As fall sports practices began at Junction City High School during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp; Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus said he felt really good. "We've worked hand in hand with the Health Department and school district. We've implemented some activities in the summer time which were very, very effective and put some procedures in place that were simple. Students and staff bought in."

There were no issues during the summer so Westerhaus said officials think those procedures will carry into the fall sports. "Hopefully we can provide our students an opportunity to participate. Wish we could guarantee nothing comes up but that can't be guaranteed. So we're going to put some things in place, some mitigation procedures and hopefully get something done.

Football, boys and girls cross country, girls tennis, boys soccer, girls golf and girls volleyball can now conduct practices for their upcoming seasons.

As fall sports practices began at Junction City High School during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp; Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus said he felt really good. "We've worked hand in hand with the Health Department and school district. We've implemented some activities in the summer time which were very, very effective and put some procedures in place that were simple. Students and staff bought in."There were no issues during the summer so Westerhaus said officials think those procedures will carry into the fall sports. "Hopefully we can provide our students an opportunity to participate. Wish we could guarantee nothing comes up but that can't be guaranteed. So we're going to put some things in place, some mitigation procedures and hopefully get something done.Football, boys and girls cross country, girls tennis, boys soccer, girls golf and girls volleyball can now conduct practices for their upcoming seasons.

Fall sports practices open at JCHS

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1282 to a total of 35,167 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 405, an increase of 3.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1282 to a total of 35,167 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 405, an increase of 3.<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/2020/8/1597683997667.png" alt="August 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>August 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has announced businesses will soon be able to apply for a total of more than $130 million in grants to serve those most affected by the pandemic and for companies that can expand broadband access in the state.

Information on SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs can now be found online at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief. Grant applications will be accepted beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wed., Aug. 19, 2020.

“These funds will both provide necessary immediate relief to businesses and contribute to a more strategic, competitive Kansas economy in the future,” said Governor Kelly. “I want&nbsp;

In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.

Aapplications for grants are being made available in the following categories:

• Small Business Working Capital Grants

Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.

PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new business while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.

• COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants

Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience related companies developing SARS-CoV2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical counter measures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.

• Connectivity Emergency Response Grants

The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning and other remote business services.

• Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants

The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible. 

• IT, Cybersecurity &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants 

To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity and IT project management.

• Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing Grants

This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations. 


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has announced businesses will soon be able to apply for a total of more than $130 million in grants to serve those most affected by the pandemic and for companies that can expand broadband access in the state.Information on SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs can now be found online at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief. Grant applications will be accepted beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wed., Aug. 19, 2020.“These funds will both provide necessary immediate relief to businesses and contribute to a more strategic, competitive Kansas economy in the future,” said Governor Kelly. “I want&nbsp;In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.Aapplications for grants are being made available in the following categories:• Small Business Working Capital GrantsKansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.• Securing Local Food Systems GrantsThe Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.• PPE Procurement GrantsThe PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.• PPE Manufacturing GrantsPPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new business while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.• COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration GrantsKansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience related companies developing SARS-CoV2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical counter measures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.• Connectivity Emergency Response GrantsThe Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning and other remote business services.• Broadband Partnership Adoption GrantsThe Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible. • IT, Cybersecurity &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity and IT project management.• Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing GrantsThis program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.

Governor Laura Kelly announces second round of CARES Act funding applications to open Aug. 19 at noon

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Trump’s top coronavirus adviser used a visit to Kansas to urge people to wear masks regardless of where they live.

“What’s really important for every Kansan to understand is that this epidemic that we have been seeing this summer is both urban and rural,” Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said Saturday. “So we are really asking all communities, whether you are urban or rural communities, to really wear a mask inside, outside, every day.”

She also stressed that people should socially distance and not have gatherings while in Kansas City, Kansas, for a meeting with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as community and state health officials at KU Medical Center.

“You can’t tell who’s infected,” Birx said. “Much of the spread is asymptomatic. I know we all want to believe that our family members cannot be positive. They are.”

Birx said when communities start seeing a rise in positive cases, leaders need to close the bars, restrict indoor dining, decrease social gatherings and ensure there’s a mask mandate.

“We have been doing that across the South and we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases where the population has followed those guidelines,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597516477980.png" alt="Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force in Kansas on Saturday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force in Kansas on Saturday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Trump’s top coronavirus adviser used a visit to Kansas to urge people to wear masks regardless of where they live.“What’s really important for every Kansan to understand is that this epidemic that we have been seeing this summer is both urban and rural,” Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said Saturday. “So we are really asking all communities, whether you are urban or rural communities, to really wear a mask inside, outside, every day.”She also stressed that people should socially distance and not have gatherings while in Kansas City, Kansas, for a meeting with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as community and state health officials at KU Medical Center.“You can’t tell who’s infected,” Birx said. “Much of the spread is asymptomatic. I know we all want to believe that our family members cannot be positive. They are.”Birx said when communities start seeing a rise in positive cases, leaders need to close the bars, restrict indoor dining, decrease social gatherings and ensure there’s a mask mandate.“We have been doing that across the South and we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases where the population has followed those guidelines,” she said.

Top coronavirus adviser meets with Kan. governor, health officials

Geary County has been allocated $6.3 million for COVID-19 Phase one relief. Keith Ascher, County Commission Chair, confirmed officials are talking about the possible use of some of that money for a new radio system.

Ascher noted that multiple agencies including Junction City, Geary County, Grandview Plaza have all been looking at the radio system for some time. "I think that the consensus was between the sheriff, police chief, the fire chief and emergency management that what commissioners heard was the one that touches everybody the most would be the radio system." A possible new command center is also being considered.

Ascher said the new radio system would help first responders and other organizations. But it would help the hospital, it would help the school district, it could be as far reaching as the city public works, county public works. The initial cost estimate for the radio system was $2.9 million but has now been reduced to just over $2 million, said Ascher. " That had some impact on our decision too."

The new system connects with a state radio system. Ascher said it would cover the far reaches of the county in the rural area. There would be radios in cars and portable units along with upgraded software.

The issue received discussion at a county commission meeting this past week at the County Office Building. The command center could still receive some consideration.

Final allocations of the COVID-19 money have not yet been made but will be soon.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County has been allocated $6.3 million for COVID-19 Phase one relief. Keith Ascher, County Commission Chair, confirmed officials are talking about the possible use of some of that money for a new radio system.Ascher noted that multiple agencies including Junction City, Geary County, Grandview Plaza have all been looking at the radio system for some time. "I think that the consensus was between the sheriff, police chief, the fire chief and emergency management that what commissioners heard was the one that touches everybody the most would be the radio system." A possible new command center is also being considered.Ascher said the new radio system would help first responders and other organizations. But it would help the hospital, it would help the school district, it could be as far reaching as the city public works, county public works. The initial cost estimate for the radio system was $2.9 million but has now been reduced to just over $2 million, said Ascher. " That had some impact on our decision too."The new system connects with a state radio system. Ascher said it would cover the far reaches of the county in the rural area. There would be radios in cars and portable units along with upgraded software.The issue received discussion at a county commission meeting this past week at the County Office Building. The command center could still receive some consideration.Final allocations of the COVID-19 money have not yet been made but will be soon.

County looks at possible new radio system purchase with COVID-19 relief money

As on-campus activities increase, remember face coverings are required on all K-State campuses. According to a social media release these should cover mouths and noses at all times while in any hallways, public spaces, classrooms and other common areas of campus buildings. 

They must also be worn when in offices/work spaces or outdoor settings when 6-feet physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The fall semester begins Monday at K-State.

As on-campus activities increase, remember face coverings are required on all K-State campuses. According to a social media release these should cover mouths and noses at all times while in any hallways, public spaces, classrooms and other common areas of campus buildings. They must also be worn when in offices/work spaces or outdoor settings when 6-feet physical distancing cannot be maintained.The fall semester begins Monday at K-State.

K-State reminds about face mask requirement on campuses

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.

The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.

But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.

That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.

“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.

Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.

President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.

It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.

Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.

No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.

Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.

“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.

It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.

The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.

“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”

A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.

“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.

It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.

In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.

“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”

But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.

The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.

“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.___

Science, politics tied up in global race for a vaccine

American Red Cross will host a blood drive on Tuesday ( Aug. 18 ) at the Army Wellness Center, 7285 Normandy Drive and at the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters at Fort Riley on Wednesday ( Aug. 19 ). The hours both days will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp;

Donors are by appointment only. For an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.&nbsp;

The Army noted that covid mitigation systems will be in place.

American Red Cross will host a blood drive on Tuesday ( Aug. 18 ) at the Army Wellness Center, 7285 Normandy Drive and at the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters at Fort Riley on Wednesday ( Aug. 19 ). The hours both days will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp;Donors are by appointment only. For an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.&nbsp;The Army noted that covid mitigation systems will be in place.

Fort Riley will be the site of a blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday

The Geary County Health Department will be closed to the public until Aug. 26 because two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. The two people are isolating at home.

Those Geary County residents who are a close contact of the confirmed cases will be notified by the Health Department and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19. They include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, diarrhea and / or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

If symptoms develop stay home and contact your health care provider or the health department for guidance on testing. In an emergency call 911 and notify first responders that you were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and, if possible, wear a cloth face mask before they arrive.

"We are all vulnerable to this disease, " said Tammy Von Busch, Health Department Director. "COVID-19 doesn't pick and choose a specific population or profession. It can impact all of us and it is absolutely critical for every one of us to take the appropriate precautions."

Geary County Health Department implemented in May a number of precautions to safeguard the general public who were in the facility, including:

• Staff wearing masks during all interactions with the public

• Screening of staff and patients when entering the facility

• Plexiglass barrier at the front desks

• Disinfecting between patients, including the waiting room, exam rooms, chairs, and door handles.

The Health Department encourages residents to continue practicing good hand hygiene, practice social distancing and wear masks when in public settings to mitigate potential spread.

The Geary County Health Department will be closed to the public until Aug. 26 because two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. The two people are isolating at home.Those Geary County residents who are a close contact of the confirmed cases will be notified by the Health Department and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19. They include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, diarrhea and / or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.If symptoms develop stay home and contact your health care provider or the health department for guidance on testing. In an emergency call 911 and notify first responders that you were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and, if possible, wear a cloth face mask before they arrive."We are all vulnerable to this disease, " said Tammy Von Busch, Health Department Director. "COVID-19 doesn't pick and choose a specific population or profession. It can impact all of us and it is absolutely critical for every one of us to take the appropriate precautions."Geary County Health Department implemented in May a number of precautions to safeguard the general public who were in the facility, including:• Staff wearing masks during all interactions with the public• Screening of staff and patients when entering the facility• Plexiglass barrier at the front desks• Disinfecting between patients, including the waiting room, exam rooms, chairs, and door handles.The Health Department encourages residents to continue practicing good hand hygiene, practice social distancing and wear masks when in public settings to mitigate potential spread.

Two Geary County Health Department staffers have tested positive for COVID-19

Geary County health officials confirmed on Friday that there are eight new positive cases of COVID-19. They include men ages 40, 32, 22, 51 and 25 plus women ages 21, 60 and 19.

There are currently 36 active cases in Geary County and one person hospitalized. There have been two deaths and there are 30 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Geary County health officials confirmed on Friday that there are eight new positive cases of COVID-19. They include men ages 40, 32, 22, 51 and 25 plus women ages 21, 60 and 19.There are currently 36 active cases in Geary County and one person hospitalized. There have been two deaths and there are 30 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Eight new cases of COVID-19 have occurred in Geary County

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Kansas City will require residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public places until at least Jan. 16, Mayor Quinton<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1421/16"> Lucas announced Thursday.</a>

The mayor and Rex Archer, director of the city's health department, said cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Kansas City area, and the virus is likely to stay until a vaccine becomes widely available.

The order means people will be required to wear masks in indoor areas where social distancing is not possible. It includes some exceptions, such as people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear masks. Bars and restaurants will continue to be limited to 50% capacity.

Kansas City has seen increasing numbers of cases this summer, averaging at least 100 confirmed cases nearly every day for weeks.

The state of Missouri also has seen a steady increase in cases, and on Thursday added 1,267 more, bringing the state total to 63,797 since the pandemic began. Missouri reported two new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 1,325.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597411835075.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Kansas City will require residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public places until at least Jan. 16, Mayor Quinton<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1421/16"> Lucas announced Thursday.</a>The mayor and Rex Archer, director of the city's health department, said cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Kansas City area, and the virus is likely to stay until a vaccine becomes widely available.The order means people will be required to wear masks in indoor areas where social distancing is not possible. It includes some exceptions, such as people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear masks. Bars and restaurants will continue to be limited to 50% capacity.Kansas City has seen increasing numbers of cases this summer, averaging at least 100 confirmed cases nearly every day for weeks.The state of Missouri also has seen a steady increase in cases, and on Thursday added 1,267 more, bringing the state total to 63,797 since the pandemic began. Missouri reported two new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 1,325.

Kansas City extends COVID-19 restrictions to mid-January

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sports teams are offering an early glimpse of the challenges of protecting students from the coronavirus as schools prepare to open. Wyandotte County announced Thursday that it is barring non-professional athletes from competing this fall in football, volleyball and soccer because of virus concerns. The order also bars marching band events. 

The district in Kansas City, Kansas, called off its fall sports season earlier this week. The new order applies to public schools, private schools, higher education and non-professional sports clubs and organizations in the county. 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says nine coronavirus clusters have been tied to sports, with 64 cases as of last week.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sports teams are offering an early glimpse of the challenges of protecting students from the coronavirus as schools prepare to open. Wyandotte County announced Thursday that it is barring non-professional athletes from competing this fall in football, volleyball and soccer because of virus concerns. The order also bars marching band events. The district in Kansas City, Kansas, called off its fall sports season earlier this week. The new order applies to public schools, private schools, higher education and non-professional sports clubs and organizations in the county. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says nine coronavirus clusters have been tied to sports, with 64 cases as of last week.

Virus tests sports programs as schools prepare to reopen

Geary County health officials on Wednesday confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19.&nbsp; They include women ages 27 and 19, and two men ages 77 and 17.&nbsp;

There are 28 active cases in the county and 127 people have recovered. There were two deaths. One person is hospitalized. There are 46 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Geary County health officials on Wednesday confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19.&nbsp; They include women ages 27 and 19, and two men ages 77 and 17.&nbsp;There are 28 active cases in the county and 127 people have recovered. There were two deaths. One person is hospitalized. There are 46 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Four new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Geary County

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in three Kansas counties say a new state law is hurting their efforts to trace the contacts of people infected with COVID-19 by making it easier for them to refuse to cooperate.

Public health departments often rely on employers to find out who has been in close contact with those infected, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/HATC-special-edition-summary-of-HB2016" target="_blank">the coronavirus law</a>&nbsp;that was approved in June says “third parties,” such as employers and event hosts, must get consent from those who tested positive for COVID-19 and close contacts in order to share their information to public health agencies.

“Our disease investigators hold confidentiality to the utmost importance,” said Adrienne Byrne, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita. “So I’m not sure what all went behind that bill, but it has not been good for public health because being able to do contact tracing helps us identify people that might turn positive and get them out of circulation to help stop the spread of the disease.”

Kansas reported Wednesday that its confirmed and probable coronavirus cases were over 32,500, up more than 6,000 over the past two weeks.

While lawmakers deliberated the coronavirus response bill in June, Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020-news-releases/2020/06/01/ag-derek-schmidt-recommends-legislature-enact-law-during-special-session-to-regulate-contact-tracing" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that they include “a legal framework″ for protecting privacy and civil liberties. Schmidt spokesman John Milburn said in an email to the Associated Press that “the alternative to voluntary contact tracing is government-compelled contact tracing.”

“We do not believe Kansans should be threatened with government-imposed penalties if they decline to disclose with whom they associate or where they have been, at least not without judicial supervision,” he said.

The law passed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3a112f6630e3e1f48b7eafc1481ea3e6">weeks of dispute&nbsp;</a>between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top Republicans over her handling of the pandemic. Contact tracers and case investigators who violate the law can be charged with a class C misdemeanor.

“If we have to go in and try to get consent, it really just slows the whole process down,” Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s top public health official, said this week.

Coronavirus outbreaks in Wyandotte County have most commonly occurred at workplaces, said Elizabeth Groenweghe, the county health department’s chief epidemiologist.

The new law will “make it a bit more challenging to do the contact tracing in the workplace and help the workplace identify who needs to be quarantined, which could impact and perpetuate outbreaks within the workplace,” Groenweghe said.

The law also prevents people infected with COVID-19 and close contacts from being “compelled to participate in” contact tracing. Contact tracers and case investigators are now required to read a statement — or create their own version of it — informing recent close contacts that cooperating with health officials is voluntary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.

Elizabeth Holzschuh, a Johnson County epidemiologist, said she thinks the statement makes it easier for people to decline to participate.

“I think that in particular with a disease such as this, where the implications are so great at this moment in time, in the middle of a pandemic, I certainly think that greater participation would help us slow transmission,” Holzschuh said.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in three Kansas counties say a new state law is hurting their efforts to trace the contacts of people infected with COVID-19 by making it easier for them to refuse to cooperate.Public health departments often rely on employers to find out who has been in close contact with those infected, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/HATC-special-edition-summary-of-HB2016" target="_blank">the coronavirus law</a>&nbsp;that was approved in June says “third parties,” such as employers and event hosts, must get consent from those who tested positive for COVID-19 and close contacts in order to share their information to public health agencies.“Our disease investigators hold confidentiality to the utmost importance,” said Adrienne Byrne, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita. “So I’m not sure what all went behind that bill, but it has not been good for public health because being able to do contact tracing helps us identify people that might turn positive and get them out of circulation to help stop the spread of the disease.”Kansas reported Wednesday that its confirmed and probable coronavirus cases were over 32,500, up more than 6,000 over the past two weeks.While lawmakers deliberated the coronavirus response bill in June, Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020-news-releases/2020/06/01/ag-derek-schmidt-recommends-legislature-enact-law-during-special-session-to-regulate-contact-tracing" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that they include “a legal framework″ for protecting privacy and civil liberties. Schmidt spokesman John Milburn said in an email to the Associated Press that “the alternative to voluntary contact tracing is government-compelled contact tracing.”“We do not believe Kansans should be threatened with government-imposed penalties if they decline to disclose with whom they associate or where they have been, at least not without judicial supervision,” he said.The law passed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3a112f6630e3e1f48b7eafc1481ea3e6">weeks of dispute&nbsp;</a>between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top Republicans over her handling of the pandemic. Contact tracers and case investigators who violate the law can be charged with a class C misdemeanor.“If we have to go in and try to get consent, it really just slows the whole process down,” Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s top public health official, said this week.Coronavirus outbreaks in Wyandotte County have most commonly occurred at workplaces, said Elizabeth Groenweghe, the county health department’s chief epidemiologist.The new law will “make it a bit more challenging to do the contact tracing in the workplace and help the workplace identify who needs to be quarantined, which could impact and perpetuate outbreaks within the workplace,” Groenweghe said.The law also prevents people infected with COVID-19 and close contacts from being “compelled to participate in” contact tracing. Contact tracers and case investigators are now required to read a statement — or create their own version of it — informing recent close contacts that cooperating with health officials is voluntary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.Elizabeth Holzschuh, a Johnson County epidemiologist, said she thinks the statement makes it easier for people to decline to participate.“I think that in particular with a disease such as this, where the implications are so great at this moment in time, in the middle of a pandemic, I certainly think that greater participation would help us slow transmission,” Holzschuh said.___

Kansas officials say new COVID-19 law hurts contact tracing

During the peak of COVID-19 there were 50,000 Soldiers including active duty, National Guard and reserve supporting the effort to help deal with the pandemic. That message was conveyed to a Military Affairs Council audience at the Milford Lake Conference Center by Michael Grinston, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Thursday morning. "That are out making sure that our hospitals are still running, making sure that we could protect the nation at home."

Grinston noted that there was also a need to return to training. "They sent us out. The Chief ( Chief of Staff of the Army, James McConville ) went to all the training bases and said how do we bring Soldiers into the Army. We have to do this, we've got to protect the force, keep us safe so we can protect the nation whenever we're called."

Grinston reported that 178,000 U.S. Soldiers are currently forward deployed across the globe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597327178184.jpeg" alt="Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston - Photo courtesy Military Affairs Council, Junction City" />
 <figcaption>Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston - Photo courtesy Military Affairs Council, Junction City</figcaption>
 </figure>During the peak of COVID-19 there were 50,000 Soldiers including active duty, National Guard and reserve supporting the effort to help deal with the pandemic. That message was conveyed to a Military Affairs Council audience at the Milford Lake Conference Center by Michael Grinston, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Thursday morning. "That are out making sure that our hospitals are still running, making sure that we could protect the nation at home."Grinston noted that there was also a need to return to training. "They sent us out. The Chief ( Chief of Staff of the Army, James McConville ) went to all the training bases and said how do we bring Soldiers into the Army. We have to do this, we've got to protect the force, keep us safe so we can protect the nation whenever we're called."Grinston reported that 178,000 U.S. Soldiers are currently forward deployed across the globe.

Sergeant Major of the Army addresses military support and training during COVID-19

Based on the current enrollment numbers for Geary USD 475, 35 percent of the students up to this point have chosen the remote learning option for the upcoming school year.

According to Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent, there are 3,248 students enrolled in grades K-5 with 852 of&nbsp; them in the remote learning category.&nbsp;

At Fort Riley Middle School 335 students have enrolled in the on-site brick and mortar option for school while 163 or 33 percent have chosen remote learning. Fort Junction City Middle School there are 885 in brick and mortar and 304 in remote learning, or 35 percent.

At Junction City High School the total enrollment is 1,279 student with 35 percent of them in remote learning.&nbsp;

Classes begin for students on Aug. 31.&nbsp; Remote learning enrollment is closed but students can still enroll in the on-site option.

Based on the current enrollment numbers for Geary USD 475, 35 percent of the students up to this point have chosen the remote learning option for the upcoming school year.According to Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent, there are 3,248 students enrolled in grades K-5 with 852 of&nbsp; them in the remote learning category.&nbsp;At Fort Riley Middle School 335 students have enrolled in the on-site brick and mortar option for school while 163 or 33 percent have chosen remote learning. Fort Junction City Middle School there are 885 in brick and mortar and 304 in remote learning, or 35 percent.At Junction City High School the total enrollment is 1,279 student with 35 percent of them in remote learning.&nbsp;Classes begin for students on Aug. 31.&nbsp; Remote learning enrollment is closed but students can still enroll in the on-site option.

Thirty-five percent of USD 475 students are enrolled in remote learning

The Geary County Health Department Wednesday confirmed 1 new positive COVID-19 case involving a 44-year old man. There have been 153 cases in the county since the pandemic began. There are currently 27 active cases. A total of 124 people have been recovered.

One person is hospitalized and there have been two deaths. There are persons under investigation where tests are pending.

There were six new cases Wednesday in Riley County and one in Pottawatomie County.

The Geary County Health Department Wednesday confirmed 1 new positive COVID-19 case involving a 44-year old man. There have been 153 cases in the county since the pandemic began. There are currently 27 active cases. A total of 124 people have been recovered.One person is hospitalized and there have been two deaths. There are persons under investigation where tests are pending.There were six new cases Wednesday in Riley County and one in Pottawatomie County.

One new COVID-19 case is reported in Geary County

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Staff members at USD 342, McLouth in Jefferson County, Kansas tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents and posted on the district's web site.

Per the district's established protocol, they have closed off the building so that it can be thoroughly clean and disinfected.

The building will remain closed through Friday and is scheduled to reopen Monday, according to the letter.

"We are also in contact with the Jefferson County Department of Health and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our McLouth family.&nbsp; The individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school until their isolation period is complete and they are symptom free."

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Jefferson County Health Department.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Staff members at USD 342, McLouth in Jefferson County, Kansas tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents and posted on the district's web site.Per the district's established protocol, they have closed off the building so that it can be thoroughly clean and disinfected.The building will remain closed through Friday and is scheduled to reopen Monday, according to the letter."We are also in contact with the Jefferson County Department of Health and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our McLouth family.&nbsp; The individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school until their isolation period is complete and they are symptom free."The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Jefferson County Health Department.

Kan. district closes school building after staff has COVID-19

UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the wording "out-of-state" to the section about mass gatherings of 500 or greater. That wording was left off of a news release sent to media, however it does appear in the information on the KDHE website.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list, removing the state of Florida and adding attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings greater than 500 people, according to a media release from the agency.

Additionally, those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain.

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

<a>Others needing to continue quarantining:</a>

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the wording "out-of-state" to the section about mass gatherings of 500 or greater. That wording was left off of a news release sent to media, however it does appear in the information on the KDHE website.TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list, removing the state of Florida and adding attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings greater than 500 people, according to a media release from the agency.Additionally, those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain.This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:<ul>
 <li><a>Attended/traveled to out-of-state mass gathering events of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.</a></li><li>Traveled to/from Florida between June 29 – August 11.&nbsp;</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.</li><li><a>International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow&nbsp;</a><a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Ftravelers%2Ffrom-other-countries.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cadde893d0d024bf0fc9908d83e22597a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637327664750923792&amp;sdata=yVP2xONlDfuahO%2F%2BZw%2BSmd5D9qZDYGMEGSOOvrpDjUg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">CDC guidance and protocols</a>.</li>
 </ul><a>Others needing to continue quarantining:</a><ul>
 <li>Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.</li><li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.</li>
 </ul>Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

UPDATE: Quarantine after out-of-state mass gatherings of 500+ 

MANHATTAN — Ventilation issues will keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://recservices.k-state.edu/pools/" target="_blank">Natatorium</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University closed through the fall 2020 semester and the university will begin plans to close the aging facility permanently within three years. The on-campus indoor swimming facility was closed in March when K-State went to limited operations status. The decision to keep the Natatorium closed for the upcoming semester was made following an assessment of all campus building ventilation systems as part of the university's reopening process. "Due to the ventilation issues identified at the Natatorium, the university has decided to keep the facility closed this fall," said Jeff Morris, vice president for communications and marketing. "A decision on its use during the spring semester will be announced later." The Natatorium opened in 1975 and is operated by K-State Facilities. It is used by students, faculty and staff; UFM Community Learning Center; USD 383; and&nbsp;the Manhattan Marlins,&nbsp;a local swim club, through programs offered by UFM and K-State Recreational Services. Refunds will be given to those who purchased Natatorium Recreational Services memberships, and arrangements have been made&nbsp;for the Global Campus/UFM Scuba class to move to Junction City. UFM community swim classes are canceled for the fall semester. Morris said while the university understands the inconvenience the closing is causing, the cost of maintaining the Natatorium is behind the decision to close it within three years. "A 2018 engineering study identified $4 million in needed repairs," Morris said. "While the fees assessed to the various users of the facility are enough to cover the direct costs for its use, the university also must spend an additional $150,000-$200,000 a year on utilities, supplies and maintenance and repairs. It's just no longer fiscally viable or safe for the university to continue its use." USD 383 and the Manhattan Marlins swim club will be notified about the university's short-term and long-term plans.&nbsp;

K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — Ventilation issues will keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://recservices.k-state.edu/pools/" target="_blank">Natatorium</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University closed through the fall 2020 semester and the university will begin plans to close the aging facility permanently within three years. The on-campus indoor swimming facility was closed in March when K-State went to limited operations status. The decision to keep the Natatorium closed for the upcoming semester was made following an assessment of all campus building ventilation systems as part of the university's reopening process. "Due to the ventilation issues identified at the Natatorium, the university has decided to keep the facility closed this fall," said Jeff Morris, vice president for communications and marketing. "A decision on its use during the spring semester will be announced later." The Natatorium opened in 1975 and is operated by K-State Facilities. It is used by students, faculty and staff; UFM Community Learning Center; USD 383; and&nbsp;the Manhattan Marlins,&nbsp;a local swim club, through programs offered by UFM and K-State Recreational Services. Refunds will be given to those who purchased Natatorium Recreational Services memberships, and arrangements have been made&nbsp;for the Global Campus/UFM Scuba class to move to Junction City. UFM community swim classes are canceled for the fall semester. Morris said while the university understands the inconvenience the closing is causing, the cost of maintaining the Natatorium is behind the decision to close it within three years. "A 2018 engineering study identified $4 million in needed repairs," Morris said. "While the fees assessed to the various users of the facility are enough to cover the direct costs for its use, the university also must spend an additional $150,000-$200,000 a year on utilities, supplies and maintenance and repairs. It's just no longer fiscally viable or safe for the university to continue its use." USD 383 and the Manhattan Marlins swim club will be notified about the university's short-term and long-term plans.&nbsp; K-State News and Communications Services

K-State natatorium to remain closed during the fall

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed 5 new positive COVID-19 cases.

Current complete case information was not available but those diagnosed did include a 6 month old, 6 year old, 42, 45 and 58 year old individuals.&nbsp;

Emergency Management confirmed that 18 of the recent cases diagnosed in Geary County involved people with ties to the Faith Tabernacle Church at 1010 Burke Drive in Junction City.

Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director, said Monday that anyone who attended the Church between Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 8, is at risk for potential exposure and should self-monitor for symptoms 14 days from the date of attendance.

There are currently 26 active cases in the county. There have been two deaths and one person is hospitalized. A total of 124 people have recovered. There are 22 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed 5 new positive COVID-19 cases.Current complete case information was not available but those diagnosed did include a 6 month old, 6 year old, 42, 45 and 58 year old individuals.&nbsp;Emergency Management confirmed that 18 of the recent cases diagnosed in Geary County involved people with ties to the Faith Tabernacle Church at 1010 Burke Drive in Junction City.Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director, said Monday that anyone who attended the Church between Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 8, is at risk for potential exposure and should self-monitor for symptoms 14 days from the date of attendance.There are currently 26 active cases in the county. There have been two deaths and one person is hospitalized. A total of 124 people have recovered. There are 22 persons under investigation where test results are pending.

Five new positive COVID-19 cases are reported in Geary County

Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher said Monday that there is still an issue with traffic control in the County Office Building due to COVID-19 and trying to keep people separated and distanced. They invited department heads within the building and the sheriff to attend a meeting on the issue.

Ascher said they will try to find a short term solution. "there will probably be for lack of a better term, an ad hoc committee with about four or five department heads here and the sheriff sometime this week." That committee will develop recommendations to get the county through the end of the year, said Ascher. "Probably a bigger scope, we just need to look because this is probably going to drag out so we need to look toward the future.&nbsp; How far out that is nobody knows."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597157986260.jpeg" alt="Keith Ascher, Geary County Commission Chair" />
 <figcaption>Keith Ascher, Geary County Commission Chair</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher said Monday that there is still an issue with traffic control in the County Office Building due to COVID-19 and trying to keep people separated and distanced. They invited department heads within the building and the sheriff to attend a meeting on the issue.Ascher said they will try to find a short term solution. "there will probably be for lack of a better term, an ad hoc committee with about four or five department heads here and the sheriff sometime this week." That committee will develop recommendations to get the county through the end of the year, said Ascher. "Probably a bigger scope, we just need to look because this is probably going to drag out so we need to look toward the future.&nbsp; How far out that is nobody knows."

County will seek a short term traffic control solution in the County Office Building

Geary County Health Department officials have identified multiple COVID-19 cases linked to the Faith Tabernacle Church at 1010 Burke Drive in Junction City.

Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director, said anyone who attended the Church between Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 8, is at risk for potential exposure and should self-monitor for symptoms 14 days from the date of attendance. 

Individuals are advised to contact their primary care provider if they develop any of the following symptoms including a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit, chill, rigors, myalgia which is muscle pain or aches, malaise, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, or nausea and vomiting.

Individuals are encouraged to contact their provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands,&nbsp; avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.


Geary County Health Department officials have identified multiple COVID-19 cases linked to the Faith Tabernacle Church at 1010 Burke Drive in Junction City.Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director, said anyone who attended the Church between Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 8, is at risk for potential exposure and should self-monitor for symptoms 14 days from the date of attendance. Individuals are advised to contact their primary care provider if they develop any of the following symptoms including a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit, chill, rigors, myalgia which is muscle pain or aches, malaise, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, or nausea and vomiting.Individuals are encouraged to contact their provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19.Human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.·Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands,&nbsp; avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Recent COVID-19 cases are linked to Faith Tabernacle Church

Current information available Monday (08/10/20) from the Geary County Health Department confirmed that there have been 148 positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are currently 23 active cases, 123 people have recovered, and there have been two fatalities. One person is currently hospitalized.&nbsp; A total of 8 people have been hospitalized and there are 22 persons under investigation awaiting test results.&nbsp;

Current information available Monday (08/10/20) from the Geary County Health Department confirmed that there have been 148 positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are currently 23 active cases, 123 people have recovered, and there have been two fatalities. One person is currently hospitalized.&nbsp; A total of 8 people have been hospitalized and there are 22 persons under investigation awaiting test results.&nbsp;

COVID-19 numbers are provided by County Officials

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/kdhe-secretary-warns-of-lethal-brew-yearns-for-mask-mandate-says-schools-not-yet-safe/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Bars and house 
parties are an antidote of choice among Kansans laboring with 
coronavirus frustration and willing to rub shoulders with friends or 
strangers.

Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said on the Kansas 
Reflector podcast these boozy environments also harbor perils of 
COVID-19 for anyone rejecting advice to social distance, wash hands and 
wear a mask.

“They just immerse in 
virus when they do that,” Norman said. “There’s usually music. When 
people speak loudly, there’s airborne droplets. And they’re very close 
to each other. It is absolutely a lethal brew.”

Norman said he was 
distressed only 15 of the state’s 105 counties embraced Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s recommendation of a mask mandate. The public health value of 
requiring people to cover their mouth and nose when in public has been 
undermined by government officials who discounted potential of the virus
 or viewed government edicts as infringement of individual liberties.

“I would love to see a 
mask&nbsp;mandate,” Norman said. “People can be outside and not&nbsp;have a mask 
on, if they’re distanced and they’re walking in a park or those kind of 
things. When you can’t control your environment, and you’re getting 
anywhere close to people, put a mask on.”

He said the state’s K-12 
education system and the colleges and universities weren’t prepared to 
resume in-person instruction in August.

Some local school boards 
decided to delay opening until after Labor Day in September, but the 
Kansas Board of Education rejected the governor’s proposal to hold off 
until Sept. 9. Kelly argued school districts needed more time to prepare
 for an educational environment invaded by COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597071808051.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman says during a recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast that he would prefer mask mandates to curtail the spread of COVID-19. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman says during a recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast that he would prefer mask mandates to curtail the spread of COVID-19. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/873134704&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/health-secretary-lee-norman-yearns-for-mask-mandate" title="Health secretary Lee Norman warns of &#x27;lethal brew&#x27;" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Health secretary Lee Norman warns of &#x27;lethal brew&#x27;</a></div></div>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/kdhe-secretary-warns-of-lethal-brew-yearns-for-mask-mandate-says-schools-not-yet-safe/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Bars and house 
parties are an antidote of choice among Kansans laboring with 
coronavirus frustration and willing to rub shoulders with friends or 
strangers.Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said on the Kansas 
Reflector podcast these boozy environments also harbor perils of 
COVID-19 for anyone rejecting advice to social distance, wash hands and 
wear a mask.“They just immerse in 
virus when they do that,” Norman said. “There’s usually music. When 
people speak loudly, there’s airborne droplets. And they’re very close 
to each other. It is absolutely a lethal brew.”Norman said he was 
distressed only 15 of the state’s 105 counties embraced Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s recommendation of a mask mandate. The public health value of 
requiring people to cover their mouth and nose when in public has been 
undermined by government officials who discounted potential of the virus
 or viewed government edicts as infringement of individual liberties.“I would love to see a 
mask&nbsp;mandate,” Norman said. “People can be outside and not&nbsp;have a mask 
on, if they’re distanced and they’re walking in a park or those kind of 
things. When you can’t control your environment, and you’re getting 
anywhere close to people, put a mask on.”He said the state’s K-12 
education system and the colleges and universities weren’t prepared to 
resume in-person instruction in August.Some local school boards 
decided to delay opening until after Labor Day in September, but the 
Kansas Board of Education rejected the governor’s proposal to hold off 
until Sept. 9. Kelly argued school districts needed more time to prepare
 for an educational environment invaded by COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597072174250.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman sketches a chart showing a midsummer resurgence of infections in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman sketches a chart showing a midsummer resurgence of infections in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The reason for that was 
pretty obvious. The number of cases is going up and, quite honestly, to 
make a safe environment for K through 12, or for that matter, higher ed.
 We’re not there yet,” the secretary said.Norman said controversial 
decisions by the governor to close schools to in-person teaching in 
March and to issue a shelter-in-place directive in April were the two 
factors early in the pandemic that had a beneficial influence on spread 
of the virus.The governor’s phased plan
 for reopening the state’s economy was initiated in May but subsequently
 derailed by the Kansas Legislature. It was anchored in health-related 
metrics that took into account needs of businesses to resume operations,
 he said.“I’ve been a chief medical
 officer at very large health systems, and I know the importance of the 
bottom line. It’s always been top of mind.&nbsp;I don’t ever make 
recommendations in a vacuum,” Norman said. “And&nbsp;that’s true with schools
 as well. Schools are much more than just teaching and learning. It’s 
about socialization, nutrition, mental health.”So far, the virus has been
 confirmed as a contributing factor in the death of 380 people and 
hospitalization of 1,875 individuals in Kansas. There have been 30,638 
positive tests and 285,874 negative tests for the virus across the 
state.Here’s the top dozen 
counties of confirmed infections: Johnson, 5,637; Wyandotte, 4,961; 
Sedgwick, 4,935; Ford, 2,161; Finney, 1,706; Shawnee, 1,522; 
Leavenworth, 1,487, Seward, 1,144; Douglas, 717; and Lyon, 668, Riley, 
438; and Crawford, 395.Norman, who has faced 
criticism from elected politicians and a skeptical public, said he 
continued to worry that not enough Kansans took COVID-19 seriously.“We can’t make people take
 it seriously. Rules help,” he said. “I think what’s going to happen is 
that people are going to get ground down and will either say, ‘I guess 
we have to take this seriously and I’m going to personally be 
responsible for myself and maybe my family members.’ Or, are they the 
other? They can just say, ‘Heck with it. Let’s just throw open the 
doors. I’m done.’ "Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

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