aid bill includes $300 per week jobless benefit

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Wednesday reported spikes in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations as dozens of nursing homes experienced outbreaks and the state prepared to see that health care workers received the first available vaccines.

Gov. Laura Kelly said that the state expects to receive the first of two vaccine doses for 23,750 people by the middle of this month if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine made by Pfizer. The FDA also will consider authorizing a vaccine made by Moderna, but doses of both would be rationed in the early stages and it likely will be months before a vaccine is available to most people. The first allotment of vaccines would be enough to give the first dose to one in every 122 of the state’s 2.9 million residents.

Kelly said the state will follow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-panel-decide-covid-19-vaccine-d819fd418cc004bc09998f11321c272e">federal guidance</a>&nbsp;for the early distribution of vaccines and target them first for health care workers who are at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus, such as those who work in wards for COVID-19 patients. She said the Pfizer vaccine will be sent first to a limited number of specialized cold-storage storage sites that the state won’t disclose for security reasons before being distributed more widely.

“We have a variety of ways of distributing it that don’t take that long,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “We’ve got helicopters. We’ve got couriers.”

The state expects to receive the first of two doses for another 49,000 people later this month if the FDA authorizes emergency use of the Moderna vaccine, enough for one in 59 of the state’s residents. Dr. Sam Antonios, chief clinical officer for the Ascension Via Christi health system, said it is preparing for “multiple scenarios” but expects to add temporary staff to administer the vaccine to workers on a voluntary basis.

“We are actively preparing to offer and administer the vaccine to our associates just as soon as it becomes available,” Antonios said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Environment added 119 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s COVID-19 death toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,679. Dr. Lee Norman, the state agency’s head, said it’s likely that there have been lags in reporting earlier deaths because of the stress on hospitals and public health departments.

Kansas also had a record-high daily average of 53 new COVID-19 hospitalizations during the seven-day period that ended Wednesday. Hospitals have been stressed for weeks, with many facing staffing shortages and having to convert space into rooms for COVID-19 patients.

The state health department reported 4,615 new confirmed or probable coronavirus cases since Monday, bringing the state’s total since the start of the pandemic to 162,061. The state averaged 2,038 new cases per day for the seven days that ended Wednesday, which was 26% lower than the record of 2,767 new cases a day for the seven days that ended Nov. 18.

Hospitalizations haven’t seen a similar drop. The state reported a net increase of 185 since Monday bringing the total to 5,290.

And nursing homes continue to be hit hard. The health department reported 56 long-term care facilities with five or more cases in the past two weeks, accounting for more than 700 cases in all. More than 1,400 of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths, or about 84% of them, have been in people 65 or older. The median average age of people who have died from the disease is 80.

In northeastern Kansas, the Stormont Vail Health system, with its main hospital in Topeka, said it was converting 59 rooms to negative-pressure rooms, to increase the number available from 79 to 136. The air in such rooms is moved outside rather than being recirculated to other parts of the building to prevent the spread of infection.

Stormont Vail reported that it had 87 coronavirus patients as of Wednesday, down from its peak of 100 last week. Spokesman Matt Lara said the health system wants to be “as prepared as possible” for another expected surge in patients who attended Thanksgiving gatherings.

In northwestern Kansas, Dr. Heather Harris, medical director at the University of Kansas Health System’s Hays Medical Center, said during a conference call Wednesday that its COVID-19 patient population has numbered in the mid-30s for the past month. They are filling nearly half of the hospital’s staffed beds and pushing out other patients.

In November alone, the hospital has had to turn away 103 transfers from other hospitals. In the 14 years prior, it had rejected transfers just twice.

“So it is taking a long time for those critical access hospitals to get patients moved if they are too sick,” she said. “It is definitely an intense situation for the hospitals and the physicians and the nurses working there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606994872566.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answered questions during the Governor's news conference Wednesday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answered questions during the Governor's news conference Wednesday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Wednesday reported spikes in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations as dozens of nursing homes experienced outbreaks and the state prepared to see that health care workers received the first available vaccines.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F841339123360284%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Gov. Laura Kelly said that the state expects to receive the first of two vaccine doses for 23,750 people by the middle of this month if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine made by Pfizer. The FDA also will consider authorizing a vaccine made by Moderna, but doses of both would be rationed in the early stages and it likely will be months before a vaccine is available to most people. The first allotment of vaccines would be enough to give the first dose to one in every 122 of the state’s 2.9 million residents.Kelly said the state will follow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-panel-decide-covid-19-vaccine-d819fd418cc004bc09998f11321c272e">federal guidance</a>&nbsp;for the early distribution of vaccines and target them first for health care workers who are at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus, such as those who work in wards for COVID-19 patients. She said the Pfizer vaccine will be sent first to a limited number of specialized cold-storage storage sites that the state won’t disclose for security reasons before being distributed more widely.“We have a variety of ways of distributing it that don’t take that long,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “We’ve got helicopters. We’ve got couriers.”The state expects to receive the first of two doses for another 49,000 people later this month if the FDA authorizes emergency use of the Moderna vaccine, enough for one in 59 of the state’s residents. Dr. Sam Antonios, chief clinical officer for the Ascension Via Christi health system, said it is preparing for “multiple scenarios” but expects to add temporary staff to administer the vaccine to workers on a voluntary basis.“We are actively preparing to offer and administer the vaccine to our associates just as soon as it becomes available,” Antonios said in a statement.Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Environment added 119 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s COVID-19 death toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,679. Dr. Lee Norman, the state agency’s head, said it’s likely that there have been lags in reporting earlier deaths because of the stress on hospitals and public health departments.Kansas also had a record-high daily average of 53 new COVID-19 hospitalizations during the seven-day period that ended Wednesday. Hospitals have been stressed for weeks, with many facing staffing shortages and having to convert space into rooms for COVID-19 patients.The state health department reported 4,615 new confirmed or probable coronavirus cases since Monday, bringing the state’s total since the start of the pandemic to 162,061. The state averaged 2,038 new cases per day for the seven days that ended Wednesday, which was 26% lower than the record of 2,767 new cases a day for the seven days that ended Nov. 18.Hospitalizations haven’t seen a similar drop. The state reported a net increase of 185 since Monday bringing the total to 5,290.And nursing homes continue to be hit hard. The health department reported 56 long-term care facilities with five or more cases in the past two weeks, accounting for more than 700 cases in all. More than 1,400 of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths, or about 84% of them, have been in people 65 or older. The median average age of people who have died from the disease is 80.In northeastern Kansas, the Stormont Vail Health system, with its main hospital in Topeka, said it was converting 59 rooms to negative-pressure rooms, to increase the number available from 79 to 136. The air in such rooms is moved outside rather than being recirculated to other parts of the building to prevent the spread of infection.Stormont Vail reported that it had 87 coronavirus patients as of Wednesday, down from its peak of 100 last week. Spokesman Matt Lara said the health system wants to be “as prepared as possible” for another expected surge in patients who attended Thanksgiving gatherings.In northwestern Kansas, Dr. Heather Harris, medical director at the University of Kansas Health System’s Hays Medical Center, said during a conference call Wednesday that its COVID-19 patient population has numbered in the mid-30s for the past month. They are filling nearly half of the hospital’s staffed beds and pushing out other patients.In November alone, the hospital has had to turn away 103 transfers from other hospitals. In the 14 years prior, it had rejected transfers just twice.“So it is taking a long time for those critical access hospitals to get patients moved if they are too sick,” she said. “It is definitely an intense situation for the hospitals and the physicians and the nurses working there.”

As Kansas awaits vaccine, it reports jump in COVID-19 deaths

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 49-year-old Michael Horn of Wichita.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they located Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died late Wednesday afternoon, according to Cruz.

This was not a random incident, and the investigation is ongoing, with investigators working to locate the suspect in this case.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man was seriously injured when he was shot in the head. He is expected to recover.

KWCH reports that several people were in the Wichita home when the shooting occurred Wednesday. Police found gun shells outside the house, indicating someone likely fired into the home. 

Most of the people who were inside were gone when police arrived. Wichita Police Lt. Matt Lang says they don't know if the victim was the intended target or not, noting there were other people inside the home at the time of the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606923868918.png" alt="Police at the scene of the shooting investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the shooting investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 49-year-old Michael Horn of Wichita.Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they located Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died late Wednesday afternoon, according to Cruz.This was not a random incident, and the investigation is ongoing, with investigators working to locate the suspect in this case.-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man was seriously injured when he was shot in the head. He is expected to recover.KWCH reports that several people were in the Wichita home when the shooting occurred Wednesday. Police found gun shells outside the house, indicating someone likely fired into the home. Most of the people who were inside were gone when police arrived. Wichita Police Lt. Matt Lang says they don't know if the victim was the intended target or not, noting there were other people inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Police: Kansas man shot in head has died

GEARY COUNTY —Sixteen firefighters are out temporarily due to COVID-19 in Junction City, according to Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson. Fourteen firefighters tested positive and two are close contacts.

The first case was diagnosed on Nov.24th. The firefighters are expected to return within the next week. In the meantime Johnson noted that the department has reached out to Fort Riley, Geary County and Grandview Plaza for help if it becomes necessary. JCFD staff are handling regular day to day duties.

The positive diagnosis involved firefighters from both Stations One and Two. Facilities have been cleaned and devices have been installed to filter air.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY —Sixteen firefighters are out temporarily due to COVID-19 in Junction City, according to Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson. Fourteen firefighters tested positive and two are close contacts.The first case was diagnosed on Nov.24th. The firefighters are expected to return within the next week. In the meantime Johnson noted that the department has reached out to Fort Riley, Geary County and Grandview Plaza for help if it becomes necessary. JCFD staff are handling regular day to day duties.The positive diagnosis involved firefighters from both Stations One and Two. Facilities have been cleaned and devices have been installed to filter air.&nbsp;

Nearly one-third of Junction City firefighters out due to virus 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler has been charged with felony perjury, court records show.

Distler, 47, was released Wednesday on a $2,500 bond.

The criminal complaint by the Johnson County district attorney’s office alleges that on March 7, she did “unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and falsely subscribe as true and correct under penalty of perjury any material matter in any declaration, verification, certificate or statement.”

Distler did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Online court records do not indicate a defense attorney in the case.

She has served as mayor of Shawnee, Kansas, since 2015 and was reelected last year. She also previously served on the city council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606948839157.png" alt="Distler photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Distler photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler has been charged with felony perjury, court records show.Distler, 47, was released Wednesday on a $2,500 bond.The criminal complaint by the Johnson County district attorney’s office alleges that on March 7, she did “unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and falsely subscribe as true and correct under penalty of perjury any material matter in any declaration, verification, certificate or statement.”Distler did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Online court records do not indicate a defense attorney in the case.She has served as mayor of Shawnee, Kansas, since 2015 and was reelected last year. She also previously served on the city council.

Mayor in Kansas arrested, charged with felony perjury 

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A California man was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison for transporting fentanyl and heroin to Kansas, according to&nbsp; U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Mauricio Canas, 24, Bermuda Dunes, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, Canas admitted he and a co-defendant were stopped in Thomas County for a traffic violation. In the car, troopers found more than 9 pounds of fentanyl and more than 8 pounds of heroin.

Investigators learned Canas was transporting the drugs from California to New York for distribution when he passed through Kansas. He used a phone to communicate with his contacts in New York.

Co-defendant&nbsp;Eduardo Arellano-Sanchez&nbsp;is set for sentencing Feb. 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596199613983.png" alt="Canas is being held in Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Canas is being held in Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A California man was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison for transporting fentanyl and heroin to Kansas, according to&nbsp; U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Mauricio Canas, 24, Bermuda Dunes, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, Canas admitted he and a co-defendant were stopped in Thomas County for a traffic violation. In the car, troopers found more than 9 pounds of fentanyl and more than 8 pounds of heroin.Investigators learned Canas was transporting the drugs from California to New York for distribution when he passed through Kansas. He used a phone to communicate with his contacts in New York.Co-defendant&nbsp;Eduardo Arellano-Sanchez&nbsp;is set for sentencing Feb. 16.

Man sentenced  for bringing fentanyl, heroin to Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health officials in Kansas City who shut down some bars and restaurants in recent days for violating coronavirus restrictions are facing legal action and criticism from business owners and some public officials.

A Kansas City bar owner is asking a Jackson County court to issue a temporary restraining order to overturn a 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants, which the city and Jackson County imposed two weeks ago as part of a series of restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. The bar is asking to be allowed to stay open until 3 a.m.

&nbsp;Kansas City health inspectors closed five businesses over Thanksgiving weekend — four for violating a 10 p.m. curfew and one for hosting a large gathering.

The pushback over dining restrictions comes during a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state and concerns about hospitals having enough beds to treat patients.

As of Wednesday, Missouri recorded a daily average of 2,827 new cases of COVID-19 over the past seven days, raising its total since the pandemic started to 305,370 confirmed cases. As of Sunday — the latest data available — the state reported that 2,651 people were hospitalized in Missouri with COVID-19 and that only 27% of the state's inpatient hospital beds were unoccupied.

Gov. Mike Parson was scheduled to announce later Wednesday plans for new assistance for hospital staff and an expansion of the state's overall hospital capacity.

The court petition opposed to the curfew was filed Tuesday by the Blue Line hockey bar. It contends that the business restrictions are unlawful because they were issued through emergency authority by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and County Executive Frank White rather than through the City Council and Jackson County Legislature, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article247535745.html">reported</a>.

Jackson County does not have jurisdiction over Blue Line because the bar is within Kansas City.

Lucas noted in a statement that 4,000 Missourians have died from COVID-19, including more than 1,000 in the Kansas City area.

“We stand by our responsible steps to keep people safe,” Lucas said. “Missouri courts have held consistently that our communities have the right to protect public health. We will continue to do so.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health officials in Kansas City who shut down some bars and restaurants in recent days for violating coronavirus restrictions are facing legal action and criticism from business owners and some public officials.A Kansas City bar owner is asking a Jackson County court to issue a temporary restraining order to overturn a 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants, which the city and Jackson County imposed two weeks ago as part of a series of restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. The bar is asking to be allowed to stay open until 3 a.m.&nbsp;Kansas City health inspectors closed five businesses over Thanksgiving weekend — four for violating a 10 p.m. curfew and one for hosting a large gathering.The pushback over dining restrictions comes during a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state and concerns about hospitals having enough beds to treat patients.As of Wednesday, Missouri recorded a daily average of 2,827 new cases of COVID-19 over the past seven days, raising its total since the pandemic started to 305,370 confirmed cases. As of Sunday — the latest data available — the state reported that 2,651 people were hospitalized in Missouri with COVID-19 and that only 27% of the state's inpatient hospital beds were unoccupied.Gov. Mike Parson was scheduled to announce later Wednesday plans for new assistance for hospital staff and an expansion of the state's overall hospital capacity.The court petition opposed to the curfew was filed Tuesday by the Blue Line hockey bar. It contends that the business restrictions are unlawful because they were issued through emergency authority by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and County Executive Frank White rather than through the City Council and Jackson County Legislature, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article247535745.html">reported</a>.Jackson County does not have jurisdiction over Blue Line because the bar is within Kansas City.Lucas noted in a statement that 4,000 Missourians have died from COVID-19, including more than 1,000 in the Kansas City area.“We stand by our responsible steps to keep people safe,” Lucas said. “Missouri courts have held consistently that our communities have the right to protect public health. We will continue to do so.”

Virus rules prompt restaurant closures in Kansas City

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly held a news conference Wednesday to announce the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.&nbsp;

Health care workers will be the first to receive the vaccines.

Kelly said that the state expects to receive the first of two vaccine doses for 23,750 people by the middle of this month if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine made by Pfizer. The FDA also will consider authorizing a vaccine made by Moderna, but doses of both would be rationed in the early stages and it likely will be months before a vaccine is available to most people. The first allotment of vaccines would be enough to give the first dose to one in every 122 of the state’s 2.9 million residents.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,615 to a total of 162,061 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,679 an increase of 119.

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

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly held a news conference Wednesday to announce the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F841339123360284%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Health care workers will be the first to receive the vaccines.Kelly said that the state expects to receive the first of two vaccine doses for 23,750 people by the middle of this month if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine made by Pfizer. The FDA also will consider authorizing a vaccine made by Moderna, but doses of both would be rationed in the early stages and it likely will be months before a vaccine is available to most people. The first allotment of vaccines would be enough to give the first dose to one in every 122 of the state’s 2.9 million residents.Kelly said the state will follow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-panel-decide-covid-19-vaccine-d819fd418cc004bc09998f11321c272e">federal guidance</a>&nbsp;for the early distribution of vaccines and target them first for health care workers who are at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus, such as those who work in wards for COVID-19 patients. She said the Pfizer vaccine will be sent first to a limited number of specialized cold-storage storage sites that the state won’t disclose for security reasons before being distributed more widely.“We have a variety of ways of distributing it that don’t take that long,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “We’ve got helicopters. We’ve got couriers.”The state expects to receive the first of two doses for another 49,000 people later this month if the FDA authorizes emergency use of the Moderna vaccine, enough for one in 59 of the state’s residents. Dr. Sam Antonios, chief clinical officer for the Ascension Via Christi health system, said it is preparing for “multiple scenarios” but expects to add temporary staff to administer the vaccine to workers on a voluntary basis.“We are actively preparing to offer and administer the vaccine to our associates just as soon as it becomes available,” Antonios said in a statement.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,615 to a total of 162,061 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,679 an increase of 119.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606932673650.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 2, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 2, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Update: COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Frank Carney, who with his brother started the Pizza Hut empire in Wichita, died Wednesday from pneumonia. He was 82.

Carney had recently recovered from COVID-19, but had Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade, the Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/carrie-rengers/article247534320.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. He died at 4:30 a.m. at an assisted living facility in Wichita, his wife and brother told the Eagle.

Frank Carney was a 19-year-old student at Wichita State University when he and his 26-year-old brother, Dan, borrowed $600 from their mother to start a pizza business in 1958 near their family’s Carney’s Market.

“When you are starting a business that’s going to pay your way through college, you don’t even think about what the economy is doing,” Carney once told a 1992 entrepreneurship conference at Wichita State.

“We didn’t care about who was in the White House or what the unemployment rate was,” he said. “The entrepreneur, all he thinks about is: Is there a market for the product? Can I sell it?”

PepsiCo bought Pizza Hut for $300 million in 1977. Over the years, he got involved in various business ventures, including other food companies, real estate, oil and gas, automotive, rental and recreational businesses.

Only five of about 20 of the companies made him money, which his brother contends is actually not a bad average.

“He probably lost most of what he had made in Pizza Hut,” Dan Carney said. “He was not depressed. He was just aggressive to build something different.”

When PepsiCo decided to move the Pizza Hut headquarters from Wichita to Dallas — a decision Frank Carney thought was a mistake — it solidified his decision to become a Papa John’s Pizza franchisee in the 1990s and compete against his former business associates in the Wichita market.

Frank Carney had one of the largest Papa John’s franchises and kept working until Alzheimer’s struck.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Frank Carney, who with his brother started the Pizza Hut empire in Wichita, died Wednesday from pneumonia. He was 82.Carney had recently recovered from COVID-19, but had Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade, the Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/carrie-rengers/article247534320.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. He died at 4:30 a.m. at an assisted living facility in Wichita, his wife and brother told the Eagle.Frank Carney was a 19-year-old student at Wichita State University when he and his 26-year-old brother, Dan, borrowed $600 from their mother to start a pizza business in 1958 near their family’s Carney’s Market.“When you are starting a business that’s going to pay your way through college, you don’t even think about what the economy is doing,” Carney once told a 1992 entrepreneurship conference at Wichita State.“We didn’t care about who was in the White House or what the unemployment rate was,” he said. “The entrepreneur, all he thinks about is: Is there a market for the product? Can I sell it?”PepsiCo bought Pizza Hut for $300 million in 1977. Over the years, he got involved in various business ventures, including other food companies, real estate, oil and gas, automotive, rental and recreational businesses.Only five of about 20 of the companies made him money, which his brother contends is actually not a bad average.“He probably lost most of what he had made in Pizza Hut,” Dan Carney said. “He was not depressed. He was just aggressive to build something different.”When PepsiCo decided to move the Pizza Hut headquarters from Wichita to Dallas — a decision Frank Carney thought was a mistake — it solidified his decision to become a Papa John’s Pizza franchisee in the 1990s and compete against his former business associates in the Wichita market.Frank Carney had one of the largest Papa John’s franchises and kept working until Alzheimer’s struck.

Pizza Hut co-founder Frank Carney dies at 82

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities investigating a sexual assault have made an arrest.&nbsp;

On November 24, police&nbsp;filed a report for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Manhattan involving a 12-year-old girl as the victim and a 23-year-old man known to her as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

On Monday afternoon, police arrested&nbsp; Tavian Garrett, 23, of Manhattan on on requested charges that include five counts of rape and five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Garrett is being held on a bond of $350,000, according to the RCPD.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities investigating a sexual assault have made an arrest.&nbsp;On November 24, police&nbsp;filed a report for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Manhattan involving a 12-year-old girl as the victim and a 23-year-old man known to her as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.On Monday afternoon, police arrested&nbsp; Tavian Garrett, 23, of Manhattan on on requested charges that include five counts of rape and five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Garrett is being held on a bond of $350,000, according to the RCPD.

Kan. man arrested for alleged rape of 12-year-old

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.

The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.

“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.

“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.

Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.

Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.

Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.

A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.

Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”

“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.

While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.

One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.

Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.

“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.

The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”

Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.

The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.

“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.

The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.

Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.

The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated PressBritish officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.___

First COVID-19 vaccinations expected next week

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,615 to a total of 162,061 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,679 an increase of 119.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,615 to a total of 162,061 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,679 an increase of 119.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.Wed<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606932673650.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 2, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 2, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a chase in Jackson County.

Shortly after 9a.m. Monday a sheriff’s deputy observed a northbound black 2017 Lincoln MKZ passenger car with an expired registration, according to Jackson County Sheriff Time Morse.

The deputy attempted to initiate a car stop on the vehicle. The vehicle continued northbound near 142nd&nbsp;Road and allegedly nearly struck a northbound truck near 150th&nbsp;Road. 

The vehicle traveled west at 174th&nbsp;Road and back to 75 Highway heading southbound at speeds in excess of 100mph, according to Morse. 

A Shawnee County Deputy deployed a tire deflation device rupturing both passenger’s side tires of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle excited 75 Highway at 46th&nbsp;Street and attempted to re-enter the highway on the southbound onramp but came to a stop at that location. Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Mayetta Police Department assisted with the incident.

Three occupants were taken into custody. A quantity of methamphetamine was seized during the stop. The driver, Michael Gonzales, 32, of Topeka, was arrested for felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. Gonzales also had an outstanding felony probation warrant from Osage County.

The front seat passenger and owner of the vehicle, Katrina Glaspie, 40, of Manhattan, was arrested on numerous requested charges of identity theft and and outstanding warrants from Riley County.

The rear seat passenger, Evalt Catling Jr., 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia. He also had outstanding warrants from the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606855734832.png" alt="Gonzales photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Gonzales photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a chase in Jackson County.Shortly after 9a.m. Monday a sheriff’s deputy observed a northbound black 2017 Lincoln MKZ passenger car with an expired registration, according to Jackson County Sheriff Time Morse.The deputy attempted to initiate a car stop on the vehicle. The vehicle continued northbound near 142nd&nbsp;Road and allegedly nearly struck a northbound truck near 150th&nbsp;Road. The vehicle traveled west at 174th&nbsp;Road and back to 75 Highway heading southbound at speeds in excess of 100mph, according to Morse. A Shawnee County Deputy deployed a tire deflation device rupturing both passenger’s side tires of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle excited 75 Highway at 46th&nbsp;Street and attempted to re-enter the highway on the southbound onramp but came to a stop at that location. Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Mayetta Police Department assisted with the incident.Three occupants were taken into custody. A quantity of methamphetamine was seized during the stop. The driver, Michael Gonzales, 32, of Topeka, was arrested for felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. Gonzales also had an outstanding felony probation warrant from Osage County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606855689056.png" alt="Glaspie photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Glaspie photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The front seat passenger and owner of the vehicle, Katrina Glaspie, 40, of Manhattan, was arrested on numerous requested charges of identity theft and and outstanding warrants from Riley County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606855775311.png" alt="Catling -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Catling -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The rear seat passenger, Evalt Catling Jr., 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia. He also had outstanding warrants from the Topeka Police Department.

Sheriff: 3 jailed in Kansas after chase at 100mph

TOPEKA&nbsp;– While November tax collections again exceeded estimations, Governor Laura Kelly warned that without federal support, future revenue growth – and our state’s ability to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic – may be compromised, according to a media release from her office.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.9uPQvhh-OYKAHWMxpEh7ovA1zCm5V0TchBLiBxWCxQc/s/1303160919/br/90850854484-l" target="_blank">Click here to read the revenue numbers&nbsp;</a>

The State of Kansas saw November total tax collections at $556.8 million; 1.1%, or $6.0 million, more than the estimate. Compared to the same month of last fiscal year, this is a modest growth of 4.3%, or $22.9 million.

"Without economic relief from Washington, there is a growing concern of a national recession in the foreseeable future,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;"My administration renews its requests to Congress to prioritize and pass economic relief as the COVID-19 pandemic continues impacting Kansas households and the economic outlook of the state."

Individual income tax collections were $275.4 million. That's an increase of 0.4%, or $1.2 million, over the estimate. Compared to the same month of Fiscal Year 2020, that is an increase of 9.1%, or $22.9 million. Corporate income tax collections were $5.2 million, calculating to 5.7%, or $277,504, more than the estimate. These collections were down $5.4 million, or 51.0%, compared to November of last fiscal year. That decrease is attributable to refunds paid to corporations.

Retail sales tax collections were down $22,770 from the estimate with $201.7 million collected. However, this is $204,966, or 0.1%, more than collected in November of Fiscal Year 2020. Compensating use taxes, which are collected and remitted by online retailers, was $4.1 million, or 9.2%, more than the estimate with $49.2 million collected. That is $7.8 million more than collected last November.

"We have seen that with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an accelerated change in consumer behavior favoring online purchases,"&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;"This coming legislative session, we will be taking a closer look at the structure of the Kansas tax base. In the interim, the pandemic continues to negatively impact many Kansas-based brick and mortar stores which still need financial relief from the federal level."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564697584639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– While November tax collections again exceeded estimations, Governor Laura Kelly warned that without federal support, future revenue growth – and our state’s ability to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic – may be compromised, according to a media release from her office.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.9uPQvhh-OYKAHWMxpEh7ovA1zCm5V0TchBLiBxWCxQc/s/1303160919/br/90850854484-l" target="_blank">Click here to read the revenue numbers&nbsp;</a>The State of Kansas saw November total tax collections at $556.8 million; 1.1%, or $6.0 million, more than the estimate. Compared to the same month of last fiscal year, this is a modest growth of 4.3%, or $22.9 million."Without economic relief from Washington, there is a growing concern of a national recession in the foreseeable future,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;"My administration renews its requests to Congress to prioritize and pass economic relief as the COVID-19 pandemic continues impacting Kansas households and the economic outlook of the state."Individual income tax collections were $275.4 million. That's an increase of 0.4%, or $1.2 million, over the estimate. Compared to the same month of Fiscal Year 2020, that is an increase of 9.1%, or $22.9 million. Corporate income tax collections were $5.2 million, calculating to 5.7%, or $277,504, more than the estimate. These collections were down $5.4 million, or 51.0%, compared to November of last fiscal year. That decrease is attributable to refunds paid to corporations.Retail sales tax collections were down $22,770 from the estimate with $201.7 million collected. However, this is $204,966, or 0.1%, more than collected in November of Fiscal Year 2020. Compensating use taxes, which are collected and remitted by online retailers, was $4.1 million, or 9.2%, more than the estimate with $49.2 million collected. That is $7.8 million more than collected last November."We have seen that with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an accelerated change in consumer behavior favoring online purchases,"&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;"This coming legislative session, we will be taking a closer look at the structure of the Kansas tax base. In the interim, the pandemic continues to negatively impact many Kansas-based brick and mortar stores which still need financial relief from the federal level."

Governor calls on Congress to pass economic relief package

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Anticipated staffing shortages amid surging coronavirus cases could hit rural hospitals especially hard because smaller communities have more limited options for finding providers to cover for sick workers, medical providers say.

“We are doing what we can to make sure our staff are staying healthy and safe and able to be available to treat the community, but we also have heard that with post-holiday, this could be a challenge,” said Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president for the Kansas Hospital Association. “There is lots of potential for community spread.”

About 44% of the state’s hospitals on Monday were anticipating staffing shortages this week with an expected rise in COVID-19 cases following the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/rhegeman/Downloads/COVID%20KS%20Dashboard%20113020.pdf" target="_blank">association’s COVID-19 dashboard</a>.

“I know that in some of our communities just keeping the providers healthy is something that is an intense focus,” Samuelson said. “We have rural communities where as that number gets higher and more and more of their providers get impacted, that takes them out of service and so this challenge of finding providers to cover is increasing.”

Kansas ranks 13th in the nation with 1,210 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of data collected by the John Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

Five rural Kansas counties — Rush, Republic, Ellsworth, Rawlins and Kearny — rank in the top 25 counties in the nation with the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days.

If medical providers in rural areas get COVID-19 it “really puts small rural hospitals at risk” because options in small communities can be challenging and limited, Samuelson said.

Ben Kimball, a physician assistant at Graham County Hospital in Hill City in rural northwest Kansas, said he spent hours on the phone and had to make multiple calls to transfer out three COVID-19 patients and one without the virus from Friday through early Monday.

Two were flown to Kearny Regional Hospital in Nebraska, about 100 miles away, and the other two to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, about 275 miles away. One of the patients had to be put on a ventilator.

“We have always been able to send people to a place with an ICU or critical care services if we needed to,” he said. “I think we are are all kind of nervous that that ability is dwindling.”

The hospital normally has just three to six in-patients at a time and doesn’t have the staffing or equipment to handle more complex cases.

“We are small to begin with,” he said. “If we get a couple nurses out or aides out, that makes a difference.”

Even some larger hospitals are struggling with rising patient numbers and staffing challenges.

The intensive care unit and the COVID-19 ward at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are both full and the hospital’s overflow COVID ward is nearly full, The Hutchinson News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20201201/situation-continues-getting-more-critical-at-local-hospital" target="_blank">reported</a>.

There were nine people on ventilators Tuesday morning, and the hospital is running out of specialized equipment for new patients, said Chuck Welch, the hospital’s vice president.

“We’re literally down to a handful of (ventilators) and a handful of beds,” Welch said. “We’re buying everything we can get hands on, but none are available. Shortages are extending past PPE to actual physical machinery.”

The hospital also faces staffing issues with a 35 employees under observation for COVID-19, including 12 who have tested positive and 23 others awaiting test results. More than a dozen are currently working from home.

“We have what I consider, per capita, one of the best health care teams in the region,” he said. “We have four pulmonologists and a team of hospitalists,” Welch said. “For a hospital with a community population of our size, we’re better off than many bigger cities. But that’s not going to help us if we don’t wear masks and distance ourselves. ”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Anticipated staffing shortages amid surging coronavirus cases could hit rural hospitals especially hard because smaller communities have more limited options for finding providers to cover for sick workers, medical providers say.“We are doing what we can to make sure our staff are staying healthy and safe and able to be available to treat the community, but we also have heard that with post-holiday, this could be a challenge,” said Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president for the Kansas Hospital Association. “There is lots of potential for community spread.”About 44% of the state’s hospitals on Monday were anticipating staffing shortages this week with an expected rise in COVID-19 cases following the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/rhegeman/Downloads/COVID%20KS%20Dashboard%20113020.pdf" target="_blank">association’s COVID-19 dashboard</a>.“I know that in some of our communities just keeping the providers healthy is something that is an intense focus,” Samuelson said. “We have rural communities where as that number gets higher and more and more of their providers get impacted, that takes them out of service and so this challenge of finding providers to cover is increasing.”Kansas ranks 13th in the nation with 1,210 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of data collected by the John Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606759816304.png" alt="Monday Nov. 30, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Nov. 30, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Five rural Kansas counties — Rush, Republic, Ellsworth, Rawlins and Kearny — rank in the top 25 counties in the nation with the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days.If medical providers in rural areas get COVID-19 it “really puts small rural hospitals at risk” because options in small communities can be challenging and limited, Samuelson said.Ben Kimball, a physician assistant at Graham County Hospital in Hill City in rural northwest Kansas, said he spent hours on the phone and had to make multiple calls to transfer out three COVID-19 patients and one without the virus from Friday through early Monday.Two were flown to Kearny Regional Hospital in Nebraska, about 100 miles away, and the other two to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, about 275 miles away. One of the patients had to be put on a ventilator.“We have always been able to send people to a place with an ICU or critical care services if we needed to,” he said. “I think we are are all kind of nervous that that ability is dwindling.”The hospital normally has just three to six in-patients at a time and doesn’t have the staffing or equipment to handle more complex cases.“We are small to begin with,” he said. “If we get a couple nurses out or aides out, that makes a difference.”Even some larger hospitals are struggling with rising patient numbers and staffing challenges.The intensive care unit and the COVID-19 ward at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are both full and the hospital’s overflow COVID ward is nearly full, The Hutchinson News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20201201/situation-continues-getting-more-critical-at-local-hospital" target="_blank">reported</a>.There were nine people on ventilators Tuesday morning, and the hospital is running out of specialized equipment for new patients, said Chuck Welch, the hospital’s vice president.“We’re literally down to a handful of (ventilators) and a handful of beds,” Welch said. “We’re buying everything we can get hands on, but none are available. Shortages are extending past PPE to actual physical machinery.”The hospital also faces staffing issues with a 35 employees under observation for COVID-19, including 12 who have tested positive and 23 others awaiting test results. More than a dozen are currently working from home.“We have what I consider, per capita, one of the best health care teams in the region,” he said. “We have four pulmonologists and a team of hospitalists,” Welch said. “For a hospital with a community population of our size, we’re better off than many bigger cities. But that’s not going to help us if we don’t wear masks and distance ourselves. ”

Expected staffing shortages could hit rural hospitals hard

NEW YORK (AP) — Health care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line when the first coronavirus vaccine shots become available, an influential government advisory panel said Tuesday.

The panel voted 13-1 to recommend those groups get priority in the first days of any coming vaccination program, when doses are expected to be very limited. The two groups encompass about 24 million people out of a U.S. population of about 330 million.

Later this month, the Food and Drug Administration will consider authorizing emergency use of two vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna. Current estimates project that no more than 20 million doses of each vaccine will be available by the end of 2020. And each product requires two doses. As a result, the shots will be rationed in the early stages.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet again at some point to decide who should be next in line. Among the possibilities: teachers, police, firefighters and workers in other essential fields such as food production and transportation; the elderly; and people with underlying medical conditions.

Tuesday’s action merely designated who should get shots first if a safe and effective vaccine becomes available. The panel did not endorse any particular vaccine. Panel members are waiting to hear FDA’s evaluation and to see more safety and efficacy data before endorsing any particular product.

Experts say the vaccine will probably not become widely available in the U.S. until the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Health care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line when the first coronavirus vaccine shots become available, an influential government advisory panel said Tuesday.The panel voted 13-1 to recommend those groups get priority in the first days of any coming vaccination program, when doses are expected to be very limited. The two groups encompass about 24 million people out of a U.S. population of about 330 million.Later this month, the Food and Drug Administration will consider authorizing emergency use of two vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna. Current estimates project that no more than 20 million doses of each vaccine will be available by the end of 2020. And each product requires two doses. As a result, the shots will be rationed in the early stages.The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet again at some point to decide who should be next in line. Among the possibilities: teachers, police, firefighters and workers in other essential fields such as food production and transportation; the elderly; and people with underlying medical conditions.Tuesday’s action merely designated who should get shots first if a safe and effective vaccine becomes available. The panel did not endorse any particular vaccine. Panel members are waiting to hear FDA’s evaluation and to see more safety and efficacy data before endorsing any particular product.Experts say the vaccine will probably not become widely available in the U.S. until the spring.The panel of outside scientific experts, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who almost always approves them. It normally has 15 voting members, but one seat is vacant.The recommendations are not binding, but for decades they have been widely heeded by doctors, and they have determined the scope and funding of U.S. vaccination programs.It will be up to state authorities whether to follow the guidance. It will also be left to them to make further, more detailed decisions if necessary — for example, whether to put emergency room doctors and nurses ahead of other health care workers if vaccine supplies are low.The outbreak in the U.S. has killed nearly 270,000 people and caused more than 13.5 million confirmed infections, with deaths, hospitalizations and cases rocketing in recent weeks.As the virtual meeting got underway, panel member Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington noted that on average, one person is dying of COVID-19 per minute in the U.S. right now, “so I guess we are acting none too soon.”About 3 million people are living in nursing homes, long-term chronic care hospitals, and other U.S. long-term care facilities. Those patients and the staff members who care for them have accounted for 6% of the nation’s coronavirus cases and a staggering 39% of the deaths, CDC officials say.Despite the heavy toll, some board members at Tuesday’s meeting said they hesitated to include such patients in the first group getting shots.Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot, an infectious diseases researcher at Vanderbilt University who was the lone committee member to vote against the proposal, cited flu research that found vaccinating the staff of such facilities has a greatest impact on preventing its spread there.Dr. Richard Zimmerman, a University of Pittsburgh flu vaccine researcher who watched the meeting online, echoed Talbot’s concerns.“I think it was premature” to include nursing home residents as a priority group, said Zimmerman, a former ACIP member. “Their vote seems to assume that these people will respond well to the vaccine. ... I don’t think we know that.”Committee members were unanimous in voicing support for vaccinating health care workers — about 21 million people, according to CDC officials.That broad category includes medical staff who care for — or come in contact with — patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and doctor’s offices. It also includes home health care workers and paramedics. Depending on how state officials apply the panel’s recommendations, it could also encompass janitorial staff, food service employees and medical records clerks.The government estimates people working in health care account for 12% of U.S. COVID-19 cases but only about 0.5% of deaths. Experts say it’s imperative to keep health care workers on their feet so they can administer the shots and tend to the booming number of infected Americans.For months, members of the immunization panel had said they wouldn’t take a vote until the FDA approved a vaccine, as is customary. But late last week, the group scheduled an emergency meeting.The panel’s chairman, Dr. Jose Romero, said the decision stemmed from a realization that the states are facing a Friday deadline to place initial orders for the Pfizer vaccine and determine where they should be delivered. The committee decided to meet now to give state and local officials guidance, he said.But some panel members and other experts had also grown concerned by comments from Trump administration officials that suggested differing vaccine priorities.Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House coronavirus task force said in a meeting with CDC officials last month that people 65 and older should go to the head of the line, according to a federal official who was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Then last week U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar stressed that ultimately governors will decide who in their states gets the shots. Vice President Mike Pence echoed that view.Asked whether Azar’s comment played a role in the scheduling of the meeting, Romero said; “We don’t live in a bubble. We know what he said. But that wasn’t the primary reason this is being done.”Jason Schwartz, a professor of health policy at the Yale School of Public Health, said it makes sense for the panel to take the unusual step of getting its recommendation out first.“Without that formal recommendation, it does create a void from which states could go off in all sorts of different directions,” said Schwartz, who is not on the panel.HHS officials have said they will distribute initial doses to states based on population, and it’s possible that some states won’t receive enough to cover all of their health care workers and nursing home residents.CDC officials said they are optimistic such shortages would last only a few weeks.Still, governors and local officials may have to decide which health care workers or regions get shots first, Schwartz said.“It’s up to states to figure out the more granular detail,” he said.