Riley County has 3 new COVID-19 positive patients, for a cumulative total of 74. The Health Department said the new patients are a 21 year-old man, 90 year-old woman, and a 95 year-old woman associated with an outbreak at the Leonardville Nursing Home. There are now a total of 5 positive cases associated with that location. All residents and employees of the facility have been tested. Roughly two-thirds of the 150 test results have been received and staff are waiting for notification about the remaining tests.

The Riley County Health Department has been working alongside the Leonardville facility, with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, to investigate, test, trace contacts, and isolate all positive cases there.

“The facility has been taking every precaution, from limiting access to visitors to monitoring of staff and residents for symptoms, and following recommendations from both the health department and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) for several months.” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs.

There are 12 active cases in Riley County, with 59 recovered, and 3 fatalities.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has 1 positive patient on a ventilator, and 2 Persons Under Investigation at this time. A PUI is a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

“This outbreak underscores the importance of collaboration and open communication between partners, and serves as a reminder that COVID-19 is still a pressing issue in Riley County and should continue to be taken very seriously,” said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We will continue to work closely with the Leonardville Nursing Home, and all other long-term care facilities, to keep Riley County healthy.”

Riley County has 3 new COVID-19 positive patients, for a cumulative total of 74. The Health Department said the new patients are a 21 year-old man, 90 year-old woman, and a 95 year-old woman associated with an outbreak at the Leonardville Nursing Home. There are now a total of 5 positive cases associated with that location. All residents and employees of the facility have been tested. Roughly two-thirds of the 150 test results have been received and staff are waiting for notification about the remaining tests.The Riley County Health Department has been working alongside the Leonardville facility, with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, to investigate, test, trace contacts, and isolate all positive cases there.“The facility has been taking every precaution, from limiting access to visitors to monitoring of staff and residents for symptoms, and following recommendations from both the health department and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) for several months.” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs.There are 12 active cases in Riley County, with 59 recovered, and 3 fatalities.Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has 1 positive patient on a ventilator, and 2 Persons Under Investigation at this time. A PUI is a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.“This outbreak underscores the importance of collaboration and open communication between partners, and serves as a reminder that COVID-19 is still a pressing issue in Riley County and should continue to be taken very seriously,” said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We will continue to work closely with the Leonardville Nursing Home, and all other long-term care facilities, to keep Riley County healthy.”

Five positive COVID-19 cases connected to the Leonardville Nursing Home

Last week there five positive cases of COVID-19 identified at the Geary County Detention Center, including three corrections officers and two inmates. They were in isolation.

But the Sheriff Department has now released information indicating there were no new cases found during a second round of testing.

The five that were diagnosed earlier are part of the 29 positive COVID-19 cases that have occurred in the county since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Last week there five positive cases of COVID-19 identified at the Geary County Detention Center, including three corrections officers and two inmates. They were in isolation.But the Sheriff Department has now released information indicating there were no new cases found during a second round of testing.The five that were diagnosed earlier are part of the 29 positive COVID-19 cases that have occurred in the county since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Second round of COVID-19 testing is complete at the Geary County Detention Center

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials in suburban Kansas City have linked a new coronavirus case to Memorial Day weekend parties at the Lake of the Ozarks. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Holzschuh told the Johnson County, Kansas, board of commissioners Thursday that the infected resident visited the same bar as a resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri who previously tested positive. 

Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. Health officials urged anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591911691981.png" alt="Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party" />
 <figcaption>Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials in suburban Kansas City have linked a new coronavirus case to Memorial Day weekend parties at the Lake of the Ozarks. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Holzschuh told the Johnson County, Kansas, board of commissioners Thursday that the infected resident visited the same bar as a resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri who previously tested positive. Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. Health officials urged anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.&nbsp;

2nd COVID-19 case tied to Memorial weekend lake parties

The Sundown Salute celebration was cancelled some time ago for 2020 due to COVID-19, but organizers left open the possibility they still might be able to have the parade that normally occurs on July 4. But on Thursday Michelle Stimatze, Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director, confirmed she had talked with Sundown Salute board members and that the parade will not be held this year. "We decided not to pursue the parade this year. "

Because of COVID-19 Stimatze explained that it's too much of a risk for the community as far as social distancing, adding that's it's really hard to have a parade and have everyone enjoy it.

Right now the mass gathering limit is 50 people for events, and it's unknown what that limit might be by July 4. "We really need to flatten the curve. We've done so well in the community not having so many people that's been involved with the COVID. I hate to see things keep increasing."

The plan is for the parade to return for the 2021 Sundown Salute celebration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591908750816.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Sundown Salute celebration was cancelled some time ago for 2020 due to COVID-19, but organizers left open the possibility they still might be able to have the parade that normally occurs on July 4. But on Thursday Michelle Stimatze, Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director, confirmed she had talked with Sundown Salute board members and that the parade will not be held this year. "We decided not to pursue the parade this year. "Because of COVID-19 Stimatze explained that it's too much of a risk for the community as far as social distancing, adding that's it's really hard to have a parade and have everyone enjoy it.Right now the mass gathering limit is 50 people for events, and it's unknown what that limit might be by July 4. "We really need to flatten the curve. We've done so well in the community not having so many people that's been involved with the COVID. I hate to see things keep increasing."The plan is for the parade to return for the 2021 Sundown Salute celebration.

There will not be a Sundown Salute parade this year

Governor Laura Kelly will discuss her administration’s&nbsp;statewide COVID-19 testing strategy.

The Governor will be joined&nbsp;Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Governor Laura Kelly will discuss her administration’s&nbsp;statewide COVID-19 testing strategy.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F181713886602771%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Governor will be joined&nbsp;Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

🎥  Gov. Kelly on statewide COVID-19 testing strategy

NEW YORK (AP) — States are rolling back lockdowns, but the coronavirus isn’t done with the U.S.

Cases are rising in nearly half the states, according to an Associated Press analysis, a worrying trend that could worsen as people return to work and venture out during the summer.

In Arizona, hospitals have been told to prepare for the worst. Texas has more hospitalized COVID-19 patients than at any time before. And the governor of North Carolina said recent jumps caused him to rethink plans to reopen schools or businesses.

There is no single reason to explain all the surges. In some cases, more testing has revealed more cases. In others, local outbreaks are big enough to push statewide tallies higher. But experts think at least some are due to lifting stay-at-home orders, school and business closures, and other restrictions put in place during the spring to stem the virus’s spread.

“It is a disaster that spreads,” said Dr. Jay Butler, who oversees coronavirus response work at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It’s not like there’s an entire continental seismic shift and everyone feels the shaking all at once.”

The virus first landed on the U.S. coasts, carried by international travelers infected abroad. For months, the epicenter was in northeastern states. More recently, the biggest increases have been in the South and the West.

The AP analyzed data compiled by The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer organization that collects coronavirus testing data in the United States. The analysis found that in 21 states as of Monday, the rolling seven-day average of new cases per capita was higher than the average seven days earlier.

Here’s what’s driving increases in some of the states with notable upticks:

&nbsp;Missouri health officials reported 179 in new confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday as the state continues to see daily triple-digit increases.

The state's COVID-19 death toll increased to 848 on Wednesday, which was 29 more than on Monday.&nbsp;

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey ended Arizona’s stay-at-home order on May 15 and eased restrictions on businesses. Arizona residents who were cooped up for six weeks flooded Phoenix-area bar districts, ignoring social distancing guidelines.

The state began seeing a surge of new cases and hospitalizations about 10 days later.

“It seems pretty clear to me that what we’re seeing is directly related to the end of the stay-at-home order,” said Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.

It wasn’t just that the order ended: There were no requirements to wear face masks, no major increases in contact tracing to spot and stop evolving outbreaks, and no scale-up of infection control at nursing homes, he said.

“Those are missed opportunities that, if implemented today, could still make a big difference,” said Humble, a former director of the state Department of Health Services.

Testing has been increasing in Arizona, which increases the chance of finding new cases. But the proportion of tests that come back positive has also been on the rise.

The AP analysis found Arizona had a rolling average of fewer than 400 new cases a day at the time the shutdown was lifted, but it shot up two weeks later and surpassed 1,000 new cases a day by early this week. Hospitalizations have also risen dramatically, hitting the 1,200 mark last week.

The state also passed another grim milestone last week, recording it’s 1,000th death.

Meanwhile Arizona hospitals on Tuesday reported they were at 83% of capacity, up from 78% the previous day. That could force affected hospitals to cancel elective surgeries. Rules established under an executive order Ducey issued in April said hospitals wanting to resume elective surgeries had to have at least 20% of their beds available.

In North Carolina, more testing plus more people out and about during reopening seem to be the main drivers of recent case upticks, said Kimberly Powers, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina.

On Saturday, the state recorded its highest single-day increase, with 1,370. While testing has grown in the last two weeks, so has the rate of tests coming back positive.

“These trends moving in the wrong direction is a signal we need to take very seriously,” said North Carolina’s top health official, Mandy Cohen, who along with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has urged the public to take precautions to protect themselves.

But some state residents are not on board.

“I think they should start opening stuff a little bit more,” said Jason Denton, an electrician from Greenville who said one of his main concerns was getting to the gym.

Few states are rebooting faster than Texas, where hospitalizations surged past 2,100 on Wednesday for the first time during the pandemic. That’s a 42% increase in patients since Memorial Day weekend, when restless beachgoers swarmed Texas’ coastline and a water park near Houston opened to big crowds in defiance of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s orders.

Texas’ percentage of tests coming back positive has also jumped to levels that are among the nation’s highest. State officials point to hot spots at meatpacking plants and prisons in rural counties, where thousands of new cases have cropped up, but have not offered explanations for a rise in numbers elsewhere.

Abbott, who has recently begun wearing a mask in public, has shown no intention of pumping the brake on reopening a state where conservative protesters in May pressured him to speed up the timeline on getting hair salons back in business.

On Friday, Texas is set to lift even more restrictions and let restaurant dining rooms reopen at nearly full capacity.

In Alabama, outbreaks in nursing homes and poultry plants helped drive state numbers upward, though there was a drop more recently. But that may change — there is evidence of community transmission in the capital, Montgomery, which has become an emerging hot spot, said State Health Officer Scott Harris.

“I think reopening the economy gave a lot of people the wrong impression … that, ‘Hey everything is fine. Let’s go back to normal,’” Harris said. “Clearly, it is not that way. Really, now more than ever we need people to stay 6 feet apart, wear face coverings and wash their hands.”

Montgomery hospital intensive care units are as busy as during flu season.

“I can assure you that Montgomery’s cases are not going down, and if our community does not take this seriously, the virus will continue to spread, and at some point, our medical capacity will reach its limit,” Dr. David Thrasher, director of respiratory therapy at Jackson Hospital, said in a statement.

Arkansas has also seen increases — in cases, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that come back positive. But the state’s situation is a complicated story of different outbreaks at different times, said Dr. Nate Smith, director of the Arkansas Department of Health.

After a peak in April, levels were low until spikes began about three weeks ago — mainly in the cities of Rogers and Springdale in the northwest and in De Queen further south. The cases have been concentrated among Hispanics and those who work in chicken production facilities.

The chicken plants never were closed, Smith said. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday said the state will move into a new phase of reopening, starting Monday.

Experts are wondering what will happen in the next week or so, in the wake of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

The protests were outdoors, which reduces the likelihood of virus spread, and many participants have worn masks and taken other precautions. But it’s a lot of people close together, chanting, singing and yelling.

“Hopefully we won’t see a big spike. But those data aren’t in yet,” Humble said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591208066312.png" alt="Photo Sedgwick County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sedgwick County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — States are rolling back lockdowns, but the coronavirus isn’t done with the U.S.Cases are rising in nearly half the states, according to an Associated Press analysis, a worrying trend that could worsen as people return to work and venture out during the summer.In Arizona, hospitals have been told to prepare for the worst. Texas has more hospitalized COVID-19 patients than at any time before. And the governor of North Carolina said recent jumps caused him to rethink plans to reopen schools or businesses.There is no single reason to explain all the surges. In some cases, more testing has revealed more cases. In others, local outbreaks are big enough to push statewide tallies higher. But experts think at least some are due to lifting stay-at-home orders, school and business closures, and other restrictions put in place during the spring to stem the virus’s spread.The virus is also gradually fanning out.“It is a disaster that spreads,” said Dr. Jay Butler, who oversees coronavirus response work at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It’s not like there’s an entire continental seismic shift and everyone feels the shaking all at once.”The virus first landed on the U.S. coasts, carried by international travelers infected abroad. For months, the epicenter was in northeastern states. More recently, the biggest increases have been in the South and the West.The AP analyzed data compiled by The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer organization that collects coronavirus testing data in the United States. The analysis found that in 21 states as of Monday, the rolling seven-day average of new cases per capita was higher than the average seven days earlier.Here’s what’s driving increases in some of the states with notable upticks:MISSOURI&nbsp;Missouri health officials reported 179 in new confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday as the state continues to see daily triple-digit increases.The state's COVID-19 death toll increased to 848 on Wednesday, which was 29 more than on Monday.&nbsp;ARIZONARepublican Gov. Doug Ducey ended Arizona’s stay-at-home order on May 15 and eased restrictions on businesses. Arizona residents who were cooped up for six weeks flooded Phoenix-area bar districts, ignoring social distancing guidelines.The state began seeing a surge of new cases and hospitalizations about 10 days later.“It seems pretty clear to me that what we’re seeing is directly related to the end of the stay-at-home order,” said Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.It wasn’t just that the order ended: There were no requirements to wear face masks, no major increases in contact tracing to spot and stop evolving outbreaks, and no scale-up of infection control at nursing homes, he said.“Those are missed opportunities that, if implemented today, could still make a big difference,” said Humble, a former director of the state Department of Health Services.Testing has been increasing in Arizona, which increases the chance of finding new cases. But the proportion of tests that come back positive has also been on the rise.The AP analysis found Arizona had a rolling average of fewer than 400 new cases a day at the time the shutdown was lifted, but it shot up two weeks later and surpassed 1,000 new cases a day by early this week. Hospitalizations have also risen dramatically, hitting the 1,200 mark last week.The state also passed another grim milestone last week, recording it’s 1,000th death.Meanwhile Arizona hospitals on Tuesday reported they were at 83% of capacity, up from 78% the previous day. That could force affected hospitals to cancel elective surgeries. Rules established under an executive order Ducey issued in April said hospitals wanting to resume elective surgeries had to have at least 20% of their beds available.NORTH CAROLINAIn North Carolina, more testing plus more people out and about during reopening seem to be the main drivers of recent case upticks, said Kimberly Powers, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina.On Saturday, the state recorded its highest single-day increase, with 1,370. While testing has grown in the last two weeks, so has the rate of tests coming back positive.“These trends moving in the wrong direction is a signal we need to take very seriously,” said North Carolina’s top health official, Mandy Cohen, who along with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has urged the public to take precautions to protect themselves.But some state residents are not on board.“I think they should start opening stuff a little bit more,” said Jason Denton, an electrician from Greenville who said one of his main concerns was getting to the gym.“That’s like my therapy,” he said.TEXASFew states are rebooting faster than Texas, where hospitalizations surged past 2,100 on Wednesday for the first time during the pandemic. That’s a 42% increase in patients since Memorial Day weekend, when restless beachgoers swarmed Texas’ coastline and a water park near Houston opened to big crowds in defiance of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s orders.Texas’ percentage of tests coming back positive has also jumped to levels that are among the nation’s highest. State officials point to hot spots at meatpacking plants and prisons in rural counties, where thousands of new cases have cropped up, but have not offered explanations for a rise in numbers elsewhere.Abbott, who has recently begun wearing a mask in public, has shown no intention of pumping the brake on reopening a state where conservative protesters in May pressured him to speed up the timeline on getting hair salons back in business.On Friday, Texas is set to lift even more restrictions and let restaurant dining rooms reopen at nearly full capacity.ALABAMAIn Alabama, outbreaks in nursing homes and poultry plants helped drive state numbers upward, though there was a drop more recently. But that may change — there is evidence of community transmission in the capital, Montgomery, which has become an emerging hot spot, said State Health Officer Scott Harris.“I think reopening the economy gave a lot of people the wrong impression … that, ‘Hey everything is fine. Let’s go back to normal,’” Harris said. “Clearly, it is not that way. Really, now more than ever we need people to stay 6 feet apart, wear face coverings and wash their hands.”Montgomery hospital intensive care units are as busy as during flu season.“I can assure you that Montgomery’s cases are not going down, and if our community does not take this seriously, the virus will continue to spread, and at some point, our medical capacity will reach its limit,” Dr. David Thrasher, director of respiratory therapy at Jackson Hospital, said in a statement.ARKANSASArkansas has also seen increases — in cases, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that come back positive. But the state’s situation is a complicated story of different outbreaks at different times, said Dr. Nate Smith, director of the Arkansas Department of Health.After a peak in April, levels were low until spikes began about three weeks ago — mainly in the cities of Rogers and Springdale in the northwest and in De Queen further south. The cases have been concentrated among Hispanics and those who work in chicken production facilities.The chicken plants never were closed, Smith said. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday said the state will move into a new phase of reopening, starting Monday.LOOKING AHEADExperts are wondering what will happen in the next week or so, in the wake of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.The protests were outdoors, which reduces the likelihood of virus spread, and many participants have worn masks and taken other precautions. But it’s a lot of people close together, chanting, singing and yelling.“Hopefully we won’t see a big spike. But those data aren’t in yet,” Humble said.

Alarming rise in virus cases as states roll back lockdowns

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Church of the Magdalen,&nbsp;12626 E 21st St N in Wichita is temporarily close for at least two weeks after a priest reported he tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the Diocese of Wichita, the priest&nbsp;woke up feeling ill on Wednesday and after speaking with a doctor, went in for a test and received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. 

Since the priest live together in the rectory, a second priest is now also required to quarantine for 14 days.

Out of an abundance of&nbsp;caution, the priest and the church staff have determined the following measures need to be taken, effective immediately. All Masses—including Sunday Masses, confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration are temporarily suspended

Livestreams are temporarily discontinued (Magdalen website will have recommended alternatives shortly)

First Communion, originally scheduled for this weekend, is postponed until further notice

The entire Magdalen campus is temporarily closed

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584219029698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Church of the Magdalen,&nbsp;12626 E 21st St N in Wichita is temporarily close for at least two weeks after a priest reported he tested positive for COVID-19.According to the Diocese of Wichita, the priest&nbsp;woke up feeling ill on Wednesday and after speaking with a doctor, went in for a test and received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Since the priest live together in the rectory, a second priest is now also required to quarantine for 14 days.Out of an abundance of&nbsp;caution, the priest and the church staff have determined the following measures need to be taken, effective immediately. All Masses—including Sunday Masses, confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration are temporarily suspendedLivestreams are temporarily discontinued (Magdalen website will have recommended alternatives shortly)First Communion, originally scheduled for this weekend, is postponed until further noticeThe entire Magdalen campus is temporarily closed

Coronavirus shuts down Kan. church after priest tests positive

There were not any increases in positive COVID-19 cases for Geary County reported by the Health Department on Wednesday. There have been 29 positive cases since the pandemic began.

There are nine active cases with 122 tests pending. Nineteen patients have recovered and there has been one fatality. A total of 918 cases have produced negative results.

There were not any increases in positive COVID-19 cases for Geary County reported by the Health Department on Wednesday. There have been 29 positive cases since the pandemic began.There are nine active cases with 122 tests pending. Nineteen patients have recovered and there has been one fatality. A total of 918 cases have produced negative results.

Latest COVID-19 numbers are released for Geary County

The Junction City 12th street Community Center has been open for about two weeks, but City Manager Allen Dinkel said the City is now making changes in the schedule to allow more activities and a few more people in the building beginning next week.

Proposed schedule for 12th&nbsp;Street Community Center (beginning 6/15/2020)

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday – Friday

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saturday (Open Gym)

Closed&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sunday

Reservations will not be taken for facility use.

The Junction City 12th street Community Center has been open for about two weeks, but City Manager Allen Dinkel said the City is now making changes in the schedule to allow more activities and a few more people in the building beginning next week.Proposed schedule for 12th&nbsp;Street Community Center (beginning 6/15/2020)Our hours:7:00 AM – 7:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday – Friday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saturday (Open Gym)Closed&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sunday<ol>
 <li>Walkers and Fitness Center users &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;7:00 – 9:30 AM</li><li>Pickleball&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM</li><li>Open Gym&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM</li><li>Limit 30 people.&nbsp; Games allowed.&nbsp;&nbsp;No spectators.</li><li>M, W, F gym will close at 5:30 to set up for Zumba in gym</li><li>NO BACKPACKS OR PURSES</li><li>Class sizes will still be limited, social distancing will be practiced</li><li>Yoga&nbsp;&nbsp; M, W, F &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 – 10:00 AM</li><li>S.I.M.&nbsp; M, W, F&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM</li><li>Zumb&nbsp;&nbsp; M, W, F&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6:00 – 7:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp; in the GYM.&nbsp;&nbsp;Limit 30</li>
 </ol>Reservations will not be taken for facility use.

12th Street Community Center expanding activities

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 162 to a total of 10,812, the state health department reported Wednesday 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 162 to a total of 10,812, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 240<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/2020/6/1591809929925.png" alt="June 10, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>June 10, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON —U.S. meatpacking facilities are operating at more than 95 percent of average capacity when compared to 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the data, attributing the operations to the safe reopening of the facilities. 

USDA says beef facilities are operating at 98 percent, pork facilities are operating at 95 percent, and poultry facilities are operating at 98 percent of their capacity compared to the same time last year. 

Secretary Perdue thanked the industry and its workers, for "quickly getting their operations back up and running." USDA says the facilities are safely resuming operations following an executive order by President Donald Trump to implement safety guidelines to protect workers from COVID-19. 

The closures led to shortages at grocery stores and a backlog of animals ready to slaughter, creating depressed prices for farmers, yet higher prices for consumers. USDA says it will continue to work with safety officials to keep the facilities open while maintaining worker safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589997636847.png" alt="Workers wearing protective clothing -Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Workers wearing protective clothing -Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —U.S. meatpacking facilities are operating at more than 95 percent of average capacity when compared to 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the data, attributing the operations to the safe reopening of the facilities. USDA says beef facilities are operating at 98 percent, pork facilities are operating at 95 percent, and poultry facilities are operating at 98 percent of their capacity compared to the same time last year. Secretary Perdue thanked the industry and its workers, for "quickly getting their operations back up and running." USDA says the facilities are safely resuming operations following an executive order by President Donald Trump to implement safety guidelines to protect workers from COVID-19. The closures led to shortages at grocery stores and a backlog of animals ready to slaughter, creating depressed prices for farmers, yet higher prices for consumers. USDA says it will continue to work with safety officials to keep the facilities open while maintaining worker safety.

USDA: Meatpacking facilities near full operation of 2019 capacity

Mobile testing for COVID-19 could be in the plan for Geary County. Keith Ascher, Geary County Commission, said this week that the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment wants to do mobile testing for COVID-19 in the county.

Ascher said the commission received a report from Health Officer, Tammy Von Busch. "She's been contacted by KDHE and they would like to come to the community, or the county, and do mobile testing. They would like to do it in some identified low income areas. "

Ascher noted that the Health Department would have to help identify those locations. "KDHE will meet with the county commissioners and that's probably going to happen in the next couple of weeks."

No final action has been taken at this point.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591745976276.jpeg" alt="Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher" />
 <figcaption>Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher</figcaption>
 </figure>Mobile testing for COVID-19 could be in the plan for Geary County. Keith Ascher, Geary County Commission, said this week that the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment wants to do mobile testing for COVID-19 in the county.Ascher said the commission received a report from Health Officer, Tammy Von Busch. "She's been contacted by KDHE and they would like to come to the community, or the county, and do mobile testing. They would like to do it in some identified low income areas. "Ascher noted that the Health Department would have to help identify those locations. "KDHE will meet with the county commissioners and that's probably going to happen in the next couple of weeks."No final action has been taken at this point.

Mobile testing for COVID-19 is a possibility receiving attention

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas will offer voluntary buyout packages to some faculty members as it grapples with financial losses from the coronavirus pandemic.

Chancellor Douglas Girod has said the university faces a budget shortfall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/96e7e3cfef7e6d0041dfe3c908fd4389">at least $120</a>&nbsp;million in the fiscal year that begins July 1 due to virus-related shutdowns.

Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer said in a Monday message to faculty and staff members that eligible employees must be age 62 or older and meet other requirements.

“This was not an easy decision, however, it is one that will help enable the university to plan and forecast its continued capacity to provide high-quality educational experiences and exceptional research on our Lawrence and Edwards campuses long into the future,” Bichelmeyer said.

Applicants accepted into the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program will receive a lump-sum cash payment of $100,000 or their fiscal year 2021 budgeted base salary, whichever is lower. They must retire by Dec. 31 and would not be eligible for rehire at the university for 12 months.

Between 500 and 600 faculty and staff are likely eligible for the program, said university spokeswoman Erinn Barcomb-Peterson.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas will offer voluntary buyout packages to some faculty members as it grapples with financial losses from the coronavirus pandemic.Chancellor Douglas Girod has said the university faces a budget shortfall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/96e7e3cfef7e6d0041dfe3c908fd4389">at least $120</a>&nbsp;million in the fiscal year that begins July 1 due to virus-related shutdowns.Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer said in a Monday message to faculty and staff members that eligible employees must be age 62 or older and meet other requirements.“This was not an easy decision, however, it is one that will help enable the university to plan and forecast its continued capacity to provide high-quality educational experiences and exceptional research on our Lawrence and Edwards campuses long into the future,” Bichelmeyer said.Applicants accepted into the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program will receive a lump-sum cash payment of $100,000 or their fiscal year 2021 budgeted base salary, whichever is lower. They must retire by Dec. 31 and would not be eligible for rehire at the university for 12 months.Between 500 and 600 faculty and staff are likely eligible for the program, said university spokeswoman Erinn Barcomb-Peterson.

University of Kansas offers buyouts amid pandemic losses

TOPEKA–The KDHE confirmed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at Lansing Correctional Facility is contained. As a result, the Guardsmen who have supported logistics, food and medical services at the facility concluded their mission on June 4.

“The Kansas National Guard is full of highly trained, professional public servants who are ready at a moment’s notice to serve their fellow Kansans,”&nbsp;Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections said Tuesday.

“We were extremely impressed with their willingness and ability to adapt to their new surroundings and face each task with strength and dignity. On behalf of the department, I want to sincerely thank them for their work.”

The first four Kansas National Guard members arrived at Lansing on April 15 and grew to more than 40 in support of LCF’s COVID-19 response. The Guardsmen were instrumental in monitoring residents for symptoms, carrying out mass testing for the virus and conducting twice-daily health checks. Additional members also provided support in food service, as residents who normally prepare meals were unable to do so while they were quarantined and assisted with the move to the new buildings at the reconstructed facility. Their contributions allowed Lansing employees to remain focused on safety and security tasks with confidence that these services were continuing.

KDHE began assisting KDOC with their COVID-19 preparations in early March and when the situation at LCF escalated, they dedicated a full-time staff member to assist with ensuring the health and safety of the residents. As the agency moves into a new phase of response, the two agencies will continue to partner to determine what additional steps may need to be taken in the future.

“Secretary Lee Norman and Phil Griffin, Director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention at KDHE, have been amazing partners to our agency,” Zmuda said. “They have brought the health expertise that we needed to make sure that our staff received the most up-to-date information on the virus and how to keep the men, women and youth in our care safe.”

With the virus contained, residents, staff and contractors at the facility are moving forward with the resumption of many activities. This includes residents returning to their jobs in food service, laundry and maintenance activities as well as essential private industry jobs. In addition, the contracted medical provider will continue providing all services under the terms of their contract. Activities that expose residents to the community, including visitation, volunteers, mentors, and non-essential private industry jobs will not be resumed at this time.

“While we are resuming many activities, we fully recognize that this virus will still be present for the foreseeable future, so we plan to maintain the mitigation strategies that have been implemented at each of our facilities,” Zmuda said. “This resumption of activities is a first step to normalizing operations at Lansing, but one we will do with an abundance of caution and care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591738839534.png" alt="Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are assisting at Lansing Correctional Facility on May 5 supplementing kitchen staff by preparing sack lunches for distribution to residents throughout the facility- photo courtesy Kansas National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are assisting at Lansing Correctional Facility on May 5 supplementing kitchen staff by preparing sack lunches for distribution to residents throughout the facility- photo courtesy Kansas National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA–The KDHE confirmed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at Lansing Correctional Facility is contained. As a result, the Guardsmen who have supported logistics, food and medical services at the facility concluded their mission on June 4.“The Kansas National Guard is full of highly trained, professional public servants who are ready at a moment’s notice to serve their fellow Kansans,”&nbsp;Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections said Tuesday.“We were extremely impressed with their willingness and ability to adapt to their new surroundings and face each task with strength and dignity. On behalf of the department, I want to sincerely thank them for their work.”The first four Kansas National Guard members arrived at Lansing on April 15 and grew to more than 40 in support of LCF’s COVID-19 response. The Guardsmen were instrumental in monitoring residents for symptoms, carrying out mass testing for the virus and conducting twice-daily health checks. Additional members also provided support in food service, as residents who normally prepare meals were unable to do so while they were quarantined and assisted with the move to the new buildings at the reconstructed facility. Their contributions allowed Lansing employees to remain focused on safety and security tasks with confidence that these services were continuing.KDHE began assisting KDOC with their COVID-19 preparations in early March and when the situation at LCF escalated, they dedicated a full-time staff member to assist with ensuring the health and safety of the residents. As the agency moves into a new phase of response, the two agencies will continue to partner to determine what additional steps may need to be taken in the future.“Secretary Lee Norman and Phil Griffin, Director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention at KDHE, have been amazing partners to our agency,” Zmuda said. “They have brought the health expertise that we needed to make sure that our staff received the most up-to-date information on the virus and how to keep the men, women and youth in our care safe.”With the virus contained, residents, staff and contractors at the facility are moving forward with the resumption of many activities. This includes residents returning to their jobs in food service, laundry and maintenance activities as well as essential private industry jobs. In addition, the contracted medical provider will continue providing all services under the terms of their contract. Activities that expose residents to the community, including visitation, volunteers, mentors, and non-essential private industry jobs will not be resumed at this time.“While we are resuming many activities, we fully recognize that this virus will still be present for the foreseeable future, so we plan to maintain the mitigation strategies that have been implemented at each of our facilities,” Zmuda said. “This resumption of activities is a first step to normalizing operations at Lansing, but one we will do with an abundance of caution and care.”

KDHE: Coronavirus outbreak at Kansas prison is contained

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will resume in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester, but is moving the start and end dates of the semester up one week. The university also will have on-campus housing and dining available for students, but will incorporate extra health and safety measures. Fall academic calendar adjustments

Under the adjusted fall 2020 semester academic calendar, the first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 17. The last day of classes will be Friday, Dec. 4, with finals week from Dec. 7-11. The last day for in-person on-campus instruction will be on Nov. 20, right before the student Thanksgiving break. Following the break, the last two weeks of the semester, including final exams, will be completed using distance methods. <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=65721" target="_blank">Read more about updates to the academic calendar.</a> Residence hall and dining center updates Residence halls and dining centers will be open for the fall 2020 semester and K-State is incorporating extra health and safety measures for on-campus housing and dining. These updates to housing and dining plans aim to enhance student safety and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. The housing and dining updates include safety measures in several areas: reducing housing density; staggering the move-in schedule to reduce the size of gatherings; additional conduct standards and protocols for residents; modifying dining operations; and enhancing sanitation and cleaning in residence halls, dining centers and other shared spaces. <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=65705" target="_blank">Read more about housing and dining updates for the fall 2020 semester.</a>

K-State News and Communications Services Division of Communications and Marketing

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will resume in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester, but is moving the start and end dates of the semester up one week. The university also will have on-campus housing and dining available for students, but will incorporate extra health and safety measures. Fall academic calendar adjustmentsUnder the adjusted fall 2020 semester academic calendar, the first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 17. The last day of classes will be Friday, Dec. 4, with finals week from Dec. 7-11. The last day for in-person on-campus instruction will be on Nov. 20, right before the student Thanksgiving break. Following the break, the last two weeks of the semester, including final exams, will be completed using distance methods. <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=65721" target="_blank">Read more about updates to the academic calendar.</a> Residence hall and dining center updates Residence halls and dining centers will be open for the fall 2020 semester and K-State is incorporating extra health and safety measures for on-campus housing and dining. These updates to housing and dining plans aim to enhance student safety and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. The housing and dining updates include safety measures in several areas: reducing housing density; staggering the move-in schedule to reduce the size of gatherings; additional conduct standards and protocols for residents; modifying dining operations; and enhancing sanitation and cleaning in residence halls, dining centers and other shared spaces. <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=65705" target="_blank">Read more about housing and dining updates for the fall 2020 semester.</a> K-State News and Communications Services Division of Communications and Marketing

K-State adjusts academic calendar, provides housing updates for fall semester

The 2020 Kansas legislative year ended last week with a special two-day session, which was called by Gov. Laura Kelly. Discussion was limited to House Bill 2016 (the COVID-19 bill, and it finally passed with nearly 90 percent support.

There are parts of the bill legislators did not like and parts the governor didn’t like, which means it's probably a good bill. A compromise was reached between the governor and the legislature on emergency powers and on spending the new federal COVID-19 dollars. Oversight of those dollars and the governor's emergency powers will be the responsibility of the State Finance Council. Members include: the governor as chairperson, House Speaker, Senate President, House Majority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Ways and Means Committee chairperson and the House Appropriations Committee chairperson.

The State Finance Council will control federal funds to all counties, except Johnson and Sedgwick. Those counties each have more than 500,000 residents and will receive funds directly. Currently, the projected amount is $1.2 billion for 103 counties and with Johnson County and Sedgwick County to receive $119 million and $99 million, respectively. There are numerous restrictions on the funds, which leaves many local governments in very precarious financial situations.

HB 2016 was 88 pages in length, much longer than is typical for a bill. Legislators received it only a few hours before being asked to vote. The established committee process isn’t perfect, but it provides an opportunity for more detailed discussion. We passed only nine bills this legislative session for many reasons, and the huge one at the end is very important and contains changes which will impact every Kansan. The COVID-19 bill needed to be considered for weeks to analyze the details, but time had expired and a decision had to be made. I voted “yes" and will work this next year to gather information and recommend major changes to the process.

Under requirements of the bill, the governor must seek state Board of Education approval for significant closure of public schools. Kansas was the first state to close public schools due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. This upset some legislators, who wanted to leave closure decisions in the hands of local school boards. Their efforts failed and we will be united statewide when closing schools is necessary.

Exemptions from liability for COVID-19 injury were provided to most industries when CDC guidelines have been followed. Special liability for nursing homes and community colleges was not included. There was a strong pushback from the nursing homes, but to no avail. The debate was lively and sometimes heated.

Family farmers can access funds through Kansas Farmers Union, which partnered with Missouri Farmers Union to provide emergency relief grants. These are used to pay household expenses. Farming has always been a volatile business, but the current situation is the most critical and stressful in my lifetime.

The State of Kansas is projected to have a $600 Million deficit for FY 2021, which runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. We left the governor to make the necessary cuts when the deficit goes below zero. Those cuts will not be popular and budgeted funds will be gone with the stroke of a pen. The Senate President and Senate Majority Leader are not seeking re-election, so those lame ducks will be deciding major fiscal fund issues. The two leaders were a major source of legislative struggles this year. This is the first time in history the state and country is out of money, and I’m hoping for no political posturing. However, that has not been what we have witnessed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591702013607.jpeg" alt="68th District State Representative Dave Baker" />
 <figcaption>68th District State Representative Dave Baker</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2020 Kansas legislative year ended last week with a special two-day session, which was called by Gov. Laura Kelly. Discussion was limited to House Bill 2016 (the COVID-19 bill, and it finally passed with nearly 90 percent support.There are parts of the bill legislators did not like and parts the governor didn’t like, which means it's probably a good bill. A compromise was reached between the governor and the legislature on emergency powers and on spending the new federal COVID-19 dollars. Oversight of those dollars and the governor's emergency powers will be the responsibility of the State Finance Council. Members include: the governor as chairperson, House Speaker, Senate President, House Majority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Ways and Means Committee chairperson and the House Appropriations Committee chairperson.The State Finance Council will control federal funds to all counties, except Johnson and Sedgwick. Those counties each have more than 500,000 residents and will receive funds directly. Currently, the projected amount is $1.2 billion for 103 counties and with Johnson County and Sedgwick County to receive $119 million and $99 million, respectively. There are numerous restrictions on the funds, which leaves many local governments in very precarious financial situations.HB 2016 was 88 pages in length, much longer than is typical for a bill. Legislators received it only a few hours before being asked to vote. The established committee process isn’t perfect, but it provides an opportunity for more detailed discussion. We passed only nine bills this legislative session for many reasons, and the huge one at the end is very important and contains changes which will impact every Kansan. The COVID-19 bill needed to be considered for weeks to analyze the details, but time had expired and a decision had to be made. I voted “yes" and will work this next year to gather information and recommend major changes to the process.Under requirements of the bill, the governor must seek state Board of Education approval for significant closure of public schools. Kansas was the first state to close public schools due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. This upset some legislators, who wanted to leave closure decisions in the hands of local school boards. Their efforts failed and we will be united statewide when closing schools is necessary.Exemptions from liability for COVID-19 injury were provided to most industries when CDC guidelines have been followed. Special liability for nursing homes and community colleges was not included. There was a strong pushback from the nursing homes, but to no avail. The debate was lively and sometimes heated.Family farmers can access funds through Kansas Farmers Union, which partnered with Missouri Farmers Union to provide emergency relief grants. These are used to pay household expenses. Farming has always been a volatile business, but the current situation is the most critical and stressful in my lifetime.The State of Kansas is projected to have a $600 Million deficit for FY 2021, which runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. We left the governor to make the necessary cuts when the deficit goes below zero. Those cuts will not be popular and budgeted funds will be gone with the stroke of a pen. The Senate President and Senate Majority Leader are not seeking re-election, so those lame ducks will be deciding major fiscal fund issues. The two leaders were a major source of legislative struggles this year. This is the first time in history the state and country is out of money, and I’m hoping for no political posturing. However, that has not been what we have witnessed.

Baker's Briefs by State Rep. Dave Baker

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties “shouldn’t feel pressure” to loosen restrictions if they aren’t seeing a decline in new coronavirus cases or new hospitalizations, Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday, with cases increasing faster in the four most populous counties than the state as a whole.

Kelly said she’s feeling hopeful because Kansas is making enough progress in containing the novel coronavirus for most of the state’s 105 counties to loosen restrictions further. Her office and the state Department of Health and Environment are advising local officials that as of Monday they can allow mass gatherings of up to 45 people, permit non-essential travel and open swimming pools and summer camps.

But she and Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, acknowledged there are counties not seeing a drop in new cases and hospitalizations or are likely to see declines halt. Norman listed three of the state’s four most populous counties — Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte — as examples.

The state health department reported Monday that Kansas saw coronavirus cases increase 2.5% from Friday, up 257 to a total of 10,650 since the pandemic reached the state in early March. The three counties Norman mentioned, plus Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, together accounted for 55% of the new cases since last week.

“Counties that have plateaued or that are trending in the wrong direction should’t feel pressure,” Kelly said, adding that they’re encouraged to keep current restrictions in place “until they see improvement.”

The Democratic governor imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then mandated a phased reopening of the state’s economy. However, she converted her requirements into guidelines for local officials on May 26, lifting statewide restrictions in favor of letting counties set their own rules.

Her action was a major concession to the Republican-controlled Legislature after many GOP members had complained for weeks that Kelly was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The governor also agreed to some limits on her power to direct the state’s response to the pandemic to help persuade lawmakers to extend a state of emergency until at least Sept. 15.

Kelly signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">approved by lawmakers last week.</a>&nbsp;It limits Kelly’s power to close businesses statewide again and gives legislative leaders some oversight of the pandemic response, including how the state will spend $1.25 billion in federal relief funds.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2016_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The legislation&nbsp;</a>is expected to take effect later this week.

As of Monday, 62% of the state’s 236 reported COVID-19-related deaths were in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first virus hot spot. Both counties are seeing cases increase faster than in the state as a whole.

The state health department said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560, and the county is reporting 75 COVID-19-related deaths. Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%, with a total of 71 deaths since the pandemic began.

Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. It is reporting 22 deaths.

Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total. It reported seven deaths.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties “shouldn’t feel pressure” to loosen restrictions if they aren’t seeing a decline in new coronavirus cases or new hospitalizations, Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday, with cases increasing faster in the four most populous counties than the state as a whole.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F592899934976032%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kelly said she’s feeling hopeful because Kansas is making enough progress in containing the novel coronavirus for most of the state’s 105 counties to loosen restrictions further. Her office and the state Department of Health and Environment are advising local officials that as of Monday they can allow mass gatherings of up to 45 people, permit non-essential travel and open swimming pools and summer camps.But she and Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, acknowledged there are counties not seeing a drop in new cases and hospitalizations or are likely to see declines halt. Norman listed three of the state’s four most populous counties — Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte — as examples.The state health department reported Monday that Kansas saw coronavirus cases increase 2.5% from Friday, up 257 to a total of 10,650 since the pandemic reached the state in early March. The three counties Norman mentioned, plus Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, together accounted for 55% of the new cases since last week.“Counties that have plateaued or that are trending in the wrong direction should’t feel pressure,” Kelly said, adding that they’re encouraged to keep current restrictions in place “until they see improvement.”The Democratic governor imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then mandated a phased reopening of the state’s economy. However, she converted her requirements into guidelines for local officials on May 26, lifting statewide restrictions in favor of letting counties set their own rules.Her action was a major concession to the Republican-controlled Legislature after many GOP members had complained for weeks that Kelly was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The governor also agreed to some limits on her power to direct the state’s response to the pandemic to help persuade lawmakers to extend a state of emergency until at least Sept. 15.Kelly signed a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">approved by lawmakers last week.</a>&nbsp;It limits Kelly’s power to close businesses statewide again and gives legislative leaders some oversight of the pandemic response, including how the state will spend $1.25 billion in federal relief funds.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2016_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The legislation&nbsp;</a>is expected to take effect later this week.As of Monday, 62% of the state’s 236 reported COVID-19-related deaths were in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, the state’s first virus hot spot. Both counties are seeing cases increase faster than in the state as a whole.The state health department said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560, and the county is reporting 75 COVID-19-related deaths. Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%, with a total of 71 deaths since the pandemic began.Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. It is reporting 22 deaths.Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total. It reported seven deaths.___

🎥  Governor: Kansas counties shouldn't feel push to ease rules

There is concern about community spread of COVID-19 so Geary County Health Officer Tammy Von Busch will keep the same restrictions in place through June 24th. 

There had been a plan to open up the mass gathering limit with a new health order this Wednesday, but not now. "Our intention had been to move from a mass gathering of 50 to a mass gathering of 100." Von Busch said the County will remain at the 50-person limit. Because what we have found is that as we are investigating the new cases that we are seeing it appears to be community spread."

Von Busch said officials are trying to maintain some control of the group sizes so if numbers rise it will help with contact tracing,&nbsp; "and try to hopefully limit huge groups of people getting together and spreading this disease among large numbers."

This past weekend there were five new cases at the Geary County Detention Center including three corrections officers and two inmates. In recent days there has been another positive COVID-19 case where an individual was exposed to the cornavirus in Nebraska and is now back in the community. Those individuals are isolated.

The mass gathering limit will remain at 50 people through June 24th.

There is concern about community spread of COVID-19 so Geary County Health Officer Tammy Von Busch will keep the same restrictions in place through June 24th. There had been a plan to open up the mass gathering limit with a new health order this Wednesday, but not now. "Our intention had been to move from a mass gathering of 50 to a mass gathering of 100." Von Busch said the County will remain at the 50-person limit. Because what we have found is that as we are investigating the new cases that we are seeing it appears to be community spread."Von Busch said officials are trying to maintain some control of the group sizes so if numbers rise it will help with contact tracing,&nbsp; "and try to hopefully limit huge groups of people getting together and spreading this disease among large numbers."This past weekend there were five new cases at the Geary County Detention Center including three corrections officers and two inmates. In recent days there has been another positive COVID-19 case where an individual was exposed to the cornavirus in Nebraska and is now back in the community. Those individuals are isolated.The mass gathering limit will remain at 50 people through June 24th.

Geary County will not see COVID-19 restrictions ease in the immediate future

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases are increasing faster in Kansas’ four most populous counties than they are in the state as a whole, accounting Monday for the majority of new cases reported since last week.

The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas has had 10,650 coronavirus cases since the pandemic arrived in early March, up 257 or 2.5% since Friday. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by four to 236 total since early March, the department said.

The number of cases is growing faster in the state’s portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area, the first hot spot for the state and where the first novel coronavirus cases were confirmed.

The state said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560. Neighboring Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%.

Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total.

Those four most-populous counties had 55% of the new cases since Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591654770731.png" alt="KDHE Sec. Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Sec. Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases are increasing faster in Kansas’ four most populous counties than they are in the state as a whole, accounting Monday for the majority of new cases reported since last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591636362685.png" alt="KDHE Map June 8, 2020" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Map June 8, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas has had 10,650 coronavirus cases since the pandemic arrived in early March, up 257 or 2.5% since Friday. The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by four to 236 total since early March, the department said.The number of cases is growing faster in the state’s portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area, the first hot spot for the state and where the first novel coronavirus cases were confirmed.The state said Wyandotte County had 52 new cases since Friday, an increase of 3.4%, to make the total 1,560. Neighboring Johnson County saw another 38 cases since Friday, to bring its total to 977 for an increase of 4%.Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, saw a 5.8% jump in cases, up 36 to 660. Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, had 15 more cases since Friday, an increase of 4.1% to 384 total.Those four most-populous counties had 55% of the new cases since Friday.

Populous counties outpace Kansas for rise in COVID-19 cases

On Friday due to the outbreak of Covid-19 at the Geary County Detention Center, testing of the staff and inmates was conducted. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said as a result of the testing, three new cases were identified. This brings the count to five total for the Detention Center.&nbsp;

Two were identified as inmates and one was a Correctional Officer. The Detention Officers are isolated at their residence and the inmates are isolated away from the other inmates as they recover.

The Geary County Health Department continues to work with those who tested positive. They are doing contact tracing to track where the individuals have been and whom they were in contact with.

Arrangements are being made to retest all of the Detention personnel and inmates later on this week, as the Health Department and KDHE work together to identify and stop the spread of the virus.

Additional personal protective supplies were requested and received from the State EOC on Friday. These supplies are for the Detention Officer and the inmates.

So far since the coronavirus pandemic began there have been 29 confirmed positive cases in Geary County.

The public is encouraged to follow the recommendations of social distancing, wearing of face masks, and washing of hands as we attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19.

On Friday due to the outbreak of Covid-19 at the Geary County Detention Center, testing of the staff and inmates was conducted. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said as a result of the testing, three new cases were identified. This brings the count to five total for the Detention Center.&nbsp;Two were identified as inmates and one was a Correctional Officer. The Detention Officers are isolated at their residence and the inmates are isolated away from the other inmates as they recover.The Geary County Health Department continues to work with those who tested positive. They are doing contact tracing to track where the individuals have been and whom they were in contact with.Arrangements are being made to retest all of the Detention personnel and inmates later on this week, as the Health Department and KDHE work together to identify and stop the spread of the virus.Additional personal protective supplies were requested and received from the State EOC on Friday. These supplies are for the Detention Officer and the inmates.So far since the coronavirus pandemic began there have been 29 confirmed positive cases in Geary County.The public is encouraged to follow the recommendations of social distancing, wearing of face masks, and washing of hands as we attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Emergency Management updates COVID-19 test results at the Geary County Detention Center

It took just six minutes for PowerUpJC to go through approximately $12,000 on Monday afternoon. Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jeff Underhill said the $10,000 that had been set aside for the promotion to support local businesses went quick. "They weren't quite able to get the ( Chamber ) website shut down quick enough so we did sell a little more than we had budgeted. But the Chamber I think is still looking for some of our partners to step up and maybe contribute a little bit more to help cover the difference. " Underhill added that it showed all the support for small businesses in the community.

Underhill said when the website opened at noon it was bombarded. "I don't believe it was a single business or single individual because we did have limits as to what an individual could purchase, but it was just overhwelming support."

In the promotion individuals could purchase a gift card or certificate from a participating business and get double the value for their purchase. Money donated by local organizations and entities provided the extra cash, and it was all designed to create an infusion of money into the participating businesses.

PowerUpJC offered $10,000 in matching funds on Monday to support local gift card or certificate purchases from local businesses. Consumers could buy a gift card or certificate and get double their value while there could be an infusion of cash into the business as they work to recover from COVID-19.

A check with the Chamber of Commerce revealed that PowerUpJC sold out in six minutes.

The PowerUpJC web store on the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce web site opens at noon on Monday.&nbsp; This is a promotion designed to provide consumers with double the value purchases of gift cards or certificates from participating businesses, and to help infuse cash flow into those businesses who are reopening from COVID-19.

Director of Member Relations for the Chamber, Dawn Stephens, said the website address is www.jcacc.org. That's where you can make a purchase from a participating business. "You get twice the bang for your buck." Stephens explained cash flow is being infused quickly and the only investment for a business is the gift card or gift certificate. "No monetary investment whatsoever. Someone buys a gift card, we match it with our matching funds from PowerUpJC and we push it on to the business owner."

A total of $10,000 was raised for the program from donors.&nbsp;

UPDATE:It took just six minutes for PowerUpJC to go through approximately $12,000 on Monday afternoon. Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jeff Underhill said the $10,000 that had been set aside for the promotion to support local businesses went quick. "They weren't quite able to get the ( Chamber ) website shut down quick enough so we did sell a little more than we had budgeted. But the Chamber I think is still looking for some of our partners to step up and maybe contribute a little bit more to help cover the difference. " Underhill added that it showed all the support for small businesses in the community.Underhill said when the website opened at noon it was bombarded. "I don't believe it was a single business or single individual because we did have limits as to what an individual could purchase, but it was just overhwelming support."In the promotion individuals could purchase a gift card or certificate from a participating business and get double the value for their purchase. Money donated by local organizations and entities provided the extra cash, and it was all designed to create an infusion of money into the participating businesses.-----PowerUpJC offered $10,000 in matching funds on Monday to support local gift card or certificate purchases from local businesses. Consumers could buy a gift card or certificate and get double their value while there could be an infusion of cash into the business as they work to recover from COVID-19.A check with the Chamber of Commerce revealed that PowerUpJC sold out in six minutes.----The PowerUpJC web store on the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce web site opens at noon on Monday.&nbsp; This is a promotion designed to provide consumers with double the value purchases of gift cards or certificates from participating businesses, and to help infuse cash flow into those businesses who are reopening from COVID-19.Director of Member Relations for the Chamber, Dawn Stephens, said the website address is www.jcacc.org. That's where you can make a purchase from a participating business. "You get twice the bang for your buck." Stephens explained cash flow is being infused quickly and the only investment for a business is the gift card or gift certificate. "No monetary investment whatsoever. Someone buys a gift card, we match it with our matching funds from PowerUpJC and we push it on to the business owner."A total of $10,000 was raised for the program from donors.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591633485067.jpeg" alt="powerup two.jpg" />
 <figcaption>powerup two.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

PowerUpJC sells out in six minutes

Registration is open for the new JC Strong Benefit Run on July 4th. There will be 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun / walk in Heritage Park honoring community warriors.&nbsp;

After Junction City native Lisa Nabus was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic, the #NabusStrong committee went to work coordinating a benefit run to support her fight. When the traditional Freedom Run was cancelled on the Fourth they scheduled the JC Strong Benefit Run that day.

Terrah Stroda, said when they approached Nabus about it she&nbsp; asked that the benefit run become about community togetherness and inspiring others so t he JC Strong Benefit Run was born to celebrate Junction City and the strength of its people.

Local agencies and organizations ranging from the City, to the Sheriff's Department supported the race. Manhattan Running Company is assisting with race day details and coordination.&nbsp;

<a href="https://bit.ly/2TPJeGL" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2TPJeGL</a>

For those concerned about COVID-19, the Benefit Run has several action plans including consideration of actions by the Governor an in coordination with the Health Department in response to the pandemic.

Sponsors of the event include the #NabusStrong Committee, Central National Bank, the City of Junction City, Geary Community Hospital, Pineapple Whip, Screen Machine Sports and Manhattan Running Company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591573117369.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Registration is open for the new JC Strong Benefit Run on July 4th. There will be 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun / walk in Heritage Park honoring community warriors.&nbsp;After Junction City native Lisa Nabus was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic, the #NabusStrong committee went to work coordinating a benefit run to support her fight. When the traditional Freedom Run was cancelled on the Fourth they scheduled the JC Strong Benefit Run that day.Terrah Stroda, said when they approached Nabus about it she&nbsp; asked that the benefit run become about community togetherness and inspiring others so t he JC Strong Benefit Run was born to celebrate Junction City and the strength of its people.Local agencies and organizations ranging from the City, to the Sheriff's Department supported the race. Manhattan Running Company is assisting with race day details and coordination.&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2TPJeGL" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2TPJeGL</a>For those concerned about COVID-19, the Benefit Run has several action plans including consideration of actions by the Governor an in coordination with the Health Department in response to the pandemic.Sponsors of the event include the #NabusStrong Committee, Central National Bank, the City of Junction City, Geary Community Hospital, Pineapple Whip, Screen Machine Sports and Manhattan Running Company.

JC Strong Benefit Run will be held July 4th

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.

The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.

The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.

State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.

“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”

The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589303013090.png" alt="Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic" />
 <figcaption>Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.“What we’re seeing … is the good result from cohorting inmates away from those that aren’t (positive,” Norman told reporters last week.Meatpacking plants in Kansas have been linked to at least 2,767 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. The report says those cases include the Tyson plant near Garden City in Finney County, 503 cases at a National Beef plant in Ford County, 342 cases at a Cargill facility in Ford County and 317 cases at a National beef plant in Seward CountyBefore the state report was released, local officials were reluctant to release details of the outbreaks at meatpacking plants.“We have not been publicly reporting on private business or private business COVID-19 status,” Ford County administrator Jonathan Gilbert wrote in an email. “Ford County is a relatively small community and commenting on any cases/number of cases related to a private business can allow for the identification of individual COVID-19 status and we want to avoid that.”Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company’s Kansas facilities are “operating near capacity” but would not provide an update on the number of cases currently associated with the plants.She said Tyson has implemented a number of safety measures, including employee temperature checks before each shift, providing mandatory face masks, and putting physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms.National Beef spokesman Keith Welty declined to comment on details of safety measures the company has taken at its plants and did not respond to questions about the level of production at each facility.“Our focus throughout this COVID-19 situation has been to take the necessary steps to protect the health, wellness and safety of our employees while operating our processing plants producing high quality products to meet the demand of our customers across the United States,” Welty wrote in an email.Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the facility is currently operating at about 80% capacity. He said Cargill has implemented temperature checks, installed protective barriers at the plant and has been providing masks to workers. The company is also giving employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Coronavirus Update