Junction City High School will hold a virtual commencement for the seniors on May 23rd. Not everyone agreed with the decision but the principal, Melissa Sharp, pointed out regardless of the decision people weren't going to agree with it.

The school facilities are closed and after graduation JCHS seniors typically move to many locations across the country, ranging from the military to college.&nbsp;

Sharp explained the decision on commencement was "a no-win situation because we love our kids. We are in the business to work with teenagers. We see them grow up too. Our teachers are hurting right now just like our students are hurting. We are all grieving the loss of school and the loss of connectivity."

Sharp told the community, "This is not our ideal situation. We are in the business of graduating students. As a district whether you are a kindergarten teacher, a middle school team teacher, a hall monitor, a senior government teacher or principal that is our job is to issue transcripts and move people on into adulthood."

School facilities have been closed since mid-March. The district is educating students with online e-learning.

Junction City High School will hold a virtual commencement for the seniors on May 23rd. Not everyone agreed with the decision but the principal, Melissa Sharp, pointed out regardless of the decision people weren't going to agree with it.The school facilities are closed and after graduation JCHS seniors typically move to many locations across the country, ranging from the military to college.&nbsp;Sharp explained the decision on commencement was "a no-win situation because we love our kids. We are in the business to work with teenagers. We see them grow up too. Our teachers are hurting right now just like our students are hurting. We are all grieving the loss of school and the loss of connectivity."Sharp told the community, "This is not our ideal situation. We are in the business of graduating students. As a district whether you are a kindergarten teacher, a middle school team teacher, a hall monitor, a senior government teacher or principal that is our job is to issue transcripts and move people on into adulthood."School facilities have been closed since mid-March. The district is educating students with online e-learning.

JCHS Principal addresses virtual commencement decision

Geary County remains at nine positive COVID-19 cases. Three of those cases are active and six have recovered.

According to the Health Department three tests are pending and 126 people have tested negative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County remains at nine positive COVID-19 cases. Three of those cases are active and six have recovered.According to the Health Department three tests are pending and 126 people have tested negative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County COVID-19 count remains at nine

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their 35-minute Wednesday afternoon press conference.

The Governor opened the news conference with the latest numbers on coronavirus cases from the Kansas Department of Health. There are now 70 of the state's 105 counties with confirmed cases of the virus and 110 deaths.

She shared what her staff has been doing to prepare to reopen the Kansas economy. "This will be a gradual rollout. There is no blueprint for what comes next and far more complex than simply flipping a switch."

Kelly also said she has signed <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-no-20-26/">a new executive order</a> that assists healthcare workers by temporarily easing license restrictions. "Our healthcare facilities need as much flexibility as possible as we approach our peak virus infection rate in the coming days."

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the state's battle with coronavirus during their 35-minute Wednesday afternoon press conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F233133637768654%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 opened the news conference with the latest numbers on coronavirus cases from the Kansas Department of Health. There are now 70 of the state's 105 counties with confirmed cases of the virus and 110 deaths.She shared what her staff has been doing to prepare to reopen the Kansas economy. "This will be a gradual rollout. There is no blueprint for what comes next and far more complex than simply flipping a switch."Kelly also said she has signed <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-no-20-26/">a new executive order</a> that assists healthcare workers by temporarily easing license restrictions. "Our healthcare facilities need as much flexibility as possible as we approach our peak virus infection rate in the coming days."

🎥  Kansas Governor talks about reopening the economy

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Wednesday that one female staff member at Larned State Hospital (LSH) has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release.

 This is the first positive case at LSH in either residents or staff.

The staff member works in the Psychiatric Services Program (PSP).&nbsp;Her&nbsp;last day on campus was Saturday, April 18.&nbsp;To protect her identity, no further information will be released.

KDADS and LSH officials, including the hospital’s infection control nurse, are in contact with Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) officials and Pawnee County Health Department about guidance and next steps to address these circumstances.

“The hospital in Larned had a detailed pandemic plan in place prior to the introduction of COVID-19 into our communities, so they are prepared to adapt and respond quickly to this very unfortunate circumstance,” Secretary Howard said. “Things like frequent cleaning of high-touch areas are already being done every four hours and staff wearing face coverings was implemented two weeks ago. I’m confident the staff and leadership at LSH will implement further safety measures to protect residents and patients quickly and effectively.”

The hospital began screening all staff on March 27, 2020, monitoring temperatures upon entry into the facility and has been taking patient and resident temperatures twice a day. Taking patient temperatures and monitoring for signs and symptoms in the area where the staff member worked has become more frequent.

The positive test has prompted hospital officials to move into Phase 3 of their pandemic plan. Containment measures are included in that phase of the plan, and in the event of an infected staff member, includes assigning staff to specific units or buildings to reduce staff movement from unit to unit where possible. The hospital is also considering modifications to schedules to keep staff from moving between units. All patients in the PSP are being encouraged to wear face masks.

Additionally, LSH has identified isolation units where patients or residents could be moved in the event there would be a positive patient or resident case. The nursing department sought staff volunteers who are being trained to work the isolation units, and on-campus housing is available for those staff in the event they do not want to return home and expose their families or community.

All staff at LSH has been notified and&nbsp;staff who work directly in the area affected will be asked to self-monitor for symptoms and to take their temperature twice a day.

Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health, which serves Hays and all of northwest Kansas, said the state has a comprehensive plan to deal with infection of staff and patients at Larned.

His said he thought the state has done good job planning to deal with coronavirus infection.

If the hospital would have to close to new patients, Hill said the whole state would be in a very difficult situation.

The Schwaller Center Crisis Center in Hays serves as an intermediate placement between outpatient care and full impatient care at Larned. The center, which can house four patients at a time, is also still accepting patients.

LSH&nbsp;in Pawnee County is a psychiatric hospital operated by KDADS. It is the largest psychiatric facility in the state of Kansas with more than 700 employees. The hospital has three distinct programs, the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP, the State Security Program (SSP, and the PSP. The PSP is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/carasloanramos/Desktop/COVID-19%20Releases/kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Wednesday that one female staff member at Larned State Hospital (LSH) has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release. This is the first positive case at LSH in either residents or staff.The staff member works in the Psychiatric Services Program (PSP).&nbsp;Her&nbsp;last day on campus was Saturday, April 18.&nbsp;To protect her identity, no further information will be released.KDADS and LSH officials, including the hospital’s infection control nurse, are in contact with Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) officials and Pawnee County Health Department about guidance and next steps to address these circumstances.“The hospital in Larned had a detailed pandemic plan in place prior to the introduction of COVID-19 into our communities, so they are prepared to adapt and respond quickly to this very unfortunate circumstance,” Secretary Howard said. “Things like frequent cleaning of high-touch areas are already being done every four hours and staff wearing face coverings was implemented two weeks ago. I’m confident the staff and leadership at LSH will implement further safety measures to protect residents and patients quickly and effectively.”The hospital began screening all staff on March 27, 2020, monitoring temperatures upon entry into the facility and has been taking patient and resident temperatures twice a day. Taking patient temperatures and monitoring for signs and symptoms in the area where the staff member worked has become more frequent.The positive test has prompted hospital officials to move into Phase 3 of their pandemic plan. Containment measures are included in that phase of the plan, and in the event of an infected staff member, includes assigning staff to specific units or buildings to reduce staff movement from unit to unit where possible. The hospital is also considering modifications to schedules to keep staff from moving between units. All patients in the PSP are being encouraged to wear face masks.Additionally, LSH has identified isolation units where patients or residents could be moved in the event there would be a positive patient or resident case. The nursing department sought staff volunteers who are being trained to work the isolation units, and on-campus housing is available for those staff in the event they do not want to return home and expose their families or community.All staff at LSH has been notified and&nbsp;staff who work directly in the area affected will be asked to self-monitor for symptoms and to take their temperature twice a day.Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health, which serves Hays and all of northwest Kansas, said the state has a comprehensive plan to deal with infection of staff and patients at Larned.His said he thought the state has done good job planning to deal with coronavirus infection.If the hospital would have to close to new patients, Hill said the whole state would be in a very difficult situation.The Schwaller Center Crisis Center in Hays serves as an intermediate placement between outpatient care and full impatient care at Larned. The center, which can house four patients at a time, is also still accepting patients.LSH&nbsp;in Pawnee County is a psychiatric hospital operated by KDADS. It is the largest psychiatric facility in the state of Kansas with more than 700 employees. The hospital has three distinct programs, the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP, the State Security Program (SSP, and the PSP. The PSP is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/carasloanramos/Desktop/COVID-19%20Releases/kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Staff member at Larned State Hospital tests positive for COVID-19

TOPEKA – The Kansas Chamber released survey results on Wednesday that show a major shift among the Kansas business community and its desire for the state economy to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, according to a media release from the organization.

“While our studies are NOT replacements for health data and do not in any way seek to minimize the steps taken by governments at different levels to slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe it is important for elected leaders and decision makers to understand the point of view of those on the front line of the economy,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.

Cole Hargrave Snodgrass &amp; Associates recently conducted two surveys of Kansas Chamber members. The first from March 29th – April 7th and then the second from April 16th – 18th. There was one question repeated in the two studies conducted.

“Earlier in the month, 20% of Chamber members believed the state’s actions had been too restrictive on economic activity and 10% believed the state should do more,” pollster Pat McFerron explained. “Today, that has moved to 38% believing the state has done too much and only 1% saying it has not done enough. This shows attitudes in the Kansas businesses community are rapidly changing.”

McFerron said the first study also demonstrated just how serious the crack down on the state’s economic activity has been on Kansas businesses. It found 66% were having supply chain issues and 76% have altered work schedules for their employees.

“While many of these changes are allowing employees to work from home, the study found that 23% of employers had been forced to lay off employees, 22% had reduced employee hours, and 25% were providing paid time off. Furthermore, 64% believed it would take six months or longer for their businesses to get back to normal,” McFerron continued.

The second survey also revealed 84% of chamber members believe the time to reopen the economy is either now (38%) or in the next two weeks (46%).

“This sentiment transcends all industry groupings and is pervasive throughout the state. Those in Sedgwick and neighboring counties are particularly interested in reopening the economy,” said McFerron.

The second study further revealed Kansas employers also are largely united on believing the state should not take a slower approach than the federal government. When asked if the state should allow business activity allowed on the federal level, 76% agree and 23% disagree.

“Furthermore, these employers appear supportive of Kansas taking a tiered approach to reopening the state’s economy. Eighty-seven percent believe that one-size does not fit all and that those parts of the state where COVID-19 has not been as pervasive or are further ahead on the down slope of the virus decline should be able to open sooner than others,” McFerron concluded.

Chamber President Cobb said the Kansas Chamber stands ready to help the state navigate this crisis and to move Kansas from a criteria of “essential businesses” to a plan for “safe businesses”.

“I talk every day with Kansas business leaders across the state that are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their workers and customers to ensure we don’t return to the exponential spread of this virus we once experienced,” said Cobb. “However, the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis will have long-term consequences. Kansas needs to begin planning now so our businesses, their employees and citizens have confidence in the safety of their workplaces so we can begin to reopen the Kansas economy.”

Last week the Chamber released more than 40 recommendations gathered from the state’s business community to help restart the state’s economy.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Kansas-Chamber-Relief-Recovery-Agenda-Final-1.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the Chamber’s&nbsp;Relief and Recovery Agenda.

<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Member-Online-Surveys-March-April-2020.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for more on the recent surveys.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Chamber released survey results on Wednesday that show a major shift among the Kansas business community and its desire for the state economy to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, according to a media release from the organization.“While our studies are NOT replacements for health data and do not in any way seek to minimize the steps taken by governments at different levels to slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe it is important for elected leaders and decision makers to understand the point of view of those on the front line of the economy,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.Cole Hargrave Snodgrass &amp; Associates recently conducted two surveys of Kansas Chamber members. The first from March 29th – April 7th and then the second from April 16th – 18th. There was one question repeated in the two studies conducted.“Earlier in the month, 20% of Chamber members believed the state’s actions had been too restrictive on economic activity and 10% believed the state should do more,” pollster Pat McFerron explained. “Today, that has moved to 38% believing the state has done too much and only 1% saying it has not done enough. This shows attitudes in the Kansas businesses community are rapidly changing.”McFerron said the first study also demonstrated just how serious the crack down on the state’s economic activity has been on Kansas businesses. It found 66% were having supply chain issues and 76% have altered work schedules for their employees.“While many of these changes are allowing employees to work from home, the study found that 23% of employers had been forced to lay off employees, 22% had reduced employee hours, and 25% were providing paid time off. Furthermore, 64% believed it would take six months or longer for their businesses to get back to normal,” McFerron continued.The second survey also revealed 84% of chamber members believe the time to reopen the economy is either now (38%) or in the next two weeks (46%).“This sentiment transcends all industry groupings and is pervasive throughout the state. Those in Sedgwick and neighboring counties are particularly interested in reopening the economy,” said McFerron.The second study further revealed Kansas employers also are largely united on believing the state should not take a slower approach than the federal government. When asked if the state should allow business activity allowed on the federal level, 76% agree and 23% disagree.“Furthermore, these employers appear supportive of Kansas taking a tiered approach to reopening the state’s economy. Eighty-seven percent believe that one-size does not fit all and that those parts of the state where COVID-19 has not been as pervasive or are further ahead on the down slope of the virus decline should be able to open sooner than others,” McFerron concluded.Chamber President Cobb said the Kansas Chamber stands ready to help the state navigate this crisis and to move Kansas from a criteria of “essential businesses” to a plan for “safe businesses”.“I talk every day with Kansas business leaders across the state that are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their workers and customers to ensure we don’t return to the exponential spread of this virus we once experienced,” said Cobb. “However, the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis will have long-term consequences. Kansas needs to begin planning now so our businesses, their employees and citizens have confidence in the safety of their workplaces so we can begin to reopen the Kansas economy.”Last week the Chamber released more than 40 recommendations gathered from the state’s business community to help restart the state’s economy.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Kansas-Chamber-Relief-Recovery-Agenda-Final-1.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the Chamber’s&nbsp;Relief and Recovery Agenda.<a href="http://www.kansaschamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Member-Online-Surveys-March-April-2020.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for more on the recent surveys.

Survey: Kansas businesses ready to safely reopen state economy

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 186 to a total of 2211, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.

<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 186 to a total of 2211, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.Coronavirus deaths increased to 110<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/2020/4/1587576584813.png" alt="" />
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Inspections are underway at a Kansas City, Kansas, rehabilitation facility where 25 people have died of COVID-19 and another 91 have contracted the disease.

The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation started after a staff member who wasn’t wearing appropriate personal protective equipment worked two shifts last month with a fever and cough before being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wycokck.org/WycoKCK/media/Health-Department/Documents/Communicable%20Disease/COVID19/Riverbend-report-4-16-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;that local health officials released last week.

State and federal inspectors are now looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the facility, said Cara Sloan, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

The deaths at Riverbend, which provides short-term rehabilitation for people recovering from medical issues as well as long-term care, account for nearly a quarter of Kansas’ 107 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Wyandotte County, where the facility is based, is the hardest hit in the state, accounting for 433 of the state’s 2,025 cases.

Eight of the sickened Riverbend residents remained hospitalized Tuesday, the Kansas City-Wyandotte County health agency&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1252711348439592962/photo/1" target="_blank">said.</a>&nbsp;Riverbend said on its website this week that there were signs of improvement, noting that 90% of the sickened residents were medically stable.

Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities have been particularly hard-hit nationwide. For 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, including pneumonia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586045672182.png" alt="Photo courtesy Riverbend" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Riverbend</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Inspections are underway at a Kansas City, Kansas, rehabilitation facility where 25 people have died of COVID-19 and another 91 have contracted the disease.The outbreak at the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation started after a staff member who wasn’t wearing appropriate personal protective equipment worked two shifts last month with a fever and cough before being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wycokck.org/WycoKCK/media/Health-Department/Documents/Communicable%20Disease/COVID19/Riverbend-report-4-16-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;that local health officials released last week.State and federal inspectors are now looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the facility, said Cara Sloan, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.The deaths at Riverbend, which provides short-term rehabilitation for people recovering from medical issues as well as long-term care, account for nearly a quarter of Kansas’ 107 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Wyandotte County, where the facility is based, is the hardest hit in the state, accounting for 433 of the state’s 2,025 cases.Eight of the sickened Riverbend residents remained hospitalized Tuesday, the Kansas City-Wyandotte County health agency&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UGHealthDept/status/1252711348439592962/photo/1" target="_blank">said.</a>&nbsp;Riverbend said on its website this week that there were signs of improvement, noting that 90% of the sickened residents were medically stable.Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities have been particularly hard-hit nationwide. For 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, including pneumonia.___

Kansas rehab site where 25 have died of virus gets inspected

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.

In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.

“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.

From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.

That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.

And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.

To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.

“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.

Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.

Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?

To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.

As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.

“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”

Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.

The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.

One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.

But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.

“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”

There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.

Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.

“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587558008598.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.Three big unknowns top the worry list:WHO’S CONTAGIOUS?“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.WHO’S IMMUNE?Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.WHO’S AT-RISK?One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

Big unknowns about virus complicate getting back to normal

WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.

Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.

“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.

After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.

“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.

A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.

Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.

Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.

Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.

Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.

Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.

Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.

Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.

The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.

Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.

“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.

But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.

“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”

Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.

The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.

Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.

The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.

Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.

The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.

Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.

While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.

Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.

Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.

The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587503869494.png" alt="The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing." />
 <figcaption>The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587510136858.png" alt="President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.___

Senate's $483B virus aid deal finally headed to the House 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has relaxed its guidelines on coronavirus testing so that residents who don’t have a fever but who are showing other symptoms can be tested, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday.

Kelly’s announcement came as the state prison system saw the coronavirus spread to a third facility and the number of confirmed cases among staff and inmates top 100.

The number of people in Kansas infected with the virus rose by 39 to 2,025 on Tuesday — a 2% bump representing the state’s lowest growth rate in infections since March 12. The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased 7%, up seven to 107.

Kansas has had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">among the the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, and officials have complained of struggling to find supplies. On Tuesday, the state was testing 6.56 people per 1,000 residents, compared to 12.30 nationally, based on numbers compiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website operated by journalists and analysts.

The state previously had recommended that people not be tested unless they were running a fever while also showing two symptoms, such as a cough and shortness of breath. Expanded testing is key for Kelly and public health officials in determining how and when to reopen the state’s economy.

Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all 2.9 million of the state’s residents that took effect March 30, and she’s under increasing pressure from the Republican-controlled Legislature to outline a plan for lifting the restrictions. She said she plans to announce her plan next week but that the state must be able to do enough testing to find and isolate infected people then trace their contacts.

“Those two items need to be solidly in place before we can actually think about opening the doors,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference.

Steps taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus have damaged the economy, and Kansas now faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">a $653 million shortfall</a>&nbsp;in its budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins in July. Kelly said Tuesday that spending on public schools is essential and that she will work to avoid cutting it.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 or death.

Prisons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/05ff86f09e8dc6a485287d4f345126b5">nationally</a>&nbsp;have been hit hard by the virus, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d" target="_blank">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking the release of vulnerable inmates. Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released, but concrete steps have yet to be announced.

Almost all of the prison’s confirmed cases are at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City, where 54 staff — about 13% of the prison’s workforce — and 46 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita tested positive earlier this month, and the Department of Corrections said a staffer at the state’s only prison for women in Topeka tested positive Monday.

Another 20 Lansing-based inmates who may have been exposed but aren’t showing symptoms are quarantined, said Rebecca Witte, a department spokeswoman.

Witte said inmates at the Topeka prison and one in Hutchinson are making cloth masks, and all inmates and corrections staff have been issued two each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587495989773.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during her Tuesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during her Tuesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has relaxed its guidelines on coronavirus testing so that residents who don’t have a fever but who are showing other symptoms can be tested, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday.Kelly’s announcement came as the state prison system saw the coronavirus spread to a third facility and the number of confirmed cases among staff and inmates top 100.The number of people in Kansas infected with the virus rose by 39 to 2,025 on Tuesday — a 2% bump representing the state’s lowest growth rate in infections since March 12. The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased 7%, up seven to 107.Kansas has had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">among the the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, and officials have complained of struggling to find supplies. On Tuesday, the state was testing 6.56 people per 1,000 residents, compared to 12.30 nationally, based on numbers compiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website operated by journalists and analysts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587156578878.png" alt="Drive up&nbsp; virus testing -photo courtesy Johnson County Department of Health" />
 <figcaption>Drive up&nbsp; virus testing -photo courtesy Johnson County Department of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>The state previously had recommended that people not be tested unless they were running a fever while also showing two symptoms, such as a cough and shortness of breath. Expanded testing is key for Kelly and public health officials in determining how and when to reopen the state’s economy.Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;for all 2.9 million of the state’s residents that took effect March 30, and she’s under increasing pressure from the Republican-controlled Legislature to outline a plan for lifting the restrictions. She said she plans to announce her plan next week but that the state must be able to do enough testing to find and isolate infected people then trace their contacts.“Those two items need to be solidly in place before we can actually think about opening the doors,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference.Steps taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus have damaged the economy, and Kansas now faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">a $653 million shortfall</a>&nbsp;in its budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins in July. Kelly said Tuesday that spending on public schools is essential and that she will work to avoid cutting it.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 or death.Prisons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/05ff86f09e8dc6a485287d4f345126b5">nationally</a>&nbsp;have been hit hard by the virus, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d" target="_blank">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking the release of vulnerable inmates. Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released, but concrete steps have yet to be announced.Almost all of the prison’s confirmed cases are at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City, where 54 staff — about 13% of the prison’s workforce — and 46 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita tested positive earlier this month, and the Department of Corrections said a staffer at the state’s only prison for women in Topeka tested positive Monday.Another 20 Lansing-based inmates who may have been exposed but aren’t showing symptoms are quarantined, said Rebecca Witte, a department spokeswoman.Witte said inmates at the Topeka prison and one in Hutchinson are making cloth masks, and all inmates and corrections staff have been issued two each.___

Kansas eases coronavirus testing guidelines

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.

The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.

Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.

For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.

The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.

More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587480608332.png" alt="Image courtesy Lab Corp" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Lab Corp</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

US OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's daily press conference Tuesday afternoon lasted 20 minutes. She opened the discussion with the latest coronavirus numbers from the KDHE.&nbsp; The agency reported 37 more positive virus cases and 7 additional deaths Tuesday.

Kelly confirmed the KDHE has expanded their criteria for virus testing. Only two symptoms are now required and you don't need to have a fever to get tested.

The Governor also mentioned and answered questions about the large budget deficit facing the state. State agencies have already been asked to freeze non-critical or non-covid-19 necessary hires.

While discussing budget cuts, one reporter reminded Kelly she is the education governor.&nbsp; Kelly said she is committed to education as a critical service but could not say whether K-12 education will ultimately face cuts.

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's daily press conference Tuesday afternoon lasted 20 minutes. She opened the discussion with the latest coronavirus numbers from the KDHE.&nbsp; The agency reported 37 more positive virus cases and 7 additional deaths Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F253168479197216%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 confirmed the KDHE has expanded their criteria for virus testing. Only two symptoms are now required and you don't need to have a fever to get tested.The Governor also mentioned and answered questions about the large budget deficit facing the state. State agencies have already been asked to freeze non-critical or non-covid-19 necessary hires.While discussing budget cuts, one reporter reminded Kelly she is the education governor.&nbsp; Kelly said she is committed to education as a critical service but could not say whether K-12 education will ultimately face cuts.

 🎥 Gov. Kelly discusses virus testing, state budget cuts

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s attorney general on Tuesday sued the Chinese government over the coronavirus, claiming Chinese officials are to blame for the global pandemic.

<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2019/key-factual-allegations.pdf?sfvrsn=ccae0b94_2">Click here to read</a> more on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Missouri, alleges Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.”

“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office said in a written statement. “They must be held accountable for their actions.”

Schmitt's office is seeking unspecified damages for deaths in Missouri and the hit the virus has taken on the state’s economy.

The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose by 16 Tuesday to 215, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The number of cases rose by 156 to 5,963

For 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, including pneumonia, and death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587494259039.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Schmitt made his announcement Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy KMOV TV" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Schmitt made his announcement Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy KMOV TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s attorney general on Tuesday sued the Chinese government over the coronavirus, claiming Chinese officials are to blame for the global pandemic.<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2019/key-factual-allegations.pdf?sfvrsn=ccae0b94_2">Click here to read</a> more on the lawsuit.The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Missouri, alleges Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.”“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office said in a written statement. “They must be held accountable for their actions.”Schmitt's office is seeking unspecified damages for deaths in Missouri and the hit the virus has taken on the state’s economy.The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose by 16 Tuesday to 215, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The number of cases rose by 156 to 5,963For 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, including pneumonia, and death.

First state sues China over coronavirus pandemic

‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ will run through end of July

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A group of Kansas 4-H'ers and volunteers are taking the organization’s motto to ‘Make the Best Better’ pretty seriously with an ambitious online program that debuts to the public on April 27.

They will be producing a weekly series dubbed ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ in which they will help people of all ages find creative ways to deal with stress during the current pandemic.

The pre-recorded series will appear each Monday at 10 a.m. on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KStateRE" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Facebook page</a>.

“We’re really trying to find practical ways to reduce stress during the day so that people can make sure that they are communicating effectively and actually feeling healthy during a challenging and stressful time,” said Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist for culture and communication skills development.

Mestrovich Seay has developed curriculum she calls Mindful Moments that will drive the series, which is hosted by Kansas 4-H members, volunteers, K-State alumni and community partners across the state.

The April 27 show will feature a three minute video introducing ideas that people of all ages can use to relieve stress. In coming weeks, ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ shifts to focusing on different stages of human development, including stress relief for pre-schoolers (ages 2-5, youth up to age 18, then adults and the entire family.

The fourth week will feature an interview with an expert talking about mindfulness, or intentionally making time to relieve daily stress.

Currently, the series is scheduled to run for three months, through the end of July, with sessions for pre-schoolers, youth, and adults each month.

“One theme that I am hearing from experts and I am witnessing as I have the privilege of coordinating this program, is being intentional about lowering our expectations,” Mestrovich Seay said. “What we are used to doing is not what we are able to do right now. We have to transform and reframe the way we are doing life and doing work in order to be healthy.”

As an example, Mestrovich Seay said the videos for pre-schoolers “focus on parents or professionals that are home with their children right now, and resources that may be around the house to model what is important at this time, build a sense of togetherness and help children learn how to deal with stress and talk about their feelings.”

“We will offer a variety of research-based curricula,” she said. “We also have a lot of different curricula that can be found online, related to mindfulness and reducing anxiety and stress that are easily accessible.”

Mestrovich Seay said several groups are helping to produce the videos, including extension agents, youth, volunteers and citizens. She added that the program&nbsp;is receiving guidance from the K-State Research and Extension rural stress team, one of three issue-based groups formed in late 2019 to address concerns important in Kansas communities.

The K-State Research and Extension communications team is assisting with production using such distance technology as teleconferencing, home videos and – in some cases – cell phones.

“With the introduction of COVID-19, we recognized the need for people to feel connected with each other and find ways to deal with tough moments,” said Taylor Kennedy, the digital media specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “When we heard about Aliah’s program, we thought it is one way to serve those needs.”

She adds: “This is one of the first extended social media campaigns and curriculum we have worked on with our extension professionals and look forward to additional opportunities to bring digital extension into the hands of Kansans.”

Mestrovich Seay said the program came together very quickly and she is impressed by the responsiveness of the university’s communications team as well as 4-H'ers, volunteers and community members.

“It really has been fun working with youth and volunteers on this project,” Mestrovich Seay said. “Youth are so coachable. It’s really been an inspiration to be able to work with them.

“We’re hoping to develop a sense of community through this as people try it. We want to see what works, see what they like and what they want more of.”

‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ will run through end of JulyMANHATTAN, Kan. – A group of Kansas 4-H'ers and volunteers are taking the organization’s motto to ‘Make the Best Better’ pretty seriously with an ambitious online program that debuts to the public on April 27.They will be producing a weekly series dubbed ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ in which they will help people of all ages find creative ways to deal with stress during the current pandemic.The pre-recorded series will appear each Monday at 10 a.m. on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KStateRE" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension Facebook page</a>.“We’re really trying to find practical ways to reduce stress during the day so that people can make sure that they are communicating effectively and actually feeling healthy during a challenging and stressful time,” said Aliah Mestrovich Seay, a Kansas 4-H youth development specialist for culture and communication skills development.Mestrovich Seay has developed curriculum she calls Mindful Moments that will drive the series, which is hosted by Kansas 4-H members, volunteers, K-State alumni and community partners across the state.The April 27 show will feature a three minute video introducing ideas that people of all ages can use to relieve stress. In coming weeks, ‘Mindful Monday Mornings’ shifts to focusing on different stages of human development, including stress relief for pre-schoolers (ages 2-5, youth up to age 18, then adults and the entire family.The fourth week will feature an interview with an expert talking about mindfulness, or intentionally making time to relieve daily stress.Currently, the series is scheduled to run for three months, through the end of July, with sessions for pre-schoolers, youth, and adults each month.“One theme that I am hearing from experts and I am witnessing as I have the privilege of coordinating this program, is being intentional about lowering our expectations,” Mestrovich Seay said. “What we are used to doing is not what we are able to do right now. We have to transform and reframe the way we are doing life and doing work in order to be healthy.”As an example, Mestrovich Seay said the videos for pre-schoolers “focus on parents or professionals that are home with their children right now, and resources that may be around the house to model what is important at this time, build a sense of togetherness and help children learn how to deal with stress and talk about their feelings.”“We will offer a variety of research-based curricula,” she said. “We also have a lot of different curricula that can be found online, related to mindfulness and reducing anxiety and stress that are easily accessible.”Mestrovich Seay said several groups are helping to produce the videos, including extension agents, youth, volunteers and citizens. She added that the program&nbsp;is receiving guidance from the K-State Research and Extension rural stress team, one of three issue-based groups formed in late 2019 to address concerns important in Kansas communities.The K-State Research and Extension communications team is assisting with production using such distance technology as teleconferencing, home videos and – in some cases – cell phones.“With the introduction of COVID-19, we recognized the need for people to feel connected with each other and find ways to deal with tough moments,” said Taylor Kennedy, the digital media specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “When we heard about Aliah’s program, we thought it is one way to serve those needs.”She adds: “This is one of the first extended social media campaigns and curriculum we have worked on with our extension professionals and look forward to additional opportunities to bring digital extension into the hands of Kansans.”Mestrovich Seay said the program came together very quickly and she is impressed by the responsiveness of the university’s communications team as well as 4-H'ers, volunteers and community members.“It really has been fun working with youth and volunteers on this project,” Mestrovich Seay said. “Youth are so coachable. It’s really been an inspiration to be able to work with them.“We’re hoping to develop a sense of community through this as people try it. We want to see what works, see what they like and what they want more of.”

Kansas, 4Hers, volunteers debut online series aimed at stress relief

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus has arrived at a third Kansas correctional facility as the state’s largest prison outbreak grew to include nearly 90 positive cases.

Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in a news release that one staff member tested positive Monday at the Topeka Correctional Facility, which is the state’s only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. Health officials are conducting contact tracing to determine who has been in close contact with the worker.

The largest outbreak is at the Lansing Correction Facility, where 47 staff and 40 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita also tested positive, prompting corrections officials to move 113 prisoners earlier this month to Lansing, where they are being quarantined.

With advocacy groups demanding action, Gov. Laura Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and can be released.

Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases increased Monday by 137 to 1,986. The number of deaths increased by eight to 100.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus has arrived at a third Kansas correctional facility as the state’s largest prison outbreak grew to include nearly 90 positive cases.Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in a news release that one staff member tested positive Monday at the Topeka Correctional Facility, which is the state’s only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. Health officials are conducting contact tracing to determine who has been in close contact with the worker.The largest outbreak is at the Lansing Correction Facility, where 47 staff and 40 inmates are infected. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wichita also tested positive, prompting corrections officials to move 113 prisoners earlier this month to Lansing, where they are being quarantined.With advocacy groups demanding action, Gov. Laura Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and can be released.Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases increased Monday by 137 to 1,986. The number of deaths increased by eight to 100.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

Largest Kansas prison virus outbreak up to nearly 90 cases

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 37&nbsp; to a total of 2025, the state health department reported Tuesday afternoon.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 37&nbsp; to a total of 2025, the state health department reported Tuesday afternoon.COVID-19 deaths increased to 107<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
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WASHINGTON (AP) — A chorus of governors from both parties pushed back hard after President Donald Trump accused Democrats of playing “a very dangerous political game” by insisting there is a shortage of tests for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The governors countered that the White House must do more to help states do the testing that’s needed before they can ease up on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ea4c17f541c7c63fac52941a6f43b885">stay-at-home orders</a>.

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the current federal effort “really is not good enough if we’re going to be able to start to open our economy. We cannot do that safely without the tests in place.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/4aac3a10664097f38633149367ac3928">Supply shortages</a>&nbsp;have stymied U.S. testing for weeks. The needs range from basic supplies like swabs and protective gear to highly specialized laboratory chemicals needed to analyze patient results. Hospitals, laboratories and state health departments report scouring the globe to secure orders, competing against each other and their peers abroad.

The governors’ plea for stepped-up coordination came Monday when the Trump administration again provided discordant messaging: Trump blasted state leaders on Twitter for being too dependent on federal government and said later that some governors just didn’t understand what they had, while Vice President Mike Pence assured governors the government was working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing.

Pence sought to soften the administration’s message amid growing clamor from both parties for a national testing strategy to help secure testing swabs, chemical reagents and other crucial supplies.

“When it comes to testing, we’re here to help,” Pence told governors during a video conference from the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Associated Press obtained audio of the call.

Pence said the administration sent each state a detailed list Monday of testing capacity. But Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said much of the unused lab machinery listed for his state was in federal labs the state does not have access to. Pence said the administration has agreed to open up federal labs to help states.

Hogan announced Monday that the state had received 500,000 tests from South Korea — a “game-changing” deal negotiated by his wife, Yumi Hogan, who grew up outside Seoul.

“They want the states to take the lead, and we have to go out and do it ourselves, and so that’s exactly what we did,” Hogan said.

Trump didn’t take that lying down. In his daily briefing, he said some governors have “more capacity than they understand.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587431279916.png" alt="President Trump shows reporters a news article during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump shows reporters a news article during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A chorus of governors from both parties pushed back hard after President Donald Trump accused Democrats of playing “a very dangerous political game” by insisting there is a shortage of tests for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The governors countered that the White House must do more to help states do the testing that’s needed before they can ease up on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ea4c17f541c7c63fac52941a6f43b885">stay-at-home orders</a>.Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the current federal effort “really is not good enough if we’re going to be able to start to open our economy. We cannot do that safely without the tests in place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587431487729.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly mentioned President Trump during Monday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly mentioned President Trump during Monday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/4aac3a10664097f38633149367ac3928">Supply shortages</a>&nbsp;have stymied U.S. testing for weeks. The needs range from basic supplies like swabs and protective gear to highly specialized laboratory chemicals needed to analyze patient results. Hospitals, laboratories and state health departments report scouring the globe to secure orders, competing against each other and their peers abroad.The governors’ plea for stepped-up coordination came Monday when the Trump administration again provided discordant messaging: Trump blasted state leaders on Twitter for being too dependent on federal government and said later that some governors just didn’t understand what they had, while Vice President Mike Pence assured governors the government was working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing.Pence sought to soften the administration’s message amid growing clamor from both parties for a national testing strategy to help secure testing swabs, chemical reagents and other crucial supplies.“When it comes to testing, we’re here to help,” Pence told governors during a video conference from the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Associated Press obtained audio of the call.Pence said the administration sent each state a detailed list Monday of testing capacity. But Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said much of the unused lab machinery listed for his state was in federal labs the state does not have access to. Pence said the administration has agreed to open up federal labs to help states.Hogan announced Monday that the state had received 500,000 tests from South Korea — a “game-changing” deal negotiated by his wife, Yumi Hogan, who grew up outside Seoul.“They want the states to take the lead, and we have to go out and do it ourselves, and so that’s exactly what we did,” Hogan said.Trump didn’t take that lying down. In his daily briefing, he said some governors have “more capacity than they understand.”“The governor of Maryland could have called Mike Pence, could have saved a lot of money,” Trump said. “I don’t think he needed to go to South Korea. He needed to get a little knowledge.”In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said his state is working with another federal agency, the Food and Drug Administration, to find a source of reagent, the chemical used to analyze test results. “A lot of good things are going on, but we’re not there yet,” DeWine said.Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said his state received 5,000 nasal swabs Monday from FEMA — evidence the federal government is listening. But he added, “It doesn’t get us far enough.”In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the states should take the lead on testing but it’s up to the federal government to help sort out supply chain issues facing testing manufacturers.“What the states will run into is when you talk to those labs ... they buy machines and equipment from national manufacturers,” said Cuomo, who is expected to meet with Trump at the White House Tuesday. “And those labs can only run as many tests as the national manufacturers provide them chemicals, reagents and lab kits.”Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said, “We need the reagents, we need the test kits and I think that’s the sort of general cry from other states.”As Pence spoke with the governors, Trump took to Twitter with a more combative tone than his vice president, complaining that the “radical left” and “Do Nothing Democrats” were playing politics with their complaints about a lack of tests.“Now they scream ....‘Testing, Testing, Testing,’ again playing a very dangerous political game,” Trump tweeted. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing - But we will work with the Governors and get it done.”Public health experts say the country needs to dramatically increase its testing infrastructure if it is going to safely roll back restrictions and reopen businesses without risking a major spike in infections.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday that the country is currently running about 1.5 million to 2 million tests per week. But, “we really need to get up to, at least, you know, maybe two times that, three times that.”The White House said the Pentagon is finalizing negotiations with a Maine medical company to ramp up production of nasal swabs under the Defense Production Act. An Ohio manufacturer of cotton swabs has also agreed to convert its facilities to allow for 10 million testing swabs per month.Testing was an issue on Capitol Hill, too, where the administration and Congress were inching toward agreement on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d4706859faf64bf3abd73419933c8ea2">an aid package of more than $450 billion&nbsp;</a>to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money. The deal is expected to add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing, as well.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.___

Coronavirus Update