IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Tyson Foods suspended operations Wednesday at an Iowa plant that is critical to the nation’s pork supply but was blamed for fueling a massive coronavirus outbreak in the region.

The Arkansas-based company said the closure of the plant in Waterloo would deny a vital market to hog farmers and further disrupt U.S. meat supply. Tyson had kept the facility, its largest pork plant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f8a702a4e86a1c6681d3749af1e8c58">open in recent days</a>&nbsp;over the objections of alarmed local officials.

The plant can process 19,500 hogs per day, accounting for 3.9% of U.S. pork processing capacity, according to the National Pork Board.

More than 180 infections have been linked to the plant and officials expect that number to dramatically rise. Testing of its 2,800 workers is expected to begin Friday. Cases and hospitalizations in Black Hawk County have skyrocketed in recent days and local officials say the plant is the source of most infections.

In addition to those who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the virus, hundreds of workers were staying home out of fear, and the plant had been running at reduced production levels.

Employers have struggled to contain the virus in meatpacking plants, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4">workers toil side by side</a>&nbsp;on production lines and often share crowded locker rooms, cafeterias and rides to work. While plants have added safety measures, public health experts say social distancing is virtually impossible.

Several facilities have temporarily closed due to virus outbreaks, including a Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a JBS USA plant in Worthington, Minnesota, and a Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville, Iowa. Others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9fe445bacb2a4638e7bf88bbeb835cb7">stayed open or resumed production</a>&nbsp;after pauses for testing and cleaning.

An estimated 25% of U.S. pork processing capacity has been closed or idled due to reduced operating speed over the past two days, said Steve Meyer, an economist with Kerns and Associates in Ames, Iowa.

As a result, prices are starting to increase and analysts warn that customers could soon see shortages of certain products at grocery stores. At the same time, hog prices are plummeting due to excess supply, devastating farmers.

In Kansas, a critical beef production state, an official said Wednesday that 168 meatpacking workers had tested positive to date. In Missouri, two rural counties that are home to several meatpacking plants reported huge spikes in infections.

Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer said its Waterloo closure was driven by “the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns.” He warned of “significant ramifications” for farmers, distributors and grocers in the supply chain.

Tyson said workers would be compensated during the shutdown and that the timing of reopening would depend on several factors, including testing.

Local officials, including Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and the Black Hawk County Board of Health, had called on Tyson or Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds to temporarily close the plant. They had warned that its continued operation would exacerbate the spread of the virus in the area and that the company was endangering its workers.

A 65-year-old employee in the plant’s laundry department&nbsp;<a href="https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/tyson-worker-fondly-remembered-after-succumbing-to-covid-19/article_e7c1070c-f2ca-5578-baa8-8d1b8b79a6f4.html" target="_blank">died Sunday</a>&nbsp;after contracting the virus, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported.

The governor blocked local authorities from closing the plant in an April 16 order that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/64e06ea0c2a83d2013240587e7d8d06b">banned social gatherings</a>&nbsp;in northeastern Iowa. It granted the exclusive power to the Iowa Department of Public Health to shut down businesses over coronavirus concerns.

The governor and the department had been working with Tyson to keep the plant open.

Reynolds argued that the economic disruption caused by plant closures outweighed the health risks, warning that farmers might have to euthanize their pigs. She said that “people are gonna get” the virus in large workplaces but most will experience mild or no symptoms.

While it’s true that for most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks, it can lead to more severe illness and even death for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems.

Lawmakers said an earlier closure would have better protected public health and been less harmful economically. “My concern is the impact this has had because we didn’t act soon enough,” said Democratic Rep. Ras Smith of Waterloo.

The governor didn’t respond directly when asked Wednesday if the state should have intervened. She defended her overall response to the crisis but said, “There’s always more we could have done.”

Tyson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31ebaf704ad1ae7b7fb56148515cd062">resumed operations</a>&nbsp;Tuesday at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, which had been shut down for two weeks after an outbreak infected hundreds and killed two workers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587563442443.png" alt="Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa / Google image" />
 <figcaption>Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa / Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Tyson Foods suspended operations Wednesday at an Iowa plant that is critical to the nation’s pork supply but was blamed for fueling a massive coronavirus outbreak in the region.The Arkansas-based company said the closure of the plant in Waterloo would deny a vital market to hog farmers and further disrupt U.S. meat supply. Tyson had kept the facility, its largest pork plant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f8a702a4e86a1c6681d3749af1e8c58">open in recent days</a>&nbsp;over the objections of alarmed local officials.The plant can process 19,500 hogs per day, accounting for 3.9% of U.S. pork processing capacity, according to the National Pork Board.More than 180 infections have been linked to the plant and officials expect that number to dramatically rise. Testing of its 2,800 workers is expected to begin Friday. Cases and hospitalizations in Black Hawk County have skyrocketed in recent days and local officials say the plant is the source of most infections.In addition to those who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the virus, hundreds of workers were staying home out of fear, and the plant had been running at reduced production levels.Employers have struggled to contain the virus in meatpacking plants, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4">workers toil side by side</a>&nbsp;on production lines and often share crowded locker rooms, cafeterias and rides to work. While plants have added safety measures, public health experts say social distancing is virtually impossible.Several facilities have temporarily closed due to virus outbreaks, including a Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a JBS USA plant in Worthington, Minnesota, and a Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville, Iowa. Others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9fe445bacb2a4638e7bf88bbeb835cb7">stayed open or resumed production</a>&nbsp;after pauses for testing and cleaning.An estimated 25% of U.S. pork processing capacity has been closed or idled due to reduced operating speed over the past two days, said Steve Meyer, an economist with Kerns and Associates in Ames, Iowa.As a result, prices are starting to increase and analysts warn that customers could soon see shortages of certain products at grocery stores. At the same time, hog prices are plummeting due to excess supply, devastating farmers.In Kansas, a critical beef production state, an official said Wednesday that 168 meatpacking workers had tested positive to date. In Missouri, two rural counties that are home to several meatpacking plants reported huge spikes in infections.Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer said its Waterloo closure was driven by “the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns.” He warned of “significant ramifications” for farmers, distributors and grocers in the supply chain.Tyson said workers would be compensated during the shutdown and that the timing of reopening would depend on several factors, including testing.Local officials, including Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and the Black Hawk County Board of Health, had called on Tyson or Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds to temporarily close the plant. They had warned that its continued operation would exacerbate the spread of the virus in the area and that the company was endangering its workers.A 65-year-old employee in the plant’s laundry department&nbsp;<a href="https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/tyson-worker-fondly-remembered-after-succumbing-to-covid-19/article_e7c1070c-f2ca-5578-baa8-8d1b8b79a6f4.html" target="_blank">died Sunday</a>&nbsp;after contracting the virus, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported.The governor blocked local authorities from closing the plant in an April 16 order that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/64e06ea0c2a83d2013240587e7d8d06b">banned social gatherings</a>&nbsp;in northeastern Iowa. It granted the exclusive power to the Iowa Department of Public Health to shut down businesses over coronavirus concerns.The governor and the department had been working with Tyson to keep the plant open.Reynolds argued that the economic disruption caused by plant closures outweighed the health risks, warning that farmers might have to euthanize their pigs. She said that “people are gonna get” the virus in large workplaces but most will experience mild or no symptoms.While it’s true that for most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks, it can lead to more severe illness and even death for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems.Lawmakers said an earlier closure would have better protected public health and been less harmful economically. “My concern is the impact this has had because we didn’t act soon enough,” said Democratic Rep. Ras Smith of Waterloo.The governor didn’t respond directly when asked Wednesday if the state should have intervened. She defended her overall response to the crisis but said, “There’s always more we could have done.”Tyson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31ebaf704ad1ae7b7fb56148515cd062">resumed operations</a>&nbsp;Tuesday at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, which had been shut down for two weeks after an outbreak infected hundreds and killed two workers.___

Tyson: Plant closing could disrupt nation's pork supply

RENO COUNTY —The Reno County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday received confirmation to the identity of the driver involved in the single vehicle fatality accident on March 27 as Russell Lynn Carey, 54, of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

On March 27, deputies were dispatched to the 10000 BLK of South Avery Road., 2 miles south of Plevna, for a possible burned vehicle with a body inside.&nbsp;

The initial investigation revealed human remains were located inside of the burnt vehicle and an apparent single vehicle accident had occurred&nbsp;with unknown circumstances. 

Through the evening hours, Detectives conducted follow up interviews with at least 3 potential witnesses. The remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center for an autopsy.&nbsp;

RENO COUNTY —The Reno County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday received confirmation to the identity of the driver involved in the single vehicle fatality accident on March 27 as Russell Lynn Carey, 54, of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.On March 27, deputies were dispatched to the 10000 BLK of South Avery Road., 2 miles south of Plevna, for a possible burned vehicle with a body inside.&nbsp;The initial investigation revealed human remains were located inside of the burnt vehicle and an apparent single vehicle accident had occurred&nbsp;with unknown circumstances. Through the evening hours, Detectives conducted follow up interviews with at least 3 potential witnesses. The remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center for an autopsy.&nbsp;

Sheriff ID's body found after Kansas crash, fire

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A girl is recovering after a fall on Wednesday in Montgomery County.

Just before 2p.m., the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office responded to the Elk City Lake walking trails after report of a girl who fell roughly 20 to 30 feet down one of the ledges on what is known as the blue trail, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Independence EMS along with a Montgomery County Deputies were able to locate the girl and her mother north of the shell beach area of the trail. 

EMS, and other rescue personal were able to safely extract the girl back down the trail to the Ambulance. They transported her to Labette ER in Independence.

The sheriff's office released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A girl is recovering after a fall on Wednesday in Montgomery County.Just before 2p.m., the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office responded to the Elk City Lake walking trails after report of a girl who fell roughly 20 to 30 feet down one of the ledges on what is known as the blue trail, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Independence EMS along with a Montgomery County Deputies were able to locate the girl and her mother north of the shell beach area of the trail. EMS, and other rescue personal were able to safely extract the girl back down the trail to the Ambulance. They transported her to Labette ER in Independence.The sheriff's office released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Kansas girl rescued after fall from walking trail

TOPEKA, Kan. – A resident at Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 This is the third KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at the Lansing Correction Facility and Wichita Work Release Facility.

The resident at TCF is a female over the age of 20. This female was recently admitted to KDOC from a county jail and was being monitored for symptoms in the Intake Isolation unit at TCF. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.

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

“The men, women and children serving time in Kansas correctional facilities may be here because of past mistakes, but their health and wellbeing is important to us,” Zmuda said. “They will not be overlooked, and we are working every day to ensure that they are receiving the medical care and support that they need to one day successfully release back into the community.”

<a>The Topeka Correctional Facility is Kansas’ only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. The facility houses minimum, medium, special management and maximum custody residents.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574270148718.png" alt="Topeka Correctional Facility " />
 <figcaption>Topeka Correctional Facility </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – A resident at Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. This is the third KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at the Lansing Correction Facility and Wichita Work Release Facility.The resident at TCF is a female over the age of 20. This female was recently admitted to KDOC from a county jail and was being monitored for symptoms in the Intake Isolation unit at TCF. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ol>
 <li>The resident was moved to medical isolation for treatment of her symptoms</li><li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>The Shawnee County Health Department conducted contact tracing to identify anyone outside of TCF who may have been in close contact with this individual and will notify those persons</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“The men, women and children serving time in Kansas correctional facilities may be here because of past mistakes, but their health and wellbeing is important to us,” Zmuda said. “They will not be overlooked, and we are working every day to ensure that they are receiving the medical care and support that they need to one day successfully release back into the community.”<a>The Topeka Correctional Facility is Kansas’ only all-female prison with a capacity of 948. The facility houses minimum, medium, special management and maximum custody residents.</a>

Inmate at Kansas women's prison tests positive for coronavirus

ROOKS COUNTY —In early 2019, the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department began an in-depth narcotics investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Rooks County. This investigation resulted in the following criminal sentences, as prosecuted by Rooks County Attorney Danielle Muir.

John R. Bennett, Woodston, was sentenced on Sept. 11 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least one gram but less than 3.5 grams. Bennett was sentenced to 56 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever is most recent.

Francis R. Everett, Woodston, was sentenced on Sept. 24 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Everett was sentenced to 56 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.

David L. Seales, Woodston, was sentenced on Nov. 6 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount less than one gram. Seales was sentenced to an underlying prison term of 34 months and placed on 24 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections. Seales is required to register as an offender for 15 years.

On the same date, Seales was sentenced on a second case for the crime of possession of methamphetamine. Seales was sentenced on this case to an underlying prison term of 24 months and placed on 12 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections. The sentence and probation, in this case, are to run consecutive to the first case.

This resulted in a combined sentence of an underlying prison term of 58 months and placement on 36 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections.

Dustin J. Higdon, Plainville, was sentenced on March 4 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Higdon was sentenced to 68 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.

On the same date, Higdon was sentenced on a second case for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Higdon was sentenced to 68 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent. Sentence and post-release supervision are to run concurrently with the first case.

Ethan J. Morgan, Stockton, was sentenced on April 9 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount less than 1 gram. Morgan was sentenced to 40 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.

Additionally, John Karl Swaney, Stockton, was sentenced on July 3 for distribution of marijuana. Swaney was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Muir commended the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department for their dedicated work.

"Thank you for your continued professional commitment to your ongoing investigations to assist in curbing the sales of illegal drugs within Rooks County," she said in a news release via social media.

ROOKS COUNTY —In early 2019, the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department began an in-depth narcotics investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Rooks County. This investigation resulted in the following criminal sentences, as prosecuted by Rooks County Attorney Danielle Muir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589284255.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Randall BennettJohn R. Bennett, Woodston, was sentenced on Sept. 11 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least one gram but less than 3.5 grams. Bennett was sentenced to 56 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever is most recent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589303766.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Francis R. EverettFrancis R. Everett, Woodston, was sentenced on Sept. 24 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Everett was sentenced to 56 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589326662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David Lee SealesDavid L. Seales, Woodston, was sentenced on Nov. 6 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount less than one gram. Seales was sentenced to an underlying prison term of 34 months and placed on 24 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections. Seales is required to register as an offender for 15 years.On the same date, Seales was sentenced on a second case for the crime of possession of methamphetamine. Seales was sentenced on this case to an underlying prison term of 24 months and placed on 12 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections. The sentence and probation, in this case, are to run consecutive to the first case.This resulted in a combined sentence of an underlying prison term of 58 months and placement on 36 months probation to be supervised by Northwest Kansas Community Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589431246.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dustin Jay HigdonDustin J. Higdon, Plainville, was sentenced on March 4 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Higdon was sentenced to 68 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.On the same date, Higdon was sentenced on a second case for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount of at least 1 gram but less than 3.5 grams. Higdon was sentenced to 68 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent. Sentence and post-release supervision are to run concurrently with the first case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589481054.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ethan James MorganEthan J. Morgan, Stockton, was sentenced on April 9 for the crime of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine in an amount less than 1 gram. Morgan was sentenced to 40 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and will be required to register as an offender for 15 years after the date of parole, discharge or release, whichever date is most recent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587589513477.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Karl SwaneyAdditionally, John Karl Swaney, Stockton, was sentenced on July 3 for distribution of marijuana. Swaney was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.Muir commended the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department for their dedicated work."Thank you for your continued professional commitment to your ongoing investigations to assist in curbing the sales of illegal drugs within Rooks County," she said in a news release via social media.

NW Kan. narcotics investigation leads to six convictions

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka’s mayor and city council members have voted unanimously to cut their own pay by 6% as they seek ways to deal with plummeting city tax revenues in the wake of measures to slow the COVID-19 outbreak.

The City Council had been considering a measure that would have temporarily reduced their salaries by 3%, but voted instead Tuesday to double that cut, the Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200421/topekas-mayor-council-temporarily-cut-their-own-pay-by-6" target="_blank">reported</a>. The deeper cut came at the suggestion of Councilman Tony Emerson, who noted that City Manager Brent Trout had already voluntarily accepted a 6% pay cut.

Trout has also cut the salaries of management and executive staff by 3% and is asking city employees represented by eight different labor unions to accept a similar pay cut. Trout is also asking to implement a hiring freeze for all but the most critical jobs.

Mayor Michelle De La Isla is paid $40,000 a year, and the nine council members each make $20,000 a year. The temporary pay cut begins with the pay period that starts May 2 and ends with the pay period that ending Dec. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578323207912.png" alt="Mayor Michelle De La Isla" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Michelle De La Isla</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka’s mayor and city council members have voted unanimously to cut their own pay by 6% as they seek ways to deal with plummeting city tax revenues in the wake of measures to slow the COVID-19 outbreak.The City Council had been considering a measure that would have temporarily reduced their salaries by 3%, but voted instead Tuesday to double that cut, the Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200421/topekas-mayor-council-temporarily-cut-their-own-pay-by-6" target="_blank">reported</a>. The deeper cut came at the suggestion of Councilman Tony Emerson, who noted that City Manager Brent Trout had already voluntarily accepted a 6% pay cut.Trout has also cut the salaries of management and executive staff by 3% and is asking city employees represented by eight different labor unions to accept a similar pay cut. Trout is also asking to implement a hiring freeze for all but the most critical jobs.Mayor Michelle De La Isla is paid $40,000 a year, and the nine council members each make $20,000 a year. The temporary pay cut begins with the pay period that starts May 2 and ends with the pay period that ending Dec. 11.

Topeka mayor, council cut own pay as virus ravages budget

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>
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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

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

A 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Callie Gustus, 30, Salina, was eastbound in the 4400 Block of West Watkins Road, according to the Saline County Sheriff's office.

 The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the road and struck a guardrail.

EMS transported Gustus to the hospital in Wichita for treatment of a broken ankle and internal injuries, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587569184004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crash scene photo- Saline County SheriffSALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.A 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Callie Gustus, 30, Salina, was eastbound in the 4400 Block of West Watkins Road, according to the Saline County Sheriff's office. The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the road and struck a guardrail.EMS transported Gustus to the hospital in Wichita for treatment of a broken ankle and internal injuries, according to the sheriff's office.

Kan. woman hospitalized after violent crash into guardrail

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

FINNEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase Tuesday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler 300 driven by&nbsp; Monyai Lampkin, 32, Garden City,&nbsp;was northbound just before 2a.m. in the 5000 Block of Old U.S. 83 and actively involved in a pursuit by law enforcement.

The Chrysler left the roadway to the right and struck a 2016 Ford Explorer&nbsp; that officers had parked off the roadway in the ditch. 

The Chrysler continued northbound into the ditch, rolled and the driver was ejected.

EMS transported Lampkin and a passenger Cynthia Romualda Martinez, 22, Garden City, to St. Catharine Hospital.

Lampkin, who was reported as an absconder in February by the Kansas Department of Corrections, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587504606185.png" alt="Lampkin has previous convictions for theft, criminal threat, obstruction, interference with law enforcement, assault and criminal trespass, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Lampkin has previous convictions for theft, criminal threat, obstruction, interference with law enforcement, assault and criminal trespass, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase Tuesday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler 300 driven by&nbsp; Monyai Lampkin, 32, Garden City,&nbsp;was northbound just before 2a.m. in the 5000 Block of Old U.S. 83 and actively involved in a pursuit by law enforcement.The Chrysler left the roadway to the right and struck a 2016 Ford Explorer&nbsp; that officers had parked off the roadway in the ditch. The Chrysler continued northbound into the ditch, rolled and the driver was ejected.EMS transported Lampkin and a passenger Cynthia Romualda Martinez, 22, Garden City, to St. Catharine Hospital.Lampkin, who was reported as an absconder in February by the Kansas Department of Corrections, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Wanted Kansas felon injured during SW Kan. police chase

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 

WICHITA (AP)—A Wichita police officer who fatally shot a man in January 2019 will not face charges. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett announced Tuesday the officer shot and killed Geoffrey Morris in self-defense. 

Morris was shot after officers surrounded his car to try and arrest him on outstanding warrants. 

Bennett said in his report that Morris backed up and hit a law enforcement vehicle then then drove forward toward an officer, who fired because he thought he might be hit by the car. Morris died two days later at a hospital. The officer's name has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587501418957.png" alt="Geoffrey Morris had numerous convictions that included theft, aggravated battery, theft and for drugs according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Geoffrey Morris had numerous convictions that included theft, aggravated battery, theft and for drugs according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA (AP)—A Wichita police officer who fatally shot a man in January 2019 will not face charges. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett announced Tuesday the officer shot and killed Geoffrey Morris in self-defense. Morris was shot after officers surrounded his car to try and arrest him on outstanding warrants. Bennett said in his report that Morris backed up and hit a law enforcement vehicle then then drove forward toward an officer, who fired because he thought he might be hit by the car. Morris died two days later at a hospital. The officer's name has not been released.

Kansas officer will not face charges in fatal shooting

BEIJING (AP) — CHINA ON&nbsp;Wednesday slammed a lawsuit brought against it by the U.S. state of&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;over the coronavirus pandemic as “very absurd."

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the legal action has “no factual and legal basis at all" and repeated China's defense of its response to the outbreak, which has largely subsided in the country where it was first detected.

The ministry and other Chinese government departments have strenuously denied accusations that officials delayed reporting on the extent of the outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, despite reports that worries over political stability were placed above public health concerns. Medical staff who reported the outbreak were silenced under threat of legal retaliation and Wuhan went several days without reporting cases during the holding of an annual provincial government conference.

“This so-called lawsuit is very absurd and has no factual and legal basis at all," Geng said at a daily briefing. Since the outbreak began, China has proceeded in an “open, transparent, and responsible manner" and the U.S. government should “dismiss such vexatious litigation," he said.

Missouri's top state prosecutor on Tuesday announced the lawsuit, which alleges that Chinese officials are to blame for the pandemic that has sickened around 2.5 million worldwide, thrown tens of millions out of work and devastated local economies, including in China.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt said the Chinese government lied about the dangers of the virus and didn’t do enough to slow its spread.

Missouri's action is likely to be largely symbolic, however, since lawsuits against other countries typically don’t go anywhere because U.S. law generally prohibits them.

According to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering, the number of Missouri deaths from the virus rose by 16 Tuesday to 215.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587494259039.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced the lawsuit Tuesday-photo courtesy KMOV TV" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced the lawsuit Tuesday-photo courtesy KMOV TV</figcaption>
 </figure>BEIJING (AP) — CHINA ON&nbsp;Wednesday slammed a lawsuit brought against it by the U.S. state of&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;over the coronavirus pandemic as “very absurd."Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the legal action has “no factual and legal basis at all" and repeated China's defense of its response to the outbreak, which has largely subsided in the country where it was first detected.The ministry and other Chinese government departments have strenuously denied accusations that officials delayed reporting on the extent of the outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, despite reports that worries over political stability were placed above public health concerns. Medical staff who reported the outbreak were silenced under threat of legal retaliation and Wuhan went several days without reporting cases during the holding of an annual provincial government conference.“This so-called lawsuit is very absurd and has no factual and legal basis at all," Geng said at a daily briefing. Since the outbreak began, China has proceeded in an “open, transparent, and responsible manner" and the U.S. government should “dismiss such vexatious litigation," he said.Missouri's top state prosecutor on Tuesday announced the lawsuit, which alleges that Chinese officials are to blame for the pandemic that has sickened around 2.5 million worldwide, thrown tens of millions out of work and devastated local economies, including in China.Attorney General Eric Schmitt said the Chinese government lied about the dangers of the virus and didn’t do enough to slow its spread.Missouri's action is likely to be largely symbolic, however, since lawsuits against other countries typically don’t go anywhere because U.S. law generally prohibits them.According to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering, the number of Missouri deaths from the virus rose by 16 Tuesday to 215.