By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-08/clues-from-the-blood-of-kansans-suggest-the-coronavirus-pandemic-could-stick-around-for-a-long-time">Kansas News Service</a>

Perhaps two in every 50 Kansans have <a href="https://www.livescience.com/antibodies.html" target="_blank">antibodies</a> swimming in their bloodstream that show they’ve had COVID-19.

That relatively low number — based on the assumption that <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">blood donors</a>
 reflect the broader population — suggests a gloomy reality. Kansas is 
still in the early days of this pandemic and it's looking at a future 
likely to bring many more cases than it has so far seen.

“Absolutely,”
 said Roger Shapiro, an immunologist at Harvard University’s School of 
Public Health. “When you look at these figures, you realize how far we 
are from herd immunity.”

The overwhelming number of Kansans, perhaps more than 95%, haven’t yet experienced the virus that has killed more than <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality" target="_blank">200,000 Americans</a>.

So
 medical pros say the only thing to do is sit tight, keep your masks on 
and stay away from other people, until we have a vaccine.

“This
 is not the time to play a guessing game of, ‘Do I have the flu or do I 
have COVID?’” said Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins’ 
Center for Health Security.

Many people still can’t get fast 
coronavirus tests that would let them isolate in time to stop the 
disease from spreading further, and hospitals remain at risk of getting 
overwhelmed by coronavirus and flu cases this fall.

The
 human body produces antibodies when exposed to a disease, to fend it 
off. And those microscopic defenders can stick around after recovery.

So the American Red Cross screens blood donations for antibodies against <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2</a>, the virus behind COVID-19. It then sends <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&amp;ContentID=37" target="_blank">plasma</a>
 with the specialized proteins to hospitals treating coronavirus 
patients, and it reports how often it detects the antibodies to state 
health agencies trying to piece together the bigger picture.

Nationally, the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">Red Cross</a> has tested about 1.2 million blood donations for the antibodies.

From
 mid-June to mid-September, it found them in about 2% of donations 
nationally. The same was true for Kansas donors. It’s not known how well
 that statistic might reflect the broader population.

Weekly 
tallies suggest the number of people carrying the antibodies has ticked 
upward in Kansas, as elsewhere. In recent weeks, the Red Cross reported 
antibodies in 4% to 5% of Kansas donations.

Could someone with 
antibodies catch the virus again a year from now and get seriously sick?
 How about two years from now? Or could they catch it, not show any 
symptoms, and spread the virus anyway? Scientists can’t yet say.

“This
 is not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” Gronvall said. If a test shows you
 have antibodies, she said, you should still wear a mask and follow 
social distancing rules.

Recent reports of a few patients catching the novel coronavirus <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/28/covid-19-reinfection-implications/" target="_blank">more than once</a>
 in a relatively short time may not signal what to expect for most 
people, but leave open the possibility that one infection doesn’t 
protect you against another.

The Red Cross reported in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2770771" target="_blank">a medical journal</a>
 last month that blood donations from people of color test positive for 
the antibodies at a higher rate than blood from white donors.

That matches <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-infection-by-race/faq-20488802" target="_blank">other research</a>
 that shows communities of color bearing the brunt of the pandemic. It 
likely reflects broader social and economic disparities, such as lower 
incomes and a greater likelihood of working high-risk jobs that involve 
in-person contact with many customers or colleagues in a single day.

The virus spread fast in crowded Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/emails-show-kansas-agencies-helped-keep-meatpacking-plants-open-despite-concerns-about" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, for example, that rely heavily on the labor of people of color in southwest Kansas.

Some
 studies and modeling point to higher antibody rates nationally and 
globally than the Red Cross has seen among blood donors, but still don’t
 offer good news.

“The (World Health Organization) just came out with an estimate that maybe <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/10-worlds-people-infected-virus-73427817" target="_blank">up to 10%</a>
 of the world has been infected,” Shapiro said. “But even at that 
number, we’re still so far from achieving herd immunity. … We really 
need to create immunity with a vaccine.”

Vaccines <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/downloads/vacsafe-understand-color-office.pdf" target="_blank">mimic natural infections</a>. They kick a person’s immune system into gear so that it churns out antibodies and stores viral information in <a href="https://askabiologist.asu.edu/memory-b-cell" target="_blank">memory cells</a>
 that could defend us even after those antibodies fade. (Researchers 
have found SARS-CoV-2 antibodies triggered by natural infection two or 
even three months after infection, and say it varies from person to 
person.)

Ongoing coronavirus vaccine trials aim to check how 
protective these immune responses will prove long-term, and whether 
people will need booster shots over time to keep their defenses up.

Part
 of the benefit from vaccines will ultimately come from the sheer number
 of people who would gain some level of protection at once.

“As we
 get to high enough vaccine levels, the herd immunity will actually just
 lower the amount of virus that’s circulating,” Shapiro said. “There 
will be just less virus around. This is our hope.”

The Red Cross’ free antibody tests serve three functions.

They
 gather the information that helps public health experts studying the 
virus’ spread, and they allow the Red Cross to flag plasma with 
antibodies for hospitals.

Scientists <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/513405-science-inconclusive-on-use-of-convalescent-plasma-in-covid-19-patients" target="_blank">still can’t say</a> whether the donated plasma works for treating COVID-19. A separate, <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/09/provocative-results-boost-hopes-antibody-treatment-covid-19" target="_blank">lab-based approach</a>, may prove more effective.

But either way, donations remain as critical as ever to the nation’s blood supply.

And that’s a third reason for offering antibody tests. They attract people to <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">keep donating</a> amid the pandemic.

The
 Red Cross uses respected tests, and when a blood sample proves positive
 for antibodies, it double-checks with a second, high-quality process.

For
 people who had respiratory symptoms in recent months — but couldn’t get
 checked for COVID-19 because of the nationwide shortage of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html" target="_blank">viral tests</a> — that may satisfy their curiosity.

And
 that could help keep donations flowing as the pandemic hampers 
traditional blood drives, such as a major annual effort that would have 
attracted thousands of donors next week.

“The biggest blood
 drive the Red Cross does across the country is at the University of 
Missouri in Columbia,” said Joe Zydlo, a regional communications manager
 in St. Louis. “And that has been canceled.”

Meanwhile, Gronvall 
advises against buying an antibody test somewhere. After all, the 
information won’t help you medically, she said, and many products are 
unreliable anyway.

“There’s just been so many bad tests out there,” she said. “Right now I would not spend money on it.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602251360190.png" alt=" Photo illustration by Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Photo illustration by Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-08/clues-from-the-blood-of-kansans-suggest-the-coronavirus-pandemic-could-stick-around-for-a-long-time">Kansas News Service</a>Perhaps two in every 50 Kansans have <a href="https://www.livescience.com/antibodies.html" target="_blank">antibodies</a> swimming in their bloodstream that show they’ve had COVID-19.That relatively low number — based on the assumption that <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">blood donors</a>
 reflect the broader population — suggests a gloomy reality. Kansas is 
still in the early days of this pandemic and it's looking at a future 
likely to bring many more cases than it has so far seen.“Absolutely,”
 said Roger Shapiro, an immunologist at Harvard University’s School of 
Public Health. “When you look at these figures, you realize how far we 
are from herd immunity.”The overwhelming number of Kansans, perhaps more than 95%, haven’t yet experienced the virus that has killed more than <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality" target="_blank">200,000 Americans</a>.So
 medical pros say the only thing to do is sit tight, keep your masks on 
and stay away from other people, until we have a vaccine.That, and get a flu shot.“This
 is not the time to play a guessing game of, ‘Do I have the flu or do I 
have COVID?’” said Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins’ 
Center for Health Security.Many people still can’t get fast 
coronavirus tests that would let them isolate in time to stop the 
disease from spreading further, and hospitals remain at risk of getting 
overwhelmed by coronavirus and flu cases this fall.<h2>Clues in the blood</h2>The
 human body produces antibodies when exposed to a disease, to fend it 
off. And those microscopic defenders can stick around after recovery.So the American Red Cross screens blood donations for antibodies against <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2</a>, the virus behind COVID-19. It then sends <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&amp;ContentID=37" target="_blank">plasma</a>
 with the specialized proteins to hospitals treating coronavirus 
patients, and it reports how often it detects the antibodies to state 
health agencies trying to piece together the bigger picture.Nationally, the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">Red Cross</a> has tested about 1.2 million blood donations for the antibodies.From
 mid-June to mid-September, it found them in about 2% of donations 
nationally. The same was true for Kansas donors. It’s not known how well
 that statistic might reflect the broader population.Weekly 
tallies suggest the number of people carrying the antibodies has ticked 
upward in Kansas, as elsewhere. In recent weeks, the Red Cross reported 
antibodies in 4% to 5% of Kansas donations.Could someone with 
antibodies catch the virus again a year from now and get seriously sick?
 How about two years from now? Or could they catch it, not show any 
symptoms, and spread the virus anyway? Scientists can’t yet say.“This
 is not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” Gronvall said. If a test shows you
 have antibodies, she said, you should still wear a mask and follow 
social distancing rules.Recent reports of a few patients catching the novel coronavirus <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/28/covid-19-reinfection-implications/" target="_blank">more than once</a>
 in a relatively short time may not signal what to expect for most 
people, but leave open the possibility that one infection doesn’t 
protect you against another.<h2>Greater risk</h2>The Red Cross reported in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2770771" target="_blank">a medical journal</a>
 last month that blood donations from people of color test positive for 
the antibodies at a higher rate than blood from white donors.That matches <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-infection-by-race/faq-20488802" target="_blank">other research</a>
 that shows communities of color bearing the brunt of the pandemic. It 
likely reflects broader social and economic disparities, such as lower 
incomes and a greater likelihood of working high-risk jobs that involve 
in-person contact with many customers or colleagues in a single day.The virus spread fast in crowded Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/emails-show-kansas-agencies-helped-keep-meatpacking-plants-open-despite-concerns-about" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, for example, that rely heavily on the labor of people of color in southwest Kansas.<h2>The need for a vaccine</h2>Some
 studies and modeling point to higher antibody rates nationally and 
globally than the Red Cross has seen among blood donors, but still don’t
 offer good news.“The (World Health Organization) just came out with an estimate that maybe <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/10-worlds-people-infected-virus-73427817" target="_blank">up to 10%</a>
 of the world has been infected,” Shapiro said. “But even at that 
number, we’re still so far from achieving herd immunity. … We really 
need to create immunity with a vaccine.”Vaccines <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/downloads/vacsafe-understand-color-office.pdf" target="_blank">mimic natural infections</a>. They kick a person’s immune system into gear so that it churns out antibodies and stores viral information in <a href="https://askabiologist.asu.edu/memory-b-cell" target="_blank">memory cells</a>
 that could defend us even after those antibodies fade. (Researchers 
have found SARS-CoV-2 antibodies triggered by natural infection two or 
even three months after infection, and say it varies from person to 
person.)Ongoing coronavirus vaccine trials aim to check how 
protective these immune responses will prove long-term, and whether 
people will need booster shots over time to keep their defenses up.Part
 of the benefit from vaccines will ultimately come from the sheer number
 of people who would gain some level of protection at once.“As we
 get to high enough vaccine levels, the herd immunity will actually just
 lower the amount of virus that’s circulating,” Shapiro said. “There 
will be just less virus around. This is our hope.”<h2>Should you get an antibody test?</h2>The Red Cross’ free antibody tests serve three functions.They
 gather the information that helps public health experts studying the 
virus’ spread, and they allow the Red Cross to flag plasma with 
antibodies for hospitals.Scientists <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/513405-science-inconclusive-on-use-of-convalescent-plasma-in-covid-19-patients" target="_blank">still can’t say</a> whether the donated plasma works for treating COVID-19. A separate, <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/09/provocative-results-boost-hopes-antibody-treatment-covid-19" target="_blank">lab-based approach</a>, may prove more effective.But either way, donations remain as critical as ever to the nation’s blood supply.And that’s a third reason for offering antibody tests. They attract people to <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank">keep donating</a> amid the pandemic.The
 Red Cross uses respected tests, and when a blood sample proves positive
 for antibodies, it double-checks with a second, high-quality process.For
 people who had respiratory symptoms in recent months — but couldn’t get
 checked for COVID-19 because of the nationwide shortage of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html" target="_blank">viral tests</a> — that may satisfy their curiosity.And
 that could help keep donations flowing as the pandemic hampers 
traditional blood drives, such as a major annual effort that would have 
attracted thousands of donors next week.“The biggest blood
 drive the Red Cross does across the country is at the University of 
Missouri in Columbia,” said Joe Zydlo, a regional communications manager
 in St. Louis. “And that has been canceled.”Meanwhile, Gronvall 
advises against buying an antibody test somewhere. After all, the 
information won’t help you medically, she said, and many products are 
unreliable anyway.“There’s just been so many bad tests out there,” she said. “Right now I would not spend money on it.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Antibody tests show 'we’re still so far from achieving herd immunity'

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Treating the sick and dying isn't even the toughest part for nurse Amelia Montgomery as the coronavirus surges in her corner of red America.

It's dealing with patients and relatives who don't believe the virus is real, refuse to wear masks and demand treatments like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b9b6dc204d780fac7e6a79c1dbf21b8d">hydroxychloroquine,</a>&nbsp;which President Donald Trump has championed even though experts say it is not effective against the scourge that has killed over 210,000 in the U.S.

Montgomery finds herself, like so many other doctors and nurses, in a world where the politics of the crisis are complicating treatment efforts, with some people even resisting getting tested.

It's unclear how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-infectious-diseases-michael-pence-a037f5cf6d6f14f90313a3aa7cd58043">Trump’s&nbsp;</a>bout with the virus will affect the situation, but some doctors aren't optimistic. After a few days of treatment at a military hospital, the president tweeted Monday, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. ... I feel better than I did 20 years ago!”

After one tough shift on the coronavirus unit at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Montgomery went onto Facebook to vent her frustrations about caring for patients who didn't socially distance because they didn't believe the virus was real. The hospital later shared her post on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coxhealth.com/newsroom/letter-heart-covid-19-nurse/">website</a>.

She complained that some people demand the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and think the only patients who get really sick have underlying health problems.

“The majority of people don’t understand and can’t picture what we are seeing. That has been frustrating for all of us,” Montgomery said in an interview, adding: “It wears.”

Combating virus skeptics is a battle across the country.

In Georgia, at Augusta University Medical Center, visitors have tried to get around the mask requirement by wearing face coverings made of fishnet and other material with visible holes, something the hospital has dubbed “malicious compliance." People also have shown up with video cameras in an attempt to collect proof the virus is a hoax, said Dr. Phillip Coule, the health system's chief medical officer, who contracted the virus in July and has seen two staff members die.

“Just imagine that while you are caring for your own staff that are dying from this disease, and while you are trying to keep yourself safe, and you are trying to keep your family safe, and you are trying to deal with a disease that such little is known about, and then to have somebody tell you that it is all a hoax after you have been dealing with that all day," he said. “Imagine the emotional distress that that causes.”

He said most skeptics — including some who have argued with him on Facebook — are converted to believers when they get sick themselves. And he is starting to hear fewer people dismiss the virus entirely since the president was diagnosed.

“It is unfortunate that the president has contracted the disease, but it is difficult for groups who support the president to be out there saying it doesn’t exist," he said.

But he also said he fears people may draw the wrong lesson about the seriousness of the disease from what happened to Trump: "People may extrapolate that the risk for a 74 is low when the reality is the risk to a 74 year-old is quite high."

Dr. Beth Oller, who practices family medicine with her physician-husband in rural Kansas' Rooks County, isn't optimistic the president's diagnosis will change much in her community, where cases are on the rise, many resist masks, and weddings with hundreds of guests have been held in recent weeks.

“None of the things he did since he had it have helped us a bit, and, if anything, would fly in the face of it," she said, noting that the president took his mask off as soon as he returned to the White House. “All he did was continue to show people that the things we are saying to do are overblown and an overreaction. As a physician, it is so damn frustrating."

The issue has been a challenge in red states for months.

In Iowa, home health nurse Lisa Dockery was fired from her job caring for a boy with severe disabilities after arguing with his parents, who said COVID-19 is a “hoax.” The argument started because the parents refused to wear masks around Dockery and the boy, even though she told them their son's life was in danger because he has respiratory problems, relies on tube feedings and cannot walk, state unemployment records show.

The case ended with a judge ordering her former employer to pay her unemployment.

Dr. Gary LeRoy, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said he isn’t surprised that it has been so hard to persuade the public, noting that there was also a lot of denial as the Spanish flu was sweeping across the world a century ago, killing tens of millions of people.

“When you look at human history, it is what happens in every situation," he said. “In war, in famine, in disease, there is going to be a population of people where the bombs are dropping all around them and they don’t believe that it exists.”

Dr. Brad Burmeister, an emergency medicine physician at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said he has encountered a few patients who have declined to be tested for the coronavirus despite having possible symptoms.

“They say they don’t want to become a statistic or some kind of rhetoric like that," he said, adding that he thinks a shift might be coming, given what happened to Trump. “It just sort of shows how infectious COVID-19 is and how easily it can spread, that even when you are taking all of those precautions, you can still get infected with the virus."

Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician in Phoenix, said politics often come up in discussions with patients who come in asking whether the death toll is being inflated.

“It’s an info-demic as well as a pandemic,” she lamented.

Dr. Jay W. Lee, a family physician in Orange County, California, recalled a patient who demanded the “largest hydroxychloroquine prescription you can give me."

“If I didn’t have my mask on, he would have seen my mouth agape,” said Lee, chief of the Share Our Selves medical clinics, adding that a small number of patients “flat-out said this was a hoax."

He has found himself turning to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/familydocwonk">social media</a>&nbsp;and meeting with elected leaders to combat some of the misinformation.

“I think part of it is we feel like we can’t just sit back and take it because silence is complicity,” he said.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Treating the sick and dying isn't even the toughest part for nurse Amelia Montgomery as the coronavirus surges in her corner of red America.It's dealing with patients and relatives who don't believe the virus is real, refuse to wear masks and demand treatments like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b9b6dc204d780fac7e6a79c1dbf21b8d">hydroxychloroquine,</a>&nbsp;which President Donald Trump has championed even though experts say it is not effective against the scourge that has killed over 210,000 in the U.S.Montgomery finds herself, like so many other doctors and nurses, in a world where the politics of the crisis are complicating treatment efforts, with some people even resisting getting tested.It's unclear how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-infectious-diseases-michael-pence-a037f5cf6d6f14f90313a3aa7cd58043">Trump’s&nbsp;</a>bout with the virus will affect the situation, but some doctors aren't optimistic. After a few days of treatment at a military hospital, the president tweeted Monday, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. ... I feel better than I did 20 years ago!”After one tough shift on the coronavirus unit at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Montgomery went onto Facebook to vent her frustrations about caring for patients who didn't socially distance because they didn't believe the virus was real. The hospital later shared her post on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coxhealth.com/newsroom/letter-heart-covid-19-nurse/">website</a>.She complained that some people demand the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and think the only patients who get really sick have underlying health problems.“The majority of people don’t understand and can’t picture what we are seeing. That has been frustrating for all of us,” Montgomery said in an interview, adding: “It wears.”Combating virus skeptics is a battle across the country.In Georgia, at Augusta University Medical Center, visitors have tried to get around the mask requirement by wearing face coverings made of fishnet and other material with visible holes, something the hospital has dubbed “malicious compliance." People also have shown up with video cameras in an attempt to collect proof the virus is a hoax, said Dr. Phillip Coule, the health system's chief medical officer, who contracted the virus in July and has seen two staff members die.“Just imagine that while you are caring for your own staff that are dying from this disease, and while you are trying to keep yourself safe, and you are trying to keep your family safe, and you are trying to deal with a disease that such little is known about, and then to have somebody tell you that it is all a hoax after you have been dealing with that all day," he said. “Imagine the emotional distress that that causes.”He said most skeptics — including some who have argued with him on Facebook — are converted to believers when they get sick themselves. And he is starting to hear fewer people dismiss the virus entirely since the president was diagnosed.“It is unfortunate that the president has contracted the disease, but it is difficult for groups who support the president to be out there saying it doesn’t exist," he said.But he also said he fears people may draw the wrong lesson about the seriousness of the disease from what happened to Trump: "People may extrapolate that the risk for a 74 is low when the reality is the risk to a 74 year-old is quite high."Dr. Beth Oller, who practices family medicine with her physician-husband in rural Kansas' Rooks County, isn't optimistic the president's diagnosis will change much in her community, where cases are on the rise, many resist masks, and weddings with hundreds of guests have been held in recent weeks.“None of the things he did since he had it have helped us a bit, and, if anything, would fly in the face of it," she said, noting that the president took his mask off as soon as he returned to the White House. “All he did was continue to show people that the things we are saying to do are overblown and an overreaction. As a physician, it is so damn frustrating."The issue has been a challenge in red states for months.In Iowa, home health nurse Lisa Dockery was fired from her job caring for a boy with severe disabilities after arguing with his parents, who said COVID-19 is a “hoax.” The argument started because the parents refused to wear masks around Dockery and the boy, even though she told them their son's life was in danger because he has respiratory problems, relies on tube feedings and cannot walk, state unemployment records show.The case ended with a judge ordering her former employer to pay her unemployment.Dr. Gary LeRoy, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said he isn’t surprised that it has been so hard to persuade the public, noting that there was also a lot of denial as the Spanish flu was sweeping across the world a century ago, killing tens of millions of people.“When you look at human history, it is what happens in every situation," he said. “In war, in famine, in disease, there is going to be a population of people where the bombs are dropping all around them and they don’t believe that it exists.”Dr. Brad Burmeister, an emergency medicine physician at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said he has encountered a few patients who have declined to be tested for the coronavirus despite having possible symptoms.“They say they don’t want to become a statistic or some kind of rhetoric like that," he said, adding that he thinks a shift might be coming, given what happened to Trump. “It just sort of shows how infectious COVID-19 is and how easily it can spread, that even when you are taking all of those precautions, you can still get infected with the virus."Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician in Phoenix, said politics often come up in discussions with patients who come in asking whether the death toll is being inflated.“It’s an info-demic as well as a pandemic,” she lamented.Dr. Jay W. Lee, a family physician in Orange County, California, recalled a patient who demanded the “largest hydroxychloroquine prescription you can give me."“If I didn’t have my mask on, he would have seen my mouth agape,” said Lee, chief of the Share Our Selves medical clinics, adding that a small number of patients “flat-out said this was a hoax."He has found himself turning to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/familydocwonk">social media</a>&nbsp;and meeting with elected leaders to combat some of the misinformation.“I think part of it is we feel like we can’t just sit back and take it because silence is complicity,” he said.

'So frustrating': Doctors and nurses battle virus skeptics

Geary County Health Department has reported another COVID-19 related death in the county, an 81-year old man.&nbsp; 

The information was provided to the public by the Emergency Operations Center. Director Garry Berges stated, "We are saddened to hear of&nbsp; the passing of the individual and our condolences go out to his family."

Geary County Health officials continue to encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, do social distancing and conduct frequent hand washing.

Geary County Health Department has reported another COVID-19 related death in the county, an 81-year old man.&nbsp; The information was provided to the public by the Emergency Operations Center. Director Garry Berges stated, "We are saddened to hear of&nbsp; the passing of the individual and our condolences go out to his family."Geary County Health officials continue to encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, do social distancing and conduct frequent hand washing.

Fourth COVID-19 related death is reported in Geary County

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens. Personal thanks to Pawnee Mental Health and the Pottawatomie County Health Department fortheir help in providing resources.

Many people may not understand how people affected by the stressors of everyday life can feel down and depressed in a normal situation. With the added pressure and frustration of a national health crisis, educational uncertainty, and political issues, these stressors are compounded. Different people face these issues in different ways. Bruce Johnson, Director of the Pawnee Mental Health System Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) shares, if you are someone you know/loves is feeling “Hopeless (nothing’s ever going to change); Helpless (things are bad and there’s nothing I can do about it); Worthless (nobody cares anyways), take heed. These are the three ‘feeling’ components of suicide. Reach out to the person, let them know you are there for them, have them call the CSU at 800-609-2002 or come in person to visit with a crisis clinician at 1558 Hayes Dr., Manhattan.

Adults are most definitely not the only ones whose mental health suffers. The current conditions with quarantines or isolations, hybrid or on-line schooling, the inability to get close with friends and family, can definitely affect the emotions and mental well-being of children. Dr. Ashley Miller, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital wrote a blog title “Helping children and teens cope with social isolation” in May 2020. Her article includes numerous ideas and suggestions to assist children – visit https://keltymentalhealth.ca/blog/2020/05/helping-children-and-teens-cope-social-isolation to learn more. Included in her recommendations is to validate a child’s feeling first. Then you may provide “realistic” information and the child is better able to take in the information. Help them to understand there is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed, angry, sad, or any other emotion during this time.

How can you help your children handle these feelings? These suggestions apply to children of all ages. Encourage kids to help around the house, or help others. Volunteering in a safe environment allows them to socialize, and feel needed. If they cannot get out, assist them in virtual meetings with friends and family members. Help your children feel more secure. It may cost you an extra five minutes of cuddle time, but if it helps your child feel safe, it is worth it. When they do go out, help them to understand the need to practice the basic mitigation techniques (mask, 6’ physical distancing, frequent handwashing), and demonstrate those practices yourself daily.

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens. Personal thanks to Pawnee Mental Health and the Pottawatomie County Health Department fortheir help in providing resources.Mental Health amidst a pandemicMany people may not understand how people affected by the stressors of everyday life can feel down and depressed in a normal situation. With the added pressure and frustration of a national health crisis, educational uncertainty, and political issues, these stressors are compounded. Different people face these issues in different ways. Bruce Johnson, Director of the Pawnee Mental Health System Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) shares, if you are someone you know/loves is feeling “Hopeless (nothing’s ever going to change); Helpless (things are bad and there’s nothing I can do about it); Worthless (nobody cares anyways), take heed. These are the three ‘feeling’ components of suicide. Reach out to the person, let them know you are there for them, have them call the CSU at 800-609-2002 or come in person to visit with a crisis clinician at 1558 Hayes Dr., Manhattan.Adults are most definitely not the only ones whose mental health suffers. The current conditions with quarantines or isolations, hybrid or on-line schooling, the inability to get close with friends and family, can definitely affect the emotions and mental well-being of children. Dr. Ashley Miller, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital wrote a blog title “Helping children and teens cope with social isolation” in May 2020. Her article includes numerous ideas and suggestions to assist children – visit https://keltymentalhealth.ca/blog/2020/05/helping-children-and-teens-cope-social-isolation to learn more. Included in her recommendations is to validate a child’s feeling first. Then you may provide “realistic” information and the child is better able to take in the information. Help them to understand there is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed, angry, sad, or any other emotion during this time.How can you help your children handle these feelings? These suggestions apply to children of all ages. Encourage kids to help around the house, or help others. Volunteering in a safe environment allows them to socialize, and feel needed. If they cannot get out, assist them in virtual meetings with friends and family members. Help your children feel more secure. It may cost you an extra five minutes of cuddle time, but if it helps your child feel safe, it is worth it. When they do go out, help them to understand the need to practice the basic mitigation techniques (mask, 6’ physical distancing, frequent handwashing), and demonstrate those practices yourself daily.

Covid Corner

Geary County health officials released the latest COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday. There were six new positive cases and five recovered cases. Two people are hospitalized.

There are currently 25 active cases. Since the pandemic began there have been 327 positive cases and 299 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials released the latest COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday. There were six new positive cases and five recovered cases. Two people are hospitalized.There are currently 25 active cases. Since the pandemic began there have been 327 positive cases and 299 recovered cases.

Health Department updates the latest COVID-19 numbers

&nbsp; A ninth Riley County resident has died after testing positive for COVID-19. The patient, a 72 year-old male, tested positive on September 25 and passed away at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka on October 6. He was not associated with any outbreaks in the county. “I was very sad to hear of this patient’s death and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “We will continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and protect the people of Riley County.” Riley County has 4 new positive cases since Monday’s report. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 1 positive patient at this time. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; A ninth Riley County resident has died after testing positive for COVID-19. The patient, a 72 year-old male, tested positive on September 25 and passed away at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka on October 6. He was not associated with any outbreaks in the county. “I was very sad to hear of this patient’s death and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “We will continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and protect the people of Riley County.” Riley County has 4 new positive cases since Monday’s report. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 1 positive patient at this time. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ninth COVID-19 related death occurs in Riley County

As USD 475 successfully navigates the challenges posted by COVID-19 this year two Board of Education members offered supportive words for the schools.

Board member Kristy Haden this week thanked everybody in the schools and the consistency in the schools. "My kids don't have any changes that they're seeing day to day, anything that's going on, whether one class is in quarantine, anything like that it's not making any changes. it's just that consistency. I think that's very very important."

Board member Jim Schmidt praised the resilience and flexibility of the students. "Tell them what needs to happen, they make it happen and ultimately it's the adults that tend to struggle with how do we deal with what's maybe not the new normal but it's what life is right now."

Schmidt added it boggles his mind sometimes, referring to students coping. He provided examples. "Hey what do I have to do to take it on the field of play or what do I have to do participate in band or what do I have to do to just be in class in general or ride buses. The kids adjust and on they go."

Schmidt and Haden made their comments during the Board of Education meeting Monday evening. The school year has been under way for several weeks.

As USD 475 successfully navigates the challenges posted by COVID-19 this year two Board of Education members offered supportive words for the schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602080950667.png" alt="Kristy Haden" />
 <figcaption>Kristy Haden</figcaption>
 </figure>Board member Kristy Haden this week thanked everybody in the schools and the consistency in the schools. "My kids don't have any changes that they're seeing day to day, anything that's going on, whether one class is in quarantine, anything like that it's not making any changes. it's just that consistency. I think that's very very important."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602080927516.jpeg" alt="Jim Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Jim Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>Board member Jim Schmidt praised the resilience and flexibility of the students. "Tell them what needs to happen, they make it happen and ultimately it's the adults that tend to struggle with how do we deal with what's maybe not the new normal but it's what life is right now."Schmidt added it boggles his mind sometimes, referring to students coping. He provided examples. "Hey what do I have to do to take it on the field of play or what do I have to do participate in band or what do I have to do to just be in class in general or ride buses. The kids adjust and on they go."Schmidt and Haden made their comments during the Board of Education meeting Monday evening. The school year has been under way for several weeks.

School board members praise the resilience of staff and students

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Even as some of the state’s largest districts reopen, most Kansas counties have such a high rate of new coronavirus cases that they have moved into the red zone on a key state benchmark that suggests schools consider putting the brakes on in-person classes and sports.

Seventy-five of the state’s 105 counties were in the worst reopening zone for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">two-week cumulative incident rate</a>, which measures the rate of new cases per 100,000 people and is one of five school reopening indicators established by the state, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article246231905.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. That’s an increase of 10 counties from a week ago, according to a Kansas Department of Health and Environment map published Monday using data through Saturday.

Individual districts aren’t bound by the state gating criteria and can make their own reopening decisions, often with guidance from county-level health officials.

The KDHE case rate map also placed 11 counties in the yellow zone and 16 counties in the orange zone. Under the state’s gating criteria, a blend of in-person, hybrid and remote learning is recommended in these zone. The state also urges restrictions on sports, especially high-risk activities such as football.

The number of counties in the green zone, which is the only zone that calls for all in-person classes and extracurricular activities, dropped from seven to three on the case rate map.

Among the districts sending students back to in-person classes this month are several in Douglas and Johnson counties, which are in the red zone for new cases. But the counties are in the yellow zone for the percent positivity rate.

Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called a meeting for Wednesday with eight leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature to have them extend the state’s existing declaration of a state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic.

A law enacted in June requires Kelly to obtain an extension every 30 days from the lawmakers, six of them Republicans. Without their approval, the current emergency declaration would expire Oct. 15.

Top Republicans and Kelly have been at odds over her handling of the pandemic, and GOP lawmakers have forced her to accept local control of decisions about reopening schools, mandating mask wearing and restricting businesses and public gatherings. When she and the legislative leaders met in September to extend the emergency declaration, Republicans extracted a promise that she wouldn’t try to close businesses again as she did in the spring.

The state health department reported that Kansas saw 1,597 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases from Friday to Monday, an increase of 2.5%, bringing the total cases to 62,708. The number of coronavirus cases is thought to be higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of limited testing early in the pandemic.

The department also reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths since Friday, bringing the total to 706. Deaths have continued to represent about 1.1% of the total number of reported cases.

Despite the rise in cases, Wichita schools will now allow parents and other fans to be spectators at sporting events, The Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/high-school/article246247110.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. Sedgwick County, where Wichita is located, also is in the red zone for its case rate.

Board member Mike Rodee voiced the most concern with the plan, though he voted for it. He also questioned whether COVID-19 indicators will worsen in the county “because we’re being a little bit selfish about watching a football game.”

“I want to see kids in classrooms and on the field, and I don’t want to shut those things down. The parents are about the 10th priority to me on this,” he said, adding that he understands the point of view of parents. “I want to see kids in the classroom more than I want to see parents in the stadiums.”

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Even as some of the state’s largest districts reopen, most Kansas counties have such a high rate of new coronavirus cases that they have moved into the red zone on a key state benchmark that suggests schools consider putting the brakes on in-person classes and sports.Seventy-five of the state’s 105 counties were in the worst reopening zone for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">two-week cumulative incident rate</a>, which measures the rate of new cases per 100,000 people and is one of five school reopening indicators established by the state, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article246231905.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. That’s an increase of 10 counties from a week ago, according to a Kansas Department of Health and Environment map published Monday using data through Saturday.Individual districts aren’t bound by the state gating criteria and can make their own reopening decisions, often with guidance from county-level health officials.The KDHE case rate map also placed 11 counties in the yellow zone and 16 counties in the orange zone. Under the state’s gating criteria, a blend of in-person, hybrid and remote learning is recommended in these zone. The state also urges restrictions on sports, especially high-risk activities such as football.The number of counties in the green zone, which is the only zone that calls for all in-person classes and extracurricular activities, dropped from seven to three on the case rate map.Among the districts sending students back to in-person classes this month are several in Douglas and Johnson counties, which are in the red zone for new cases. But the counties are in the yellow zone for the percent positivity rate.Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called a meeting for Wednesday with eight leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature to have them extend the state’s existing declaration of a state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic.A law enacted in June requires Kelly to obtain an extension every 30 days from the lawmakers, six of them Republicans. Without their approval, the current emergency declaration would expire Oct. 15.Top Republicans and Kelly have been at odds over her handling of the pandemic, and GOP lawmakers have forced her to accept local control of decisions about reopening schools, mandating mask wearing and restricting businesses and public gatherings. When she and the legislative leaders met in September to extend the emergency declaration, Republicans extracted a promise that she wouldn’t try to close businesses again as she did in the spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601918639222.png" alt="Monday Oct. 5, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Oct. 5, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The state health department reported that Kansas saw 1,597 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases from Friday to Monday, an increase of 2.5%, bringing the total cases to 62,708. The number of coronavirus cases is thought to be higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of limited testing early in the pandemic.The department also reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths since Friday, bringing the total to 706. Deaths have continued to represent about 1.1% of the total number of reported cases.Despite the rise in cases, Wichita schools will now allow parents and other fans to be spectators at sporting events, The Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/high-school/article246247110.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. Sedgwick County, where Wichita is located, also is in the red zone for its case rate.Board member Mike Rodee voiced the most concern with the plan, though he voted for it. He also questioned whether COVID-19 indicators will worsen in the county “because we’re being a little bit selfish about watching a football game.”“I want to see kids in classrooms and on the field, and I don’t want to shut those things down. The parents are about the 10th priority to me on this,” he said, adding that he understands the point of view of parents. “I want to see kids in the classroom more than I want to see parents in the stadiums.”

Most Kansas counties enter COVID school red zone

There were three new COVID-19 positive cases reported by&nbsp; the Geary County Health Department on Tuesday. There was also one recovery, leaving the total number of active cases in the county at 24.

Two people are hospitalized and three have died.&nbsp; There have been 321 confirmed positive cases since the pandemic began and 294 recovered cases.

There were three new COVID-19 positive cases reported by&nbsp; the Geary County Health Department on Tuesday. There was also one recovery, leaving the total number of active cases in the county at 24.Two people are hospitalized and three have died.&nbsp; There have been 321 confirmed positive cases since the pandemic began and 294 recovered cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602017061390.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Health Department updates the COVID-19 numbers

NEW YORK (AP) —The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense.

However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart.

The virus “is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. You’re not safe beyond 6 feet. You can’t take your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.

In interviews, CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area.

In the update posted on its website, the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area. CDC officials called those ”limited, uncommon circumstances.”

In those cases, spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, CDC officials said.

People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, washing their hands, cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-public-health-cfb43dd5a28dd449cd1100a067cfd112">Last month,</a>&nbsp;the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agency’s position had changed, and then within days took it down again.

The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet, and officials emphasized the importance of indoor ventilation. It also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne.

Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed. They said there was no major change in the agency’s position, but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDC’s thinking. That’s what was posted Monday.

A small group of researchers — including Milton — on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for clearer public health guidance about how coronavirus spreads in the air.

They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease, and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people.

Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors. But they can be important outdoors too, said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600453488360.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield during testimony before a congressional committee in August -Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield during testimony before a congressional committee in August -Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense.However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart.The virus “is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. You’re not safe beyond 6 feet. You can’t take your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.In interviews, CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area.In the update posted on its website, the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area. CDC officials called those ”limited, uncommon circumstances.”In those cases, spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, CDC officials said.People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, washing their hands, cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-public-health-cfb43dd5a28dd449cd1100a067cfd112">Last month,</a>&nbsp;the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agency’s position had changed, and then within days took it down again.The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet, and officials emphasized the importance of indoor ventilation. It also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne.Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed. They said there was no major change in the agency’s position, but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDC’s thinking. That’s what was posted Monday.A small group of researchers — including Milton — on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for clearer public health guidance about how coronavirus spreads in the air.They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease, and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people.Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors. But they can be important outdoors too, said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech.___

CDC updates guidelines on how coronavirus spreads

Geary County health officials reported four new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday and two recovered cases. That left the total number of active cases at 22.

There are two COVID-19 patients that are hospitalized, and there have been 318 confirmed positive cases in the county plus 293 recovered cases since the pandemic began. There have been three deaths.

Geary County health officials reported four new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday and two recovered cases. That left the total number of active cases at 22.There are two COVID-19 patients that are hospitalized, and there have been 318 confirmed positive cases in the county plus 293 recovered cases since the pandemic began. There have been three deaths.

There are 22 active COVID-19 positive cases in Geary County

Chapman High School and Chapman Middle School will both resume in person classes on Thursday. Jerry Hodson, USD 473 Superintendent said the decision followed after consulting with Dickinson County health officials.

All practices will resume Thursday. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has issued additional COVID-19 "Return to Participating Guidelines" that will be followed. Volleyball and tennis are required to participate in 2-3 practices before returning to competition, while football and cross country are required to participate in 3-4 practices before competition.

The return to competition dates are listed below:

Saturday, October 10, 2020--Middle School Volleyball @ NCKL Tournament (Schedule TBA)

High School Tennis @ Regional Tournament (Schedule TBA&nbsp; Monday, October 12, 2020

High School Varsity Football vs Clay Center @ 6:00 pm--Monday, October 12, 2020

High School Volleyball @ Clay Center--Middle School Football @ Clay Center

Thursday, October 15, 2020--Cross Country @ NCKL Meet

Monday October 12 Football here vs Clay Center

Friday, October 16, 2020--High School Varsity Football vs Council Grove (Homecoming)

Chapman middle and high schools had shifted to remote learning on Sept. 23 due to concerns about COVID-19.

Chapman High School and Chapman Middle School will both resume in person classes on Thursday. Jerry Hodson, USD 473 Superintendent said the decision followed after consulting with Dickinson County health officials.All practices will resume Thursday. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has issued additional COVID-19 "Return to Participating Guidelines" that will be followed. Volleyball and tennis are required to participate in 2-3 practices before returning to competition, while football and cross country are required to participate in 3-4 practices before competition.The return to competition dates are listed below:Saturday, October 10, 2020--Middle School Volleyball @ NCKL Tournament (Schedule TBA)High School Tennis @ Regional Tournament (Schedule TBA&nbsp; Monday, October 12, 2020High School Varsity Football vs Clay Center @ 6:00 pm--Monday, October 12, 2020High School Volleyball @ Clay Center--Middle School Football @ Clay CenterThursday, October 15, 2020--Cross Country @ NCKL MeetMonday October 12 Football here vs Clay CenterFriday, October 16, 2020--High School Varsity Football vs Council Grove (Homecoming)Chapman middle and high schools had shifted to remote learning on Sept. 23 due to concerns about COVID-19.

Chapman High School and Chapman Middle School students prepare to return to brick and mortar school facilities

LAWRENCE—Using "lab on a chip" technology, Foundation Distinguished Professor Steven Soper and graduate students in bioengineering and chemistry are developing a user-friendly COVID-19 test.

“Eventually, our test will go into a home — like an early pregnancy test at home,” said Soper. “Anyone could do it.”

Soper’s team, which includes a half-dozen graduate students in bioengineering and chemistry, is repurposing “lab on a chip” technology he had previously developed to give doctors simple tools to more easily and quickly diagnose conditions ranging from stroke to colon cancer. The goal is to get the new test to market “sooner than later, of course.”

“We’re well-versed in this,” he said.

The test uses a small plastic chip — about 38 by 42 millimeters — that contains 1.5 million tiny pillars, just 10 microns wide and 50 microns tall. Each pillar contains a piece of ribonucleic acid that “recognizes” a protein found in the COVID-19 virus particle.

“When we flow saliva through this forest of pillars that have on the chip surfaces, this DNA molecule will look to bind to the virus particle,” Soper said. The chip will then be exposed to blue light, which will release the RNA-virus bound particles from the pillars and funnel them through a hole just 200 nanometers wide — creating an electrical signal that lets users see if they have the virus.

That sounds complicated. For the user, though, taking the test will be very simple.

“You take a saliva sample, you put it in the chip, and the chip does the processing,” Soper said. The whole process, including results, should take around 15 minutes. Current tests — including one used by KU — involve multiple steps, require a trained operator to implement the test and need an hour or two before results are available.

Soper’s team has been working on the project since early June after researchers were allowed to return to their on-campus labs following KU’s shutdown in March. Funding for the effort comes from the National Institutes of Health. The group includes three graduate students in bioengineering and three graduate students in chemistry.

“I think most students want to contribute to society in terms of research. If we can actually find something that would help a lot of people, that would mean a lot to us,” said Swarnagowri Vaidyanathan, a doctoral student in bioengineering who is working on the project.

Other graduate student team members include Katie Childers and Zheng Zhao, both in bioengineering, as well as chemistry students Uditha Athapattu, Sachindra Gamage and Thilanga Nandana. Maggie Witek, associate research professor of chemistry, and Lulu Zhang, a postdoctoral chemistry student, are also working on the project.

“They basically stopped everything they were doing on their dissertation work to get this done,” Soper said. “Hats off to the graduate students. They’re working like crazy to get this done.”

The next step in the process is to conduct clinical trials of the test between now and the end of the year in order to obtain approval from the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration for widespread use. Once that happens, Soper said, “It’s a matter of manufacturing and getting it out to the market.”

Soper earned his doctorate in bioanalytical chemistry from KU in 1989 and returned to the university as a faculty member in 2016. He brought along his company, BioFluidica, which previously created new products to help doctors test for various types of cancers, including breast, colon and prostate cancer.

The new test, he said, will be adaptable for other viruses that come along in the future — and also to detect illnesses from cancer and radiation poisoning. “We can reprogram the chip so it can be used for other applications,” he said. “There’s many applications for our test, not just COVID-19.”

Soper said the University of Kansas is well-positioned for this kind of effort. A nanofabrication facility opened in Gray-Little Hall a year ago, which enables researchers to create the advanced tools used in the COVID-19 test.

“That’s provided the infrastructure, and that was a big investment by the university,” Soper said. “KU has the resources that we need to move this whole thing forward.”

LAWRENCE—Using "lab on a chip" technology, Foundation Distinguished Professor Steven Soper and graduate students in bioengineering and chemistry are developing a user-friendly COVID-19 test.“Eventually, our test will go into a home — like an early pregnancy test at home,” said Soper. “Anyone could do it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601481634995.jpeg" alt="Steven Soper" />
 <figcaption>Steven Soper</figcaption>
 </figure>Soper’s team, which includes a half-dozen graduate students in bioengineering and chemistry, is repurposing “lab on a chip” technology he had previously developed to give doctors simple tools to more easily and quickly diagnose conditions ranging from stroke to colon cancer. The goal is to get the new test to market “sooner than later, of course.”“We’re well-versed in this,” he said.The test uses a small plastic chip — about 38 by 42 millimeters — that contains 1.5 million tiny pillars, just 10 microns wide and 50 microns tall. Each pillar contains a piece of ribonucleic acid that “recognizes” a protein found in the COVID-19 virus particle.“When we flow saliva through this forest of pillars that have on the chip surfaces, this DNA molecule will look to bind to the virus particle,” Soper said. The chip will then be exposed to blue light, which will release the RNA-virus bound particles from the pillars and funnel them through a hole just 200 nanometers wide — creating an electrical signal that lets users see if they have the virus.That sounds complicated. For the user, though, taking the test will be very simple.“You take a saliva sample, you put it in the chip, and the chip does the processing,” Soper said. The whole process, including results, should take around 15 minutes. Current tests — including one used by KU — involve multiple steps, require a trained operator to implement the test and need an hour or two before results are available.Soper’s team has been working on the project since early June after researchers were allowed to return to their on-campus labs following KU’s shutdown in March. Funding for the effort comes from the National Institutes of Health. The group includes three graduate students in bioengineering and three graduate students in chemistry.“I think most students want to contribute to society in terms of research. If we can actually find something that would help a lot of people, that would mean a lot to us,” said Swarnagowri Vaidyanathan, a doctoral student in bioengineering who is working on the project.Other graduate student team members include Katie Childers and Zheng Zhao, both in bioengineering, as well as chemistry students Uditha Athapattu, Sachindra Gamage and Thilanga Nandana. Maggie Witek, associate research professor of chemistry, and Lulu Zhang, a postdoctoral chemistry student, are also working on the project.“They basically stopped everything they were doing on their dissertation work to get this done,” Soper said. “Hats off to the graduate students. They’re working like crazy to get this done.”The next step in the process is to conduct clinical trials of the test between now and the end of the year in order to obtain approval from the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration for widespread use. Once that happens, Soper said, “It’s a matter of manufacturing and getting it out to the market.”Soper earned his doctorate in bioanalytical chemistry from KU in 1989 and returned to the university as a faculty member in 2016. He brought along his company, BioFluidica, which previously created new products to help doctors test for various types of cancers, including breast, colon and prostate cancer.The new test, he said, will be adaptable for other viruses that come along in the future — and also to detect illnesses from cancer and radiation poisoning. “We can reprogram the chip so it can be used for other applications,” he said. “There’s many applications for our test, not just COVID-19.”Soper said the University of Kansas is well-positioned for this kind of effort. A nanofabrication facility opened in Gray-Little Hall a year ago, which enables researchers to create the advanced tools used in the COVID-19 test.“That’s provided the infrastructure, and that was a big investment by the university,” Soper said. “KU has the resources that we need to move this whole thing forward.”

KU researchers developing quick-turnaround COVID-19 test

By Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie County

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.

It may seem everything these days is COVID, COVID, COVID; however, we are about to enter “Flu Season”, and it may be more important than ever to get your flu shot.

Flu season peaks from December to February each year. Health experts are concerned another respiratory illness with the current COVID-19 pandemic could place a strain on our healthcare system and resources. Additionally, the winter season sees more people spending time indoors, in closer proximity to one another. This increases the risk of catching both diseases at once.

The ones most susceptible to the flu are the same as those most susceptible to COVID; the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Children may be hit particularly hard, and children being children, spread the virus more quickly.

The time to get a flu shot is early in the season, late September through October. This allows the body to develop an immune response before it is exposed to the flu. Receiving the vaccine in this time period “generally provides protection throughout the entire flu season,” states Josh Adler, MD, chief clinical officer of UCSH Health.

At this time, it is not known what having COVID-19 and the flu at the same time will do. However, as most respiratory infections in nature, both target the lungs.

Is getting a flu vaccine risky? Many doctor’s offices and health departments are offering walk-in or drive-thru clinics this year, to assist in separating healthy patients just wanting the vaccine, from other patients being seen for diagnosis or treatment. Many pharmacies are also providing shots. Yes, mitigation techniques for avoiding the spread of COVID-19 will also help mitigate the spread of the flu. However, with more areas opening up, and more indoor activities taking place – plus the gathering of families for the holidays, that increases togetherness, increased potential for exposure.

Best practices? Get your flu shot as soon as you can - Continue COVID-19 mitigation techniques including; Wear a mask; practice (at least) 6’ physical distancing; and wash your hands often.

By Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie CountyThis is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.It may seem everything these days is COVID, COVID, COVID; however, we are about to enter “Flu Season”, and it may be more important than ever to get your flu shot.Flu season peaks from December to February each year. Health experts are concerned another respiratory illness with the current COVID-19 pandemic could place a strain on our healthcare system and resources. Additionally, the winter season sees more people spending time indoors, in closer proximity to one another. This increases the risk of catching both diseases at once.The ones most susceptible to the flu are the same as those most susceptible to COVID; the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Children may be hit particularly hard, and children being children, spread the virus more quickly.The time to get a flu shot is early in the season, late September through October. This allows the body to develop an immune response before it is exposed to the flu. Receiving the vaccine in this time period “generally provides protection throughout the entire flu season,” states Josh Adler, MD, chief clinical officer of UCSH Health.At this time, it is not known what having COVID-19 and the flu at the same time will do. However, as most respiratory infections in nature, both target the lungs.Is getting a flu vaccine risky? Many doctor’s offices and health departments are offering walk-in or drive-thru clinics this year, to assist in separating healthy patients just wanting the vaccine, from other patients being seen for diagnosis or treatment. Many pharmacies are also providing shots. Yes, mitigation techniques for avoiding the spread of COVID-19 will also help mitigate the spread of the flu. However, with more areas opening up, and more indoor activities taking place – plus the gathering of families for the holidays, that increases togetherness, increased potential for exposure.Best practices? Get your flu shot as soon as you can - Continue COVID-19 mitigation techniques including; Wear a mask; practice (at least) 6’ physical distancing; and wash your hands often.

COVID Corner

In their daily report on COVID-19 Thursday the Geary County Health Department reported another death, bringing the total for the county to three since the pandemic began. The latest victim was a 49-year old man. Health Department expressed their sympathy to his friends and family for their loss.

Officials also reported that there were three other confirmed positive cases on Thursday and two recovered cases. There are 21 active cases in the county, and three people are hospitalized.

Since the start of the pandemic there have been 313 confirmed positive cases and 289 recovered cases.

In their daily report on COVID-19 Thursday the Geary County Health Department reported another death, bringing the total for the county to three since the pandemic began. The latest victim was a 49-year old man. Health Department expressed their sympathy to his friends and family for their loss.Officials also reported that there were three other confirmed positive cases on Thursday and two recovered cases. There are 21 active cases in the county, and three people are hospitalized.Since the start of the pandemic there have been 313 confirmed positive cases and 289 recovered cases.

Health Department confirms another COVID-19 related death

Manhattan Fire Department has received notification that a firefighter tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighter began showing symptoms while on duty and left work to be tested. That person recovering in isolation at their home.

The Fire Department started an investigation to determine the level of contact the employee had with other emergency personnel and the public during the course of their duties. Each employee who had close contact with the patient will be tested and those employees are currently in quarantine at their homes. The Riley County Health Department is also conducting contact tracing to determine contacts with the public and notify those individuals.&nbsp;

The Manhattan Fire Department will continue to provide fire, emergency and inspection services to the community during the pandemic. Plans and procedures are in place to limit staff exposure to the virus and ensure that personnel will always be available to carry out the mission of the Fire Department.

"We will continue to act quickly when any of our employees test positive or have had close contact with positive patients, said Manhattan Fire Chief Scott French. "As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are committed to providing the same high level of fire and emergency services to our residents as we always have."&nbsp;

The previous firefighter that tested positive last month has since recovered and returned to duty.

Manhattan Fire Department has received notification that a firefighter tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighter began showing symptoms while on duty and left work to be tested. That person recovering in isolation at their home.The Fire Department started an investigation to determine the level of contact the employee had with other emergency personnel and the public during the course of their duties. Each employee who had close contact with the patient will be tested and those employees are currently in quarantine at their homes. The Riley County Health Department is also conducting contact tracing to determine contacts with the public and notify those individuals.&nbsp;The Manhattan Fire Department will continue to provide fire, emergency and inspection services to the community during the pandemic. Plans and procedures are in place to limit staff exposure to the virus and ensure that personnel will always be available to carry out the mission of the Fire Department."We will continue to act quickly when any of our employees test positive or have had close contact with positive patients, said Manhattan Fire Chief Scott French. "As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are committed to providing the same high level of fire and emergency services to our residents as we always have."&nbsp;The previous firefighter that tested positive last month has since recovered and returned to duty.

Second Manhattan firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

Geary County health officials confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. There was one recovered case and four people are hospitalized. The county has 21 active cases.

Since the pandemic began there have been 310 positive cases, two deaths and 287 recovered cases.

Geary County health officials confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. There was one recovered case and four people are hospitalized. The county has 21 active cases.Since the pandemic began there have been 310 positive cases, two deaths and 287 recovered cases.

Health Department provides the daily COVID-19 update

Major General D.A. Sims, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, has instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine in accordance with CDC guidelines, for all service members returning from the National Training Center and the Republic of Korea. 

The Army said in a social media post that the action was being taken to protect the force from the additional spread of COVID-19. The quarantine is for the Service Member, and does not restrict family members' movement.

Sims noted that certain readiness activities and essential operations will continue to support day-to-day operations on Fort Riley. Therefore, he has authorized O6-level commanders to grant a 7-day quarantine for essential personnel, subject to the completion of a COVID test on day 7, and a subsequent negative result.

Given the potential for high-risk situations, assurance testing is available for particular Soldiers. Those who receive an assurance test will still be required to complete the 14-day quarantine. Furthermore Soldiers who live with a family member who has health concerns are authorized a government-provided alternative living space for the duration of the quarantine period.

Major General D.A. Sims, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, has instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine in accordance with CDC guidelines, for all service members returning from the National Training Center and the Republic of Korea. The Army said in a social media post that the action was being taken to protect the force from the additional spread of COVID-19. The quarantine is for the Service Member, and does not restrict family members' movement.Sims noted that certain readiness activities and essential operations will continue to support day-to-day operations on Fort Riley. Therefore, he has authorized O6-level commanders to grant a 7-day quarantine for essential personnel, subject to the completion of a COVID test on day 7, and a subsequent negative result.Given the potential for high-risk situations, assurance testing is available for particular Soldiers. Those who receive an assurance test will still be required to complete the 14-day quarantine. Furthermore Soldiers who live with a family member who has health concerns are authorized a government-provided alternative living space for the duration of the quarantine period.

Commanding general institutes mandatory 14-day quarantine for returning troops

Geary County health officials confirmed Tuesday that there were two new positive cases and two recovered cases of COVID-19. That left the total number of active&nbsp; cases in the county at 18.

There are now four positive COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital.

Geary County health officials confirmed Tuesday that there were two new positive cases and two recovered cases of COVID-19. That left the total number of active&nbsp; cases in the county at 18.There are now four positive COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital.

Coronavirus Update