Riley County has 18 new positive cases over the weekend,&nbsp;since Friday’s report, and 9 more recovered. The Health Department said totals are now 150 (+9) active, 202 (+9) recovered. Almost 60% of all positive patients in Riley County have been between the ages of 18-24. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has no (0) COVID-19 patients and two PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The public can access a summary of the data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=6d66a06a00&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Riley County Statistics for Monday, July 13, 2020:

*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

Riley County has 18 new positive cases over the weekend,&nbsp;since Friday’s report, and 9 more recovered. The Health Department said totals are now 150 (+9) active, 202 (+9) recovered. Almost 60% of all positive patients in Riley County have been between the ages of 18-24. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has no (0) COVID-19 patients and two PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The public can access a summary of the data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=6d66a06a00&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.Riley County Statistics for Monday, July 13, 2020:<ol>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;355**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;150</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;202</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 0</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;169</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;3,437</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;43.7% (155) &nbsp;&nbsp;Male: 56.3% (200)</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;30.1 years</li>
 </ol>*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

Positive COVID-19 cases in Riley County continue to climb upward

As the Trump administration pushes full steam ahead to force schools to resume in-person education, public health experts warn that a one-size-fits-all reopening could drive infection and death rates even higher.

They’re urging a more cautious approach, which many local governments and school districts are already pursuing.

But U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos doubled down on President Donald Trump’s insistence that kids can safely return to the classroom.

“There’s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous,” she told Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.”

Still, health experts say there are too many uncertainties and variables for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3d8baf703ae4ff1af917b6202d26888">back-to-school to be back-to-normal.</a>

Where is the virus spreading rapidly? Do students live with aged grandparents? Do teachers have high-risk health conditions that would make online teaching safest? Do infected children easily spread COVID-19 to each other and to adults?

Regarding the latter, some evidence suggests they don’t, but a big government study aims to find better proof. Results won’t be available before the fall, and some schools are slated to reopen in just a few weeks.

“These are complicated issues. You can’t just charge straight ahead,” Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday during an online briefing.

Children infected with coronavirus are more likely than adults to have mild illnesses, but their risk for severe disease and death isn’t zero. While a virus-linked inflammatory condition is uncommon, most children who develop it require intensive care, and a few have died. Doctors don’t know which children are at risk.

“The single most important thing we can do to keep our schools safe has nothing to do with what happens in school. It’s how well we control COVID-19 in the community,” Frieden said. “Right now there are places around the country where the virus is spreading explosively and it would be difficult if not impossible to operate schools safely until the virus is under better control.”

Zahrah Wattier teaches high school in Galveston, Texas, where cases and deaths have been spiking. Until the state recently said schools must reopen to in-person classes, her district had been weighing options many others are considering, including full-time online teaching or a hybrid mix.

Wattier’s school has mostly Hispanic and Black students, many from low-income families; almost 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches and many have parents who work in “essential” jobs that increase potential exposure to the virus. Online education was hard for many with limited internet access, and Wattier knows in-person classes can help even the playing field.

“My school has over 2,000 students. That’s over 2,000 exposures in a day,” said Wattier, whose parents live with the family and are both high-risk. “It’s a lot to think about. It’s my job. It’s something I choose to do, it’s something I love. Now it comes at a really high risk.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics, whose guidance the Trump administration has cited to support its demands, says the goal is for all students to be physically present in school. But, it adds, districts must be flexible, consult with health authorities and be ready to pivot as virus activity waxes and wanes.

“It is not that the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks this is a done deal because we have put out guidance,” said Dr. Nicholas Beers, a member of the academy’s school health council. “But what we do know is that we need to have a more realistic dialogue about the implications of virtual learning on the future of children. We have left whole swaths of society behind, whether it’s because they have limited access to a computer, or broadband internet,” or because of other challenges that online education can’t address.

DeVos said local school officials are smart enough to know when conditions are not right.

“There’s going to be the exception to the rule, but the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall,” she told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“And where there are little flare-ups or hot spots, that can be dealt with on a school by school or a case by case basis.”

Following CDC and academy guidelines would mean big changes for most schools. Mask-wearing would be strongly encouraged for adult staff and students except the youngest. Desks would be distanced at least 3 feet apart; the CDC recommends 6 feet. Both suggest limiting adults allowed in schools, including parents, and canceling group activities like choir and assemblies. Staggered arrival and dismissal times, outdoor classes, and keeping kids in the same classroom all day are other options.

President Trump has threatened federal funding cuts for districts that don’t fully reopen.

DeVos defended that stance, saying, “American investment in education is a promise to students and their families.”

“If schools aren’t going to reopen and not fulfill that promise, they shouldn’t get the funds, and give it to the families to decide to go to a school that is going to meet that promise,” she said on “Fox News Sunday.”

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called DeVos’ comments “malfeasance and dereliction of duty.”

“They’re messing, the president and his administration are messing with the health of our children,” the California Democrat told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

While most funding typically comes from state and local sources, experts say schools will need more federal funding, not less, to reopen safely. Masks, extra cleaning supplies or janitors, additional classroom space, and mental health support for students and staff traumatized by the pandemic are among potential costs. And with more parents out of work, more children will qualify for federally funded school lunches.

Lynn Morales, 49, teaches 8th grade English at a high-poverty public school in Bloomington, Minnesota, that is considering several options including in-person classes; a final decision is expected Aug. 1.

Some colleagues are considering not returning to the classroom because their children’s day care centers aren’t reopening. Some say they won’t come back until there’s a vaccine.

“I am concerned and it’s because of the age group,” Morales said. ’’Middle school students ... are lovely and I love them, but they touch, they get close, they roughhouse. It is their nature. They’re 13 years old. They are defiant.”

“If masks are required and a kid isn’t wearing a mask, is my job description going to be to chase down this kid and insist they wear a mask? And what if they don’t?”

Dr. Emily Landon, a University of Chicago infectious disease specialist, is helping the university and a campus preK-12 school decide how to reopen safely.

“Things are evolving from, ‘We can’t do it unless it’s perfectly safe’ to more of a harm reduction model, with the caveat that you can always step back” if virus activity flares, Landon said.

Single-occupancy dorms, outdoor classes, socially distanced classrooms and mask-wearing by students and faculty are on tap for the university. Face coverings will be required at the school too. Policies may change depending on virus activity.

She dismisses complaints from some parents who say masks are a loss of personal freedom.

“It’s not harmful for your child,” she said. “If you see wearing masks as a loss of personal freedom, then you have to think the same of pants.”

Dr. Tina Hartert of Vanderbilt University is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study to determine what role children play in transmitting COVID-19. Almost 2,000 families are enrolled and self-test every two weeks. The idea is to find infected children without symptoms and see how easily disease spreads within families. Results may come by year’s end.

“If we don’t see significant transmission within households, that would be very reassuring,” Hartert said.

She noted that in other countries where schools have reopened, evidence suggests no widespread transmission from children.

In France, public schools reopened briefly before a summer break, with no sign of widespread virus transmission. Masks were only required for upper grades, but students stayed in the same classroom all day. A better test will be when the new school year starts Sept. 1.

In Norway, schools closed in March for several weeks. Nursery schools reopened first, then other grades. Children were put in smaller groups that stay together all day. Masks aren’t required. There have been only a few virus cases, said Dr. Margrethe Greve-Isdahl of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, but she noted virus activity is much lower than in the U.S.

Kati Spaniak, a realtor in Northbrook, Illinois, says her five teenage daughters have struggled to cope with pandemic fears, school closures and deficits of online learning. She strongly supports getting kids back in the classroom, and all her girls will return to some form of that in the fall.

It’s been hard for her high school senior, Kylie Ciesla. Prom, graduation and other senior rituals were canceled, and there were no good-byes. “Just to get ripped away from everything I’ve worked for 12 years, it’s really hard,” Kylie said.

At college, classes will be in person, masks mandated and a COVID-19 test required before she can move into her dorm. Kylie isn’t sure all that is needed.

“I hate that this thing has become so political. I just want the science. I want to know what we need to do to fix it,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593205499970.png" alt="U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINDSEY TANNERAs the Trump administration pushes full steam ahead to force schools to resume in-person education, public health experts warn that a one-size-fits-all reopening could drive infection and death rates even higher.They’re urging a more cautious approach, which many local governments and school districts are already pursuing.But U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos doubled down on President Donald Trump’s insistence that kids can safely return to the classroom.“There’s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous,” she told Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.”Still, health experts say there are too many uncertainties and variables for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3d8baf703ae4ff1af917b6202d26888">back-to-school to be back-to-normal.</a>Where is the virus spreading rapidly? Do students live with aged grandparents? Do teachers have high-risk health conditions that would make online teaching safest? Do infected children easily spread COVID-19 to each other and to adults?ADVERTISEMENTRegarding the latter, some evidence suggests they don’t, but a big government study aims to find better proof. Results won’t be available before the fall, and some schools are slated to reopen in just a few weeks.“These are complicated issues. You can’t just charge straight ahead,” Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday during an online briefing.Children infected with coronavirus are more likely than adults to have mild illnesses, but their risk for severe disease and death isn’t zero. While a virus-linked inflammatory condition is uncommon, most children who develop it require intensive care, and a few have died. Doctors don’t know which children are at risk.“The single most important thing we can do to keep our schools safe has nothing to do with what happens in school. It’s how well we control COVID-19 in the community,” Frieden said. “Right now there are places around the country where the virus is spreading explosively and it would be difficult if not impossible to operate schools safely until the virus is under better control.”Zahrah Wattier teaches high school in Galveston, Texas, where cases and deaths have been spiking. Until the state recently said schools must reopen to in-person classes, her district had been weighing options many others are considering, including full-time online teaching or a hybrid mix.Wattier’s school has mostly Hispanic and Black students, many from low-income families; almost 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches and many have parents who work in “essential” jobs that increase potential exposure to the virus. Online education was hard for many with limited internet access, and Wattier knows in-person classes can help even the playing field.But she’s worried.“My school has over 2,000 students. That’s over 2,000 exposures in a day,” said Wattier, whose parents live with the family and are both high-risk. “It’s a lot to think about. It’s my job. It’s something I choose to do, it’s something I love. Now it comes at a really high risk.”The American Academy of Pediatrics, whose guidance the Trump administration has cited to support its demands, says the goal is for all students to be physically present in school. But, it adds, districts must be flexible, consult with health authorities and be ready to pivot as virus activity waxes and wanes.“It is not that the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks this is a done deal because we have put out guidance,” said Dr. Nicholas Beers, a member of the academy’s school health council. “But what we do know is that we need to have a more realistic dialogue about the implications of virtual learning on the future of children. We have left whole swaths of society behind, whether it’s because they have limited access to a computer, or broadband internet,” or because of other challenges that online education can’t address.DeVos said local school officials are smart enough to know when conditions are not right.“There’s going to be the exception to the rule, but the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall,” she told CNN’s “State of the Union.”“And where there are little flare-ups or hot spots, that can be dealt with on a school by school or a case by case basis.”Following CDC and academy guidelines would mean big changes for most schools. Mask-wearing would be strongly encouraged for adult staff and students except the youngest. Desks would be distanced at least 3 feet apart; the CDC recommends 6 feet. Both suggest limiting adults allowed in schools, including parents, and canceling group activities like choir and assemblies. Staggered arrival and dismissal times, outdoor classes, and keeping kids in the same classroom all day are other options.President Trump has threatened federal funding cuts for districts that don’t fully reopen.DeVos defended that stance, saying, “American investment in education is a promise to students and their families.”“If schools aren’t going to reopen and not fulfill that promise, they shouldn’t get the funds, and give it to the families to decide to go to a school that is going to meet that promise,” she said on “Fox News Sunday.”U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called DeVos’ comments “malfeasance and dereliction of duty.”“They’re messing, the president and his administration are messing with the health of our children,” the California Democrat told CNN’s “State of the Union.”While most funding typically comes from state and local sources, experts say schools will need more federal funding, not less, to reopen safely. Masks, extra cleaning supplies or janitors, additional classroom space, and mental health support for students and staff traumatized by the pandemic are among potential costs. And with more parents out of work, more children will qualify for federally funded school lunches.Lynn Morales, 49, teaches 8th grade English at a high-poverty public school in Bloomington, Minnesota, that is considering several options including in-person classes; a final decision is expected Aug. 1.Some colleagues are considering not returning to the classroom because their children’s day care centers aren’t reopening. Some say they won’t come back until there’s a vaccine.“I am concerned and it’s because of the age group,” Morales said. ’’Middle school students ... are lovely and I love them, but they touch, they get close, they roughhouse. It is their nature. They’re 13 years old. They are defiant.”“If masks are required and a kid isn’t wearing a mask, is my job description going to be to chase down this kid and insist they wear a mask? And what if they don’t?”Dr. Emily Landon, a University of Chicago infectious disease specialist, is helping the university and a campus preK-12 school decide how to reopen safely.“Things are evolving from, ‘We can’t do it unless it’s perfectly safe’ to more of a harm reduction model, with the caveat that you can always step back” if virus activity flares, Landon said.Single-occupancy dorms, outdoor classes, socially distanced classrooms and mask-wearing by students and faculty are on tap for the university. Face coverings will be required at the school too. Policies may change depending on virus activity.She dismisses complaints from some parents who say masks are a loss of personal freedom.“It’s not harmful for your child,” she said. “If you see wearing masks as a loss of personal freedom, then you have to think the same of pants.”Dr. Tina Hartert of Vanderbilt University is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study to determine what role children play in transmitting COVID-19. Almost 2,000 families are enrolled and self-test every two weeks. The idea is to find infected children without symptoms and see how easily disease spreads within families. Results may come by year’s end.“If we don’t see significant transmission within households, that would be very reassuring,” Hartert said.She noted that in other countries where schools have reopened, evidence suggests no widespread transmission from children.In France, public schools reopened briefly before a summer break, with no sign of widespread virus transmission. Masks were only required for upper grades, but students stayed in the same classroom all day. A better test will be when the new school year starts Sept. 1.In Norway, schools closed in March for several weeks. Nursery schools reopened first, then other grades. Children were put in smaller groups that stay together all day. Masks aren’t required. There have been only a few virus cases, said Dr. Margrethe Greve-Isdahl of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, but she noted virus activity is much lower than in the U.S.Kati Spaniak, a realtor in Northbrook, Illinois, says her five teenage daughters have struggled to cope with pandemic fears, school closures and deficits of online learning. She strongly supports getting kids back in the classroom, and all her girls will return to some form of that in the fall.It’s been hard for her high school senior, Kylie Ciesla. Prom, graduation and other senior rituals were canceled, and there were no good-byes. “Just to get ripped away from everything I’ve worked for 12 years, it’s really hard,” Kylie said.At college, classes will be in person, masks mandated and a COVID-19 test required before she can move into her dorm. Kylie isn’t sure all that is needed.“I hate that this thing has become so political. I just want the science. I want to know what we need to do to fix it,” she said.___

Doctors: Virus spread, not politics should guide schools

By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-09/some-johnson-county-officials-upset-about-hotel-housing-coronavirus-patients">Kansas News Service</a>

Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown and Sheriff Calvin Hayden 
expressed outrage Thursday over the state of Kansas’ decision to isolate
 COVID-19 patients in a hotel in Gardner.

“We brought positive 
COVID-19 patients into the heart of my district, around people who 
aren’t generally sick. That’s damn near criminal. That’s wrong,” Brown 
said at the county commission’s weekly meeting. “How dare the governor 
decide to just import that into Johnson County. What in the world? Why 
aren’t they in Topeka?”

Brown, who represents a southern Johnson 
County district, including Gardner, was angry that he hadn’t been 
notified previously, although state officials did alert Johnson County 
emergency management and health officials.

Brown said he’d received calls from concerned constituents.

“Why is it here?” he demanded. “Why am I dealing with this?”

In
 public comments to the commission, Sheriff Hayden also complained about
 the lack of communication from the state. He said he found out about 
the hotel indirectly on Wednesday.

Hayden said he and his staff 
have worked incredibly hard to ensure there are no COVID-19 cases in the
 jail, but the state had not alerted him to this new facility.

“Somebody
 knew. As the chief law enforcement officer in Johnson County, I did 
not,” Hayden said, adding that the commissioners also should have been 
notified but were not. “You were kept out of the loop. Unacceptable.”

The
 governor’s office responded Thursday that the need for what's called 
"non-congregant housing" for COVID-19 patients had been recognized for 
some time, both in the state and nationally.

“Like states across 
the country, we have been working – in accordance with FEMA guidelines –
 with counties across Kansas since April to set up non-congregant 
housing for their community members including frontline health care 
workers, individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those in the
 high-risk category or who have family members in the high risk 
category,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

“Due to 
HIPAA laws we can’t share specifics, nor do we think it is appropriate 
to shame individuals who are self-isolating as an act of social 
responsibility or in order to protect their or their loved ones' health.
 When the Kansas Division of Emergency Management contracts with motels,
 they contract the entire facility, there are no other guests, and they 
provide on-site support for individuals using the housing.”

Commissioner
 Jim Allen said it was his understanding that the state is allowed to 
contract directly with the hotel owner for these types of non-congregant
 facilities, and the county doesn’t have a role in the decision. Cindy 
Dunham with the county counselor’s office confirmed it’s a contract 
between the state and the hotel.

Commissioner Janee Hanzlick 
pointed out that the county had in the past discussed the potential need
 for such a shelter, for people who might become infected and be 
homeless. She said it’s safer to isolate and treat people in these types
 of facilities than having them living on the streets.

Sanmi 
Areola, director of Johnson County’s department of health and 
environment, said it was not his responsibility to approve the facility 
or to alert the commission, although he knew about the state’s decision 
and supported it.

“It’s a need,” he said. “I did not oppose this.”

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShuteForGardner/" target="_blank">In a Facebook post on Wednesday</a>,
 Gardner Mayor Steve Shute said the Kansas Department of Emergency 
Management did not consult with him before establishing the 
non-congregant facility at the Super 8 Motel in Gardner.

Lynn Horsley is a freelance writer in Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @LynnHorsley.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594404213196.png" alt="Commissioner Mike Brown expressed his concern over the hotel in a Facebook Live broadcast of a Johnson County commission meeting. Lynn Horsley / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Commissioner Mike Brown expressed his concern over the hotel in a Facebook Live broadcast of a Johnson County commission meeting. Lynn Horsley / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-09/some-johnson-county-officials-upset-about-hotel-housing-coronavirus-patients">Kansas News Service</a>Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown and Sheriff Calvin Hayden 
expressed outrage Thursday over the state of Kansas’ decision to isolate
 COVID-19 patients in a hotel in Gardner.“We brought positive 
COVID-19 patients into the heart of my district, around people who 
aren’t generally sick. That’s damn near criminal. That’s wrong,” Brown 
said at the county commission’s weekly meeting. “How dare the governor 
decide to just import that into Johnson County. What in the world? Why 
aren’t they in Topeka?”Brown, who represents a southern Johnson 
County district, including Gardner, was angry that he hadn’t been 
notified previously, although state officials did alert Johnson County 
emergency management and health officials.Brown said he’d received calls from concerned constituents.“Why is it here?” he demanded. “Why am I dealing with this?”In
 public comments to the commission, Sheriff Hayden also complained about
 the lack of communication from the state. He said he found out about 
the hotel indirectly on Wednesday.Hayden said he and his staff 
have worked incredibly hard to ensure there are no COVID-19 cases in the
 jail, but the state had not alerted him to this new facility.“Somebody
 knew. As the chief law enforcement officer in Johnson County, I did 
not,” Hayden said, adding that the commissioners also should have been 
notified but were not. “You were kept out of the loop. Unacceptable.”The
 governor’s office responded Thursday that the need for what's called 
"non-congregant housing" for COVID-19 patients had been recognized for 
some time, both in the state and nationally.“Like states across 
the country, we have been working – in accordance with FEMA guidelines –
 with counties across Kansas since April to set up non-congregant 
housing for their community members including frontline health care 
workers, individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those in the
 high-risk category or who have family members in the high risk 
category,” the governor’s office said in a statement.“Due to 
HIPAA laws we can’t share specifics, nor do we think it is appropriate 
to shame individuals who are self-isolating as an act of social 
responsibility or in order to protect their or their loved ones' health.
 When the Kansas Division of Emergency Management contracts with motels,
 they contract the entire facility, there are no other guests, and they 
provide on-site support for individuals using the housing.”Commissioner
 Jim Allen said it was his understanding that the state is allowed to 
contract directly with the hotel owner for these types of non-congregant
 facilities, and the county doesn’t have a role in the decision. Cindy 
Dunham with the county counselor’s office confirmed it’s a contract 
between the state and the hotel.Commissioner Janee Hanzlick 
pointed out that the county had in the past discussed the potential need
 for such a shelter, for people who might become infected and be 
homeless. She said it’s safer to isolate and treat people in these types
 of facilities than having them living on the streets.Sanmi 
Areola, director of Johnson County’s department of health and 
environment, said it was not his responsibility to approve the facility 
or to alert the commission, although he knew about the state’s decision 
and supported it.“It’s a need,” he said. “I did not oppose this.”<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShuteForGardner/" target="_blank">In a Facebook post on Wednesday</a>,
 Gardner Mayor Steve Shute said the Kansas Department of Emergency 
Management did not consult with him before establishing the 
non-congregant facility at the Super 8 Motel in Gardner. Lynn Horsley is a freelance writer in Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @LynnHorsley.&nbsp;

Some Johnson Co. officials upset about hotel housing virus patients

NEW YORK (AP) — Crowded bars and house parties have been identified as culprits in spreading the coronavirus. Meat packing plants, prisons and nursing homes are known hot spots. Then there’s the complicated case of America’s churches.

The vast majority of these churches have cooperated with health authorities and successfully protected their congregations. Yet from the earliest phases of the pandemic, and continuing to this day, some worship services and other religious activities have been identified as sources of local outbreaks.

They are by no means at the top of the list of problematic activities across the U.S., but they have posed challenges for government leaders and public health officials whose guidelines and orders are sometimes challenged as encroachments on religious liberty.

“If we wanted to have zero risks, the safest thing would be to never open our doors,” said prominent Dallas megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress. “The question is how can you balance risk with the very real need to worship.”

In the past two weeks alone, there have been two notable church-government confrontations in California.

San Francisco's city attorney sent a cease-and-desist order in late June to the Roman Catholic archdiocese, alleging that some of its churches had violated a local ban on large indoor gatherings. The archdiocese promised to comply.

A few days later, state officials temporarily&nbsp;<a href="https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf">banned</a>&nbsp;“indoor singing and chanting activities” at all places of worship, prompting some pastors to defy the rule.

Evangelical pastor Samuel Rodriguez said worshippers at his Sacramento megachurch joined in singing hymns on July 5, even as most of them wore face masks and obeyed social-distancing guidelines.

“To forbid singing in a church is morally reprehensible,” Rodriguez said. “That is how we petition heaven.”

The extent to which religious gatherings have contributed to the pandemic’s toll may never be known with any precision. But there’s no question they have played a role throughout, internationally as well as in the United States, even as myriad houses of worship halted in-person services for safety reasons.

Of the first wave of cases in South Korea in February, several thousand were members of the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Hundreds of other cases were linked to a Muslim missionary movement event in late February in Malaysia that was attended by about 16,000 people from numerous East Asian countries.

In the second week of March, before warnings and lockdown orders proliferated in the U.S., 35 of the 92 people who attended events at a rural Arkansas church developed COVID-19, and three of them died, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6920e2.htm">report</a>&nbsp;issued in May.

More recently, in mid-June, a small-town church in northeastern Oregon became the epicenter of the state’s largest coronavirus outbreak when 236 people linked to the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church tested positive.

According to the Observer newspaper in nearby La Grande, the church in Island City had held religious services, a wedding and a graduation ceremony in the weeks preceding the outbreak, sometimes with more than 100 people in attendance in defiance of state restrictions on gatherings.

Union County, with a population of 25,000 people, had recorded fewer than 25 cases during the pandemic prior to the church outbreak. Within two weeks, it had Oregon's highest per capita rate of coronavirus infections.

Also in June, West Virginia’s health department announced outbreaks linked to five churches in different parts of the state. The biggest was at Graystone Baptist Church in Lewisburg with 51 cases, three of them fatal.

In several cases, churches that resumed in-person services opted to close again after outbreaks. Among them:

— A church and an administrative office affiliated with the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, which is the home base for the Pentecostal denomination. No official case count has been released, but a senior leader of the denomination, General Overseer Tim Hill, confirmed that the number of verified cases is growing, and that several church leaders were among those seriously ill. One pastor, Ernie Varner of Lenoir City, Tennessee, died Friday, six days after posting on Facebook, “I'm in the ICU with COVID. Please pray for me."

— Calvary Chapel, an evangelical church in Universal City, Texas. It reopened in early May only to close anew in late June after dozens of staff and churchgoers tested positive, including Pastor Ron Arbaugh and his wife. Arbaugh says he regrets telling worshippers last month they could resume the tradition of hugging each other during an interlude of mid-service socializing.

— Holy Family Catholic Church in Las Vegas. The diocese announced Thursday that the church would be closed indefinitely after a priest who celebrated Mass this week tested positive.

— First Baptist Church of Tillmans Corner in Mobile, Alabama. It resumed in-person services May 17 after the governor gave a statewide green light, but recently canceled them at least through July 31 after more than 20 of the congregation’s 1,500 members tested positive. Pastor Derek Allen wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jderekallen.com/post/five-lessons-i-learned-from-a-covid-19-spike-at-our-church">blog post</a>&nbsp;describing the outbreak as a “harrowing and demoralizing journey,” and offering advice to other pastors: “Assume every sniffle is COVID-19, and act quickly. We’ve learned that the tests take too long, and false positives are possible along with false negatives."

Another Baptist church, First Baptist Dallas, was in the spotlight June 28 when it hosted Vice President Mike Pence at its annual Freedom Sunday celebrations. Most of the 2,400 attendees wore face masks, but some criticism surfaced after the choir sang without masks.

Jeffress, the church’s pastor and a prominent evangelical conservative with close ties to President Donald Trump, said the choir and orchestra had been tested for COVID-19 beforehand. The church said a few who tested positive did not take part in the event.

Jeffress bristled at the idea that choirs should be temporarily banned.

“Choirs will always be a part of worship for us,” he said. “We think it’s possible to still have them but do it in a safe way.”

A few days after the Freedom Sunday event, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order requiring people wear face masks in most public settings — with several exceptions, including participants in religious services.

Some churches, through their physical attributes and the decisions of their leaders, have been able to minimize risks as worship resumes.

In Incline Village, Nevada, along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church took advantage of a unique feature to relaunch scaled-back, in-person services this month: its outdoor mountain amphitheater chapel shaded by pine trees.

Church officials took precautionary measures such as moving the log-bench pews farther apart, capping attendance at 50 and requiring worshippers have their temperature taken, employ hand sanitizer and wear masks. There was no Eucharist or passing of the peace, and the usual post-service coffee hour was held by video conference.

“Good morning, children of God,” the Rev. Sarah Dunn, the church’s rector, said from behind a plexiglass screen, welcoming parishioners back to the socially distanced service July 5 after 16 Sundays apart. She acknowledged feeling “mixed emotions”: apprehension as the virus remains a threat, but joy at being able to gather in the sacred space.

NEW YORK (AP) — Crowded bars and house parties have been identified as culprits in spreading the coronavirus. Meat packing plants, prisons and nursing homes are known hot spots. Then there’s the complicated case of America’s churches.The vast majority of these churches have cooperated with health authorities and successfully protected their congregations. Yet from the earliest phases of the pandemic, and continuing to this day, some worship services and other religious activities have been identified as sources of local outbreaks.They are by no means at the top of the list of problematic activities across the U.S., but they have posed challenges for government leaders and public health officials whose guidelines and orders are sometimes challenged as encroachments on religious liberty.“If we wanted to have zero risks, the safest thing would be to never open our doors,” said prominent Dallas megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress. “The question is how can you balance risk with the very real need to worship.”In the past two weeks alone, there have been two notable church-government confrontations in California.San Francisco's city attorney sent a cease-and-desist order in late June to the Roman Catholic archdiocese, alleging that some of its churches had violated a local ban on large indoor gatherings. The archdiocese promised to comply.A few days later, state officials temporarily&nbsp;<a href="https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf">banned</a>&nbsp;“indoor singing and chanting activities” at all places of worship, prompting some pastors to defy the rule.Evangelical pastor Samuel Rodriguez said worshippers at his Sacramento megachurch joined in singing hymns on July 5, even as most of them wore face masks and obeyed social-distancing guidelines.“To forbid singing in a church is morally reprehensible,” Rodriguez said. “That is how we petition heaven.”The extent to which religious gatherings have contributed to the pandemic’s toll may never be known with any precision. But there’s no question they have played a role throughout, internationally as well as in the United States, even as myriad houses of worship halted in-person services for safety reasons.Of the first wave of cases in South Korea in February, several thousand were members of the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Hundreds of other cases were linked to a Muslim missionary movement event in late February in Malaysia that was attended by about 16,000 people from numerous East Asian countries.In the second week of March, before warnings and lockdown orders proliferated in the U.S., 35 of the 92 people who attended events at a rural Arkansas church developed COVID-19, and three of them died, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6920e2.htm">report</a>&nbsp;issued in May.More recently, in mid-June, a small-town church in northeastern Oregon became the epicenter of the state’s largest coronavirus outbreak when 236 people linked to the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church tested positive.According to the Observer newspaper in nearby La Grande, the church in Island City had held religious services, a wedding and a graduation ceremony in the weeks preceding the outbreak, sometimes with more than 100 people in attendance in defiance of state restrictions on gatherings.Union County, with a population of 25,000 people, had recorded fewer than 25 cases during the pandemic prior to the church outbreak. Within two weeks, it had Oregon's highest per capita rate of coronavirus infections.Also in June, West Virginia’s health department announced outbreaks linked to five churches in different parts of the state. The biggest was at Graystone Baptist Church in Lewisburg with 51 cases, three of them fatal.In several cases, churches that resumed in-person services opted to close again after outbreaks. Among them:— A church and an administrative office affiliated with the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, which is the home base for the Pentecostal denomination. No official case count has been released, but a senior leader of the denomination, General Overseer Tim Hill, confirmed that the number of verified cases is growing, and that several church leaders were among those seriously ill. One pastor, Ernie Varner of Lenoir City, Tennessee, died Friday, six days after posting on Facebook, “I'm in the ICU with COVID. Please pray for me."— Calvary Chapel, an evangelical church in Universal City, Texas. It reopened in early May only to close anew in late June after dozens of staff and churchgoers tested positive, including Pastor Ron Arbaugh and his wife. Arbaugh says he regrets telling worshippers last month they could resume the tradition of hugging each other during an interlude of mid-service socializing.— Holy Family Catholic Church in Las Vegas. The diocese announced Thursday that the church would be closed indefinitely after a priest who celebrated Mass this week tested positive.— First Baptist Church of Tillmans Corner in Mobile, Alabama. It resumed in-person services May 17 after the governor gave a statewide green light, but recently canceled them at least through July 31 after more than 20 of the congregation’s 1,500 members tested positive. Pastor Derek Allen wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jderekallen.com/post/five-lessons-i-learned-from-a-covid-19-spike-at-our-church">blog post</a>&nbsp;describing the outbreak as a “harrowing and demoralizing journey,” and offering advice to other pastors: “Assume every sniffle is COVID-19, and act quickly. We’ve learned that the tests take too long, and false positives are possible along with false negatives."Another Baptist church, First Baptist Dallas, was in the spotlight June 28 when it hosted Vice President Mike Pence at its annual Freedom Sunday celebrations. Most of the 2,400 attendees wore face masks, but some criticism surfaced after the choir sang without masks.Jeffress, the church’s pastor and a prominent evangelical conservative with close ties to President Donald Trump, said the choir and orchestra had been tested for COVID-19 beforehand. The church said a few who tested positive did not take part in the event.Jeffress bristled at the idea that choirs should be temporarily banned.“Choirs will always be a part of worship for us,” he said. “We think it’s possible to still have them but do it in a safe way.”A few days after the Freedom Sunday event, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order requiring people wear face masks in most public settings — with several exceptions, including participants in religious services.Some churches, through their physical attributes and the decisions of their leaders, have been able to minimize risks as worship resumes.In Incline Village, Nevada, along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church took advantage of a unique feature to relaunch scaled-back, in-person services this month: its outdoor mountain amphitheater chapel shaded by pine trees.Church officials took precautionary measures such as moving the log-bench pews farther apart, capping attendance at 50 and requiring worshippers have their temperature taken, employ hand sanitizer and wear masks. There was no Eucharist or passing of the peace, and the usual post-service coffee hour was held by video conference.“Good morning, children of God,” the Rev. Sarah Dunn, the church’s rector, said from behind a plexiglass screen, welcoming parishioners back to the socially distanced service July 5 after 16 Sundays apart. She acknowledged feeling “mixed emotions”: apprehension as the virus remains a threat, but joy at being able to gather in the sacred space.

Churches amid the pandemic: Some outbreaks, many challenges

Geary County Emergency Management provided the latest COVID-19 numbers from the Health Department on Saturday. There were three new cases in the previous 24 hrs.

They involved a 51-year old man, 21-year old man and a 30-year old man. That brings the overall total for the county since the pandemic up to 85 cases. 

Emergency Management noted that overall updated totals for the county will be published on Monday afternoon about 3 p.m.

Geary County Emergency Management provided the latest COVID-19 numbers from the Health Department on Saturday. There were three new cases in the previous 24 hrs.They involved a 51-year old man, 21-year old man and a 30-year old man. That brings the overall total for the county since the pandemic up to 85 cases. Emergency Management noted that overall updated totals for the county will be published on Monday afternoon about 3 p.m.

Geary County officials confirm three new COVID-19 cases on Saturday

Geary USD 475 officials are working on a number of issues this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from fall enrollment options and wearing of face masks, to helping students or staff testing positive for COVID-19 or who have had exposure to the virus.&nbsp;

Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent, said this week the District officials are working through a screening and management process. "With that it is going to outline if students have been exposed, or if they have had a positive test or if they have symptoms."

Sell stated that two more meetings would be necessary with the Geary County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment because they are finalizing a document for schools. "

Sell provided an example. "Specifically, people say well my child has horrible allergies, they cough and sneeze. Is she going to be sent home every single time? No, because we know that is something that is going on with that child." Sell added they want to calm people's concern that their student isn't going to be sent home at every sniffle or sneeze. That's why the effort is being undertaken to work through a management plan so the District can work with people.

The Associate Superintendent explained if students are exposed or test positive, and are in a brick and mortar facility, the District will work with the family to make it possible for the child to have the learning continue through the remote learning option being offered by USD 475.

Geary USD 475 officials are working on a number of issues this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from fall enrollment options and wearing of face masks, to helping students or staff testing positive for COVID-19 or who have had exposure to the virus.&nbsp;Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent, said this week the District officials are working through a screening and management process. "With that it is going to outline if students have been exposed, or if they have had a positive test or if they have symptoms."Sell stated that two more meetings would be necessary with the Geary County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment because they are finalizing a document for schools. "Sell provided an example. "Specifically, people say well my child has horrible allergies, they cough and sneeze. Is she going to be sent home every single time? No, because we know that is something that is going on with that child." Sell added they want to calm people's concern that their student isn't going to be sent home at every sniffle or sneeze. That's why the effort is being undertaken to work through a management plan so the District can work with people.The Associate Superintendent explained if students are exposed or test positive, and are in a brick and mortar facility, the District will work with the family to make it possible for the child to have the learning continue through the remote learning option being offered by USD 475.

USD 475 leaders are working to prepare for the upcoming school year

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The rapidly rising number of confirmed new coronavirus cases has prompted an update to facial- covering requirements in Kansas City.

The Missouri Department of health on Thursday reported 795 new cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. 

That was the most in a single day since the pandemic began, topping the 773 confirmed new cases reported Tuesday. In the first four days of this week, Missouri has reported 2,563 new cases. They also reported&nbsp; 13 more virus deaths on Friday. The Kansas Department of Health reported nearly 1,000 new cases since Wednesday and two more deaths.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Friday extended the requirement to wear a facial covering through at least Aug. 15. The original face mask order that went into effect June 29 was scheduled to expire Sunday, but Kansas City has averaged 290 confirmed new COVID-19 cases over the past four days, including 370 on Thursday.

“As we've seen in a number of other jurisdictions, there continues to be significant concerns with the spread of COVID-19, continuing taxation on certain public health and medical resources, and that's why we are taking the ongoing steps we will today,” Lucas, a Democrat, said at a news conference.

Kansas City also is maintaining it 50% capacity limit for drinking establishments, Lucas said.

The face mask rule in Kansas City mandates all employees or visitors to any place of public accommodation must wear face coverings in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible. Also effective Monday, June 29, percentage capacity limits as required by Mayor Lucas’s Eighth Amended Order will be eliminated, except for taverns and bars.

“Our country’s leading health and scientific experts have indicated in no uncertain terms that mask-weari­ng is the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lucas. “Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise, and we are taking all steps we can to ensure public health and safety. I know wearing masks can be uncomfortable, but this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open. We wear masks to protect our loved ones, those around us, and their loved ones.”

“We are keeping a close watch on our cases and hospitalizations, but know widespread mask-use is one essential way to slow COVID-19 and keep Kansas City businesses open,” said Dr. Archer. “It’s up to us. Let’s learn from Texas and Florida and what’s happening there now. Their mitigations and closures weren’t as quickly adopted or embraced. Now their case counts are rising at a disturbing rate and they’ve had to slow their reopening plans.”

Exceptions to the face covering requirement are as follows:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The rapidly rising number of confirmed new coronavirus cases has prompted an update to facial- covering requirements in Kansas City.The Missouri Department of health on Thursday reported 795 new cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was the most in a single day since the pandemic began, topping the 773 confirmed new cases reported Tuesday. In the first four days of this week, Missouri has reported 2,563 new cases. They also reported&nbsp; 13 more virus deaths on Friday. The Kansas Department of Health reported nearly 1,000 new cases since Wednesday and two more deaths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589226208948.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during a press briefing in April- photo courtesy city of KCMO" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during a press briefing in April- photo courtesy city of KCMO</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Friday extended the requirement to wear a facial covering through at least Aug. 15. The original face mask order that went into effect June 29 was scheduled to expire Sunday, but Kansas City has averaged 290 confirmed new COVID-19 cases over the past four days, including 370 on Thursday.“As we've seen in a number of other jurisdictions, there continues to be significant concerns with the spread of COVID-19, continuing taxation on certain public health and medical resources, and that's why we are taking the ongoing steps we will today,” Lucas, a Democrat, said at a news conference.Kansas City also is maintaining it 50% capacity limit for drinking establishments, Lucas said.The face mask rule in Kansas City mandates all employees or visitors to any place of public accommodation must wear face coverings in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible. Also effective Monday, June 29, percentage capacity limits as required by Mayor Lucas’s Eighth Amended Order will be eliminated, except for taverns and bars.“Our country’s leading health and scientific experts have indicated in no uncertain terms that mask-weari­ng is the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lucas. “Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise, and we are taking all steps we can to ensure public health and safety. I know wearing masks can be uncomfortable, but this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open. We wear masks to protect our loved ones, those around us, and their loved ones.”“We are keeping a close watch on our cases and hospitalizations, but know widespread mask-use is one essential way to slow COVID-19 and keep Kansas City businesses open,” said Dr. Archer. “It’s up to us. Let’s learn from Texas and Florida and what’s happening there now. Their mitigations and closures weren’t as quickly adopted or embraced. Now their case counts are rising at a disturbing rate and they’ve had to slow their reopening plans.”Exceptions to the face covering requirement are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Minors, though Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance recommends that all individuals over the age of two wear masks.</li><li>People who have disabilities that:Prevent them from comfortably wearing or taking off face coverings.Prevent them from communicating while wearing face coverings.</li><li>Prevent them from comfortably wearing or taking off face coverings.</li><li>Prevent them from communicating while wearing face coverings.</li><li>People who have respiratory conditions or breathing trouble.</li><li>People who have been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear face coverings.</li><li>People who are seated in a restaurant, tavern, or bar and are actively engaged in consuming food or drink while adequately distanced from other tables.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas City mayor extends face covering mandate into mid-August

Geary County Health Department is confirming 3 new positive COVID-19 cases for Friday.  This brings the total for Geary County to 82.

Geary County Health Department is confirming 3 new positive COVID-19 cases for Friday. This brings the total for Geary County to 82. Total Cases: 82 Active Cases: 39 Recovered cases 42 Deaths 1Currently Hospitalized 1 P.U.I. 100

Latest COVID-19 case total is released

ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials won’t revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools despite criticism from President Donald Trump, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. What they will do, he said, is provide additional information to help states, communities and parents decide what to do and when.

“Our guidelines are our guidelines,” Dr. Robert Redfield declared.

In draft CDC documents obtained by The Associated Press, the agency says there are steps that schools can take to safely reopen but that it “cannot provide one-size-fits-all criteria for opening and closing schools or changing the way schools are run.”

“Decisions about how to open and run schools safely should be made based on local needs and conditions,” the documents say.

They also include a checklist that encourages parents to carefully consider whether they should send their kids back to school in person or seek virtual instruction. Many districts nationwide are offering parents a choice of either mode of instruction. New York City, among other school districts, has announced that students will only return part-time in the fall.

That runs counter to Trump’s messaging. He has been repeatedly pressuring state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, even threatening to withhold federal funds from those that keep teaching and learning remote.

Trump on Wednesday criticized the CDC’s guidelines as “very tough and expensive” and said the agency was “asking schools to do very impractical things.” Speaking of CDC officials, he tweeted, “I will be meeting with them!!!” And Vice President Mike Pence said revised guidelines would be issued next week.

But in an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Redfield firmly stuck to the existing CDC guidelines.

“It’s really important, it’s not a revision of the guidelines, it’s just to provide additional information to help schools be able to use the guidance that we put forward.”

Asked about the apparent discrepancy between Redfield’s and Pence’s statements, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said they were on the same page. She said “supplemental guidelines” would be forthcoming.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has said that schools will be failing kids if they don’t provide full-time, in-person instruction.

But the draft CDC documents, which have yet to be released publicly, say decisions like that should be left to local officials. They say, “Each school and each community will have different needs and should implement the strategies best designed to meet them.”

The documents say that in-person schooling will lead to at least some infections but that there are steps schools can take to lessen the risk.

A graph of the CDC’s disease modeling indicates there’s likely to be significantly more virus spread if all students attend school five days a week. The graph projects alternate schedules could cut infections by as much as 80%, although the agency acknowledges there is much more to learn about the disease.

“Scientists are still learning about how it spreads, how it impacts children and what role children may play in its spread,” the introduction to the parent checklist states.

Redfield said the upcoming reference documents in part would cover how to monitor for symptoms and use face masks in schools.

The CDC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html" target="_blank">current guidance</a>&nbsp;recommends that students and teachers wear masks whenever feasible, spread out desks, stagger schedules, eat meals in classrooms instead of the cafeteria and add physical barriers between bathroom sinks.

When asked about the documents AP obtained, CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes wrote in an email that the agency would distribute additional guidance next week and pointed to what has already been released.

The White House declined to comment on the documents.

The 30-question parent checklist asks about a child’s health, use of special education services, comfort with local school plans and whether parents can facilitate at-home learning. It warns that if parents check multiple items on the “stay-at-home” column, that “could be an indicator that your family should consider alternative learning formats other than in-person schooling.”

The checklist says parents should evaluate school district plans, including how districts are “preparing for when someone gets sick.”

“If your child, members of your household, or individuals with whom you interact frequently are at increased risk for severe illness, the best way to reduce risk of getting sick is to limit your interaction with other people,” it states.

In his tweet on Wednesday, Trump did not clarify which of the CDC guidelines he opposed. But McEnany said, for example, that the president takes issue with the CDC’s suggestion that students bring their own meals to school when feasible.

“There are 22 million children in this country who depend on these meals at schools, who depend on access to nutrition in schools,” she said.

Democrats have warned Trump to keep out of the CDC’s work. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Democrat on the Education Committee, said the agency needs to be trusted to make decisions based on scientific evidence, “not on President Trump’s Twitter outbursts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594383296234.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield addressed the guidelines during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing this week- image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield addressed the guidelines during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing this week- image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials won’t revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools despite criticism from President Donald Trump, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. What they will do, he said, is provide additional information to help states, communities and parents decide what to do and when.“Our guidelines are our guidelines,” Dr. Robert Redfield declared.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CDC has outlined a number of strategies that schools can use to reopen safely. In addition to our guidelines, CDC will soon provide reference documents for parents, caregivers, &amp; schools to help them test &amp; monitor for symptoms &amp; use face coverings. <a href="https://t.co/G6I4bXMGjr">https://t.co/G6I4bXMGjr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://t.co/rKP9cppXsB">pic.twitter.com/rKP9cppXsB</a>&mdash; Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCDirector/status/1281386163484401666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In draft CDC documents obtained by The Associated Press, the agency says there are steps that schools can take to safely reopen but that it “cannot provide one-size-fits-all criteria for opening and closing schools or changing the way schools are run.”“Decisions about how to open and run schools safely should be made based on local needs and conditions,” the documents say.They also include a checklist that encourages parents to carefully consider whether they should send their kids back to school in person or seek virtual instruction. Many districts nationwide are offering parents a choice of either mode of instruction. New York City, among other school districts, has announced that students will only return part-time in the fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154849112.png" alt="President Trump during this week's White House summit on Safely Reopening America’s Schools-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during this week's White House summit on Safely Reopening America’s Schools-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>That runs counter to Trump’s messaging. He has been repeatedly pressuring state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, even threatening to withhold federal funds from those that keep teaching and learning remote.Trump on Wednesday criticized the CDC’s guidelines as “very tough and expensive” and said the agency was “asking schools to do very impractical things.” Speaking of CDC officials, he tweeted, “I will be meeting with them!!!” And Vice President Mike Pence said revised guidelines would be issued next week.But in an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Redfield firmly stuck to the existing CDC guidelines.“It’s really important, it’s not a revision of the guidelines, it’s just to provide additional information to help schools be able to use the guidance that we put forward.”Asked about the apparent discrepancy between Redfield’s and Pence’s statements, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said they were on the same page. She said “supplemental guidelines” would be forthcoming.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has said that schools will be failing kids if they don’t provide full-time, in-person instruction.But the draft CDC documents, which have yet to be released publicly, say decisions like that should be left to local officials. They say, “Each school and each community will have different needs and should implement the strategies best designed to meet them.”The documents say that in-person schooling will lead to at least some infections but that there are steps schools can take to lessen the risk.A graph of the CDC’s disease modeling indicates there’s likely to be significantly more virus spread if all students attend school five days a week. The graph projects alternate schedules could cut infections by as much as 80%, although the agency acknowledges there is much more to learn about the disease.“Scientists are still learning about how it spreads, how it impacts children and what role children may play in its spread,” the introduction to the parent checklist states.Redfield said the upcoming reference documents in part would cover how to monitor for symptoms and use face masks in schools.The CDC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html" target="_blank">current guidance</a>&nbsp;recommends that students and teachers wear masks whenever feasible, spread out desks, stagger schedules, eat meals in classrooms instead of the cafeteria and add physical barriers between bathroom sinks.When asked about the documents AP obtained, CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes wrote in an email that the agency would distribute additional guidance next week and pointed to what has already been released.The White House declined to comment on the documents.The 30-question parent checklist asks about a child’s health, use of special education services, comfort with local school plans and whether parents can facilitate at-home learning. It warns that if parents check multiple items on the “stay-at-home” column, that “could be an indicator that your family should consider alternative learning formats other than in-person schooling.”The checklist says parents should evaluate school district plans, including how districts are “preparing for when someone gets sick.”“If your child, members of your household, or individuals with whom you interact frequently are at increased risk for severe illness, the best way to reduce risk of getting sick is to limit your interaction with other people,” it states.In his tweet on Wednesday, Trump did not clarify which of the CDC guidelines he opposed. But McEnany said, for example, that the president takes issue with the CDC’s suggestion that students bring their own meals to school when feasible.“There are 22 million children in this country who depend on these meals at schools, who depend on access to nutrition in schools,” she said.Democrats have warned Trump to keep out of the CDC’s work. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Democrat on the Education Committee, said the agency needs to be trusted to make decisions based on scientific evidence, “not on President Trump’s Twitter outbursts.”___

CDC head sticking to school-opening guides despite criticism 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 993 to a total of 18,611, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 993 to a total of 18,611, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 284<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/2020/7/1594402542454.png" alt="Friday July 10, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 10, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff
Zmuda announced Friday that one staff member at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
(HCF) tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the seventh KDOC facility with a
confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF),
Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile
Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional
Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The staff member at HCF is a male over the age of 20. In order to protect the identity
of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for
staff was implemented at HCF on July 3 and on July 6 for residents.


The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a
result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:


• KDOCwillremaindiligentinmonitoringotherstaffandresidentsfor
symptoms


“We know that our battle with this virus is far from over as positive cases in our state
are continuing to rise,” Zmuda said. “We know far more about COVID-19 today
than we did three months ago so we are very hopeful that the risk to any others is
low. We will continue to diligently monitor those within our care for symptoms.”


The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses


1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility


has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels), East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.


TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff
Zmuda announced Friday that one staff member at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
(HCF) tested positive for COVID-19.This is the seventh KDOC facility with a
confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF),
Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile
Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional
Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.The staff member at HCF is a male over the age of 20. In order to protect the identity
of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for
staff was implemented at HCF on July 3 and on July 6 for residents.
The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a
result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:
<ul>
 <li>Thelivingunitwherethestaffmemberworkedwillquarantineinplacefora
minimum of 14 days

								</li><li>Testingofthelivingunitwillbeconducted

								</li><li>Contacttracingwasconductedtodeterminewhoamongourstaffand
residents have been in close contact with this individual

								</li>
 </ul>• KDOCwillremaindiligentinmonitoringotherstaffandresidentsfor
symptoms
“We know that our battle with this virus is far from over as positive cases in our state
are continuing to rise,” Zmuda said. “We know far more about COVID-19 today
than we did three months ago so we are very hopeful that the risk to any others is
low. We will continue to diligently monitor those within our care for symptoms.”
The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses
1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility
has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels), East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

Seventh Kan. correctional facility reports case of coronavirus

Geary County Health Department is reporting six (6) additional positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; These individuals are self quarantining at home.

The Health Department is still working on contact tracing of the subjects.

Emergency Management has reminded that you should continue to do social distancing, use face masks or coverings, and do frequent washing of your hands with soap and water.

Geary County Health Department is reporting six (6) additional positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; These individuals are self quarantining at home.The Health Department is still working on contact tracing of the subjects.Emergency Management has reminded that you should continue to do social distancing, use face masks or coverings, and do frequent washing of your hands with soap and water.Current break out of data:79 Positive Cases36 Active Cases42 Recovered 1 Death 1 Hospitalized

Six more COVID-19 cases reported in Geary County

The Ivy League on Wednesday became the first Division I conference to suspend all fall sports, including football, leaving open the possibility of moving some seasons to the spring if the coronavirus pandemic is better controlled by then.

“We simply do not believe we can create and maintain an environment for intercollegiate athletic competition that meets our requirements for safety and acceptable levels of risk,” the Ivy League Council of Presidents said in a statement.

“We are entrusted to create and maintain an educational environment that is guided by health and safety considerations. There can be no greater responsibility — and that is the basis for this difficult decision.”

The Ivy League on Wednesday became the first Division I conference to suspend all fall sports, including football, leaving open the possibility of moving some seasons to the spring if the coronavirus pandemic is better controlled by then.“We simply do not believe we can create and maintain an environment for intercollegiate athletic competition that meets our requirements for safety and acceptable levels of risk,” the Ivy League Council of Presidents said in a statement.“We are entrusted to create and maintain an educational environment that is guided by health and safety considerations. There can be no greater responsibility — and that is the basis for this difficult decision.”

Ivy League suspends fall sports due to the coronavirus pandemic

Geary Community Hospital has tested all employees that have had a direct contact with the two staff members that had tested positive for COVID-19. All staff have been tested twice and all have been negative to date.&nbsp;

“We are thankful that we did not have any spread throughout our staff. We will continue to monitor staff daily, to ensure that all employees, patients and community continue to stay safe” said GCH Interim CEO, Frank Corcoran.

A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified GCH nurses is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; The professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms, has traveled outside the US or inside the US to an area with widespread transmission, or may have been in contact with someone confirmed or being tested for COVID-19. The screening hotline number is 785-210-4214.

Geary Community Hospital has tested all employees that have had a direct contact with the two staff members that had tested positive for COVID-19. All staff have been tested twice and all have been negative to date.&nbsp; “We are thankful that we did not have any spread throughout our staff. We will continue to monitor staff daily, to ensure that all employees, patients and community continue to stay safe” said GCH Interim CEO, Frank Corcoran.A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified GCH nurses is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; The professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms, has traveled outside the US or inside the US to an area with widespread transmission, or may have been in contact with someone confirmed or being tested for COVID-19. The screening hotline number is 785-210-4214.

Geary Community Hospital does not have any more positive COVID-19 tests

There will be a face mask requirement for personnel attending and working in brick and mortar schools in Geary USD 475 this fall.&nbsp;

Associate Superintendent Lacee Sell said, "Here in our school district we are asking and requiring that everyone wears a mask." Sell explained in wearing the masks "the requirement is that if you cannot maintain six feet social distancing that you have to have a mask on. Parents are asking what about P.E. and recess? And so with that what we are going to do is try to keep the students apart best we can and avoid that direct contact."

Sell noted that during discussions with the Health Department that officials there and with USD 475 realize wearing a mask will make it difficult for anybody to breath. "We are going to try our absolute best to keep that six feet social distancing but when that can't occur that is when that mask absolutely has to be on." When there are situations where there just a few children in a room and they are more than six feet apart the masks can come down for a little bit, explained Sell.

Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the wearing of masks is a topic across the nation."And so we all have to be mindful and do our part." Eggleston said they have to be practical."We're actually in a different day and time. The pandemic is driving a lot of our actions. Under normal this would not even be a topic of discussion.However, because of&nbsp; the pandemic and because of everyone being alarmed we're going to take every necessary precaution that we possibly can."

There will be a face mask requirement for personnel attending and working in brick and mortar schools in Geary USD 475 this fall.&nbsp;Associate Superintendent Lacee Sell said, "Here in our school district we are asking and requiring that everyone wears a mask." Sell explained in wearing the masks "the requirement is that if you cannot maintain six feet social distancing that you have to have a mask on. Parents are asking what about P.E. and recess? And so with that what we are going to do is try to keep the students apart best we can and avoid that direct contact."Sell noted that during discussions with the Health Department that officials there and with USD 475 realize wearing a mask will make it difficult for anybody to breath. "We are going to try our absolute best to keep that six feet social distancing but when that can't occur that is when that mask absolutely has to be on." When there are situations where there just a few children in a room and they are more than six feet apart the masks can come down for a little bit, explained Sell.Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the wearing of masks is a topic across the nation."And so we all have to be mindful and do our part." Eggleston said they have to be practical."We're actually in a different day and time. The pandemic is driving a lot of our actions. Under normal this would not even be a topic of discussion.However, because of&nbsp; the pandemic and because of everyone being alarmed we're going to take every necessary precaution that we possibly can."

USD 475 will require face masks in the schools in the upcoming school year

&nbsp; Riley County health officials have reported 8 new positive COVID-19 cases since Tuesday’s report for a cumulative total of 325. There are 12 more recovered patients, reducing the number of active cases in the county to 141 (-4) active and 181 (+12) recovered. There have been 3 COVID-related deaths in Riley County. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan still has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and now has one PUI patient. A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Riley County health officials have reported 8 new positive COVID-19 cases since Tuesday’s report for a cumulative total of 325. There are 12 more recovered patients, reducing the number of active cases in the county to 141 (-4) active and 181 (+12) recovered. There have been 3 COVID-related deaths in Riley County. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan still has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and now has one PUI patient. A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eight new COVID-19 cases are added to the Riley County total

The positive COVID-19 case total went up by one in Geary County on Wednesday. Health officials released the information via the emergency management office.

There have been a total of 73 positive cases since the pandemic began in March.

The positive COVID-19 case total went up by one in Geary County on Wednesday. Health officials released the information via the emergency management office.There have been a total of 73 positive cases since the pandemic began in March.

Health officials report one new positive COVID-19 case on Wednesday

United Way of Junction City - Geary County, working with USD 475, is kicking off their 11th annual "Stuff the Bus" event. They will be seeking donation of school supplies from area residents to help children in the school district whose families may struggle to provide the necessary items to start the school year.

Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, noted that in previous years volunteers came out on Saturdays to ask the public to donate school supplies for students. But this year due to COVID-19 there will be a different look. Mader said to keep everyone safe, there will only be drop off locations throughout the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Items can be dropped off at Dillons, Geary Community Hospital (COVID restrictions still apply), Central National Bank (Wal-Mart branch, Ash &amp; 77, 8th &amp; Washington), Intrust Bank, State Farm – Karen Jameson, KS State Bank, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, Exchange Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Sunflower Bank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594221243446.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostUnited Way of Junction City - Geary County, working with USD 475, is kicking off their 11th annual "Stuff the Bus" event. They will be seeking donation of school supplies from area residents to help children in the school district whose families may struggle to provide the necessary items to start the school year.Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, noted that in previous years volunteers came out on Saturdays to ask the public to donate school supplies for students. But this year due to COVID-19 there will be a different look. Mader said to keep everyone safe, there will only be drop off locations throughout the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Items can be dropped off at Dillons, Geary Community Hospital (COVID restrictions still apply), Central National Bank (Wal-Mart branch, Ash &amp; 77, 8th &amp; Washington), Intrust Bank, State Farm – Karen Jameson, KS State Bank, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, Exchange Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Sunflower Bank.If people do not wish to shop for the school supplies, financial contributions may also be made. All funds generated will be spent on the purchase of additional school supplies. Checks should be made to United Way with “Stuff the Bus” written on the memo line. Please mail checks to United Way, P O Box 567, Junction City, KS 66441. Online donations can be made through our website or by Text-To-Give: Text UWJCGCSTB to 44-321.There will also be "Adopt-A-Backpack" displays at Dillons, and Geary Community Hospital ( COVID-19 ) restrictions.Adopt-A-Backpack – Families in need may visit www.unitedwayjcgc.org to apply for the Adopt-A-Backpack for their children. Paper backpacks with the child’s shopping list will be available at the displays and at the United Way office. Backpacks are due back to United Way by August 7th. Backpacks can also be dropped off at KS State Bank. Families will be able to pick up their backpacks the week of the 10th, in time for the 1st day of school.

Coronavirus Update