Editor's note: This story was written before Gov. Kelly announced the statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. That order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7f75e2afae0f4d5f5e6660">SEE RELATED STORY: Kelly issues stay-at-home order for state of Kansas</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Local communities are finding ways to help kids stay engaged and maybe have a little fun with scavenger hunts.

Hunts for bears, usually the stuffed kind, placed in shop windows or on home window sills, was sparked by a popular children's book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," written in 1989 by Michael Rosen.

In the book, a family and their dog set out on a bear hunt but encounter such obstacles as mud, a river and a snowstorm.

The book inspired a children's song and animated Youtube videos.

Downtown Hays Development Corp. director Sara Bloom, who has four children at home, said she has both bears and rainbows in her windows.

Downtown businesses like the Paisley Pear also have placed teddy bears in their windows for children to count.

"It is something to do and a way to be connected when we can't be in the same room," Bloom said.

The Hays Public Library launched a sidewalk chalk challenge. The library has been closed to the public since the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S.

However, members of the library staff have continued to provide some offering online, including a video story hour for young children. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">HPL's Facebook page</a>.

Participants in the chalk challenge are encouraged to color a picture with chalk or write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. Snap a photo, post it and nominate two friends. You can use the hashtag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hplchalkchallenge?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBNUUziCnM_xFg16k4bXzeuQDSYfH7yik3T6HN7xfzt_YFdBUKt0J1sjA1U9QwmztZELC6IF2XyjyqtrYlhcQ7Jrvv2Mi_JmJ2IVT0DBdnfVT6_qL-A-oQwYHU5iFqgxGoZpK_UvFtFgf1UZ8UDagVb2r3RptuNt7WvfZ5O_GvN0y5C9BC__wlQ4-pVJzRXijlbGxIMLWACVMMVCFgbXfikPbzb4PySAcdSOAmLFxxjHYQEHjr9gWHfnhGSCS4r6Vchv4_rLLh1A7ZMwIXgZ75GC7RiYFRdnpzdkSosF98kZjITjoiewEjvdM2gkVbE3Oyo-ANP65Nf9iMoMA9eMpXc6iyaXIwnvZ_fiA&amp;__tn__=%2ANK-R">#HPLchalkchallenge</a>.

Nicole Thibodeau in the Young Adult Department came up with the idea, Callie&nbsp;Kolacny, HPL communications coordinator, said.

"Nicole is an amazing artist, and she used that background to find a fun way to engage children and adults throughout the community,"&nbsp;Kolacny said.

"Since we need to not physically provide programs at the library right now, we still want to find safe ways to reach out and provide ideas and services to the community," she said.

Local Girl Scouts are getting in on the chalk challenge as well.

Kris Bradley, Hays resident, took her daughter outside to chalk Thursday.&nbsp;Bradley, a Girl Scout leader, encouraged other Scouts to join in the challenge.

"Hey, it is fun and the outdoors combined, right?" she said in an online message.

Ellis with some promotion from the Ellis Recreation Commission has been promoting the bear hunt for about a week.

The Ellis Rec wanted to continue the fun, so they have launched a second hunt for Easter eggs. Residents are encouraged to create and place large wooden or cardboard Easter eggs in their yards for children to "hunt."

The Ellis Chamber usually conducts a traditional Easter egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter, but that event had to be canceled in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Children are also encouraged to color pictures of eggs and hang them in their windows, Dan Pyle, Ellis Rec superintendent, said.

The rec is making eggs for the front of its office, and Pyle said his family will be making some to post at their home as well.

"It is a good way to break up the monotony," he said. "You can still go walking and still practice social distancing in the community."

The Ellis Rec also issued a Family Karoke Challenge on Friday on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisrec.org/">Facebook page</a>. Post your videos on the Rec Facebook page with the has tag #EllisRecFFChallenge for a chance to win a prize.

WaKeeney also launched a bear hunt last week, according to Cathy Albert, director of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GetWaKeeney/">WaKeeney Travel and Tourism</a>.

"Families can walk around with the weather being so nice," she said earlier this week. "It is a chance to get some fresh air."

The Trego County Junior High KAY Club launched a weekly scavenger hunt on Wednesday that will run through April 15. The theme is pillars of education.&nbsp;

Community members will display items in their windows for children to find. There will be a family prize pack as a reward. To enter to win a prize pack, text 785-769-3297 or post a photo to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stacie.edgettminson">Stacie Minson's&nbsp; Facebook page</a>, the KAY sponsor.

The first week's theme was respect and carrying and people were asked to post hearts in their windows.

"I have been really impressed&nbsp; how different communities have come up with things on the spur of the moment, especially for kids and families," Albert said. ... "something to do and a chance to get outside, especially with the nice weather."

Send us your positive news stories. Email admin@hayspost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585336989938.jpeg" alt="A bear in the front window of the Paisley Pear in downtown Hays. Many communities have created bear or other scavenger hunts for kids during this time of social distancing." />
 <figcaption>A bear in the front window of the Paisley Pear in downtown Hays. Many communities have created bear or other scavenger hunts for kids during this time of social distancing.</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: This story was written before Gov. Kelly announced the statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. That order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7f75e2afae0f4d5f5e6660">SEE RELATED STORY: Kelly issues stay-at-home order for state of Kansas</a>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostLocal communities are finding ways to help kids stay engaged and maybe have a little fun with scavenger hunts.Hunts for bears, usually the stuffed kind, placed in shop windows or on home window sills, was sparked by a popular children's book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," written in 1989 by Michael Rosen.In the book, a family and their dog set out on a bear hunt but encounter such obstacles as mud, a river and a snowstorm.The book inspired a children's song and animated Youtube videos.Downtown Hays Development Corp. director Sara Bloom, who has four children at home, said she has both bears and rainbows in her windows.Downtown businesses like the Paisley Pear also have placed teddy bears in their windows for children to count."It is something to do and a way to be connected when we can't be in the same room," Bloom said.<h2>HPL Chalk Challenge</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585337124077.png" alt="HPL Chalk Challenge" />
 <figcaption>HPL Chalk Challenge</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Public Library launched a sidewalk chalk challenge. The library has been closed to the public since the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S.However, members of the library staff have continued to provide some offering online, including a video story hour for young children. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">HPL's Facebook page</a>.Participants in the chalk challenge are encouraged to color a picture with chalk or write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. Snap a photo, post it and nominate two friends. You can use the hashtag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hplchalkchallenge?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBNUUziCnM_xFg16k4bXzeuQDSYfH7yik3T6HN7xfzt_YFdBUKt0J1sjA1U9QwmztZELC6IF2XyjyqtrYlhcQ7Jrvv2Mi_JmJ2IVT0DBdnfVT6_qL-A-oQwYHU5iFqgxGoZpK_UvFtFgf1UZ8UDagVb2r3RptuNt7WvfZ5O_GvN0y5C9BC__wlQ4-pVJzRXijlbGxIMLWACVMMVCFgbXfikPbzb4PySAcdSOAmLFxxjHYQEHjr9gWHfnhGSCS4r6Vchv4_rLLh1A7ZMwIXgZ75GC7RiYFRdnpzdkSosF98kZjITjoiewEjvdM2gkVbE3Oyo-ANP65Nf9iMoMA9eMpXc6iyaXIwnvZ_fiA&amp;__tn__=%2ANK-R">#HPLchalkchallenge</a>.Nicole Thibodeau in the Young Adult Department came up with the idea, Callie&nbsp;Kolacny, HPL communications coordinator, said."Nicole is an amazing artist, and she used that background to find a fun way to engage children and adults throughout the community,"&nbsp;Kolacny said."Since we need to not physically provide programs at the library right now, we still want to find safe ways to reach out and provide ideas and services to the community," she said.Local Girl Scouts are getting in on the chalk challenge as well.Kris Bradley, Hays resident, took her daughter outside to chalk Thursday.&nbsp;Bradley, a Girl Scout leader, encouraged other Scouts to join in the challenge."Hey, it is fun and the outdoors combined, right?" she said in an online message.<h2>Ellis eggs</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585337314480.png" alt="Ellis Recreation Commission Egg Hunt" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Recreation Commission Egg Hunt</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis with some promotion from the Ellis Recreation Commission has been promoting the bear hunt for about a week.The Ellis Rec wanted to continue the fun, so they have launched a second hunt for Easter eggs. Residents are encouraged to create and place large wooden or cardboard Easter eggs in their yards for children to "hunt."The Ellis Chamber usually conducts a traditional Easter egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter, but that event had to be canceled in light of the coronavirus outbreak.Children are also encouraged to color pictures of eggs and hang them in their windows, Dan Pyle, Ellis Rec superintendent, said.The rec is making eggs for the front of its office, and Pyle said his family will be making some to post at their home as well."It is a good way to break up the monotony," he said. "You can still go walking and still practice social distancing in the community."The Ellis Rec also issued a Family Karoke Challenge on Friday on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisrec.org/">Facebook page</a>. Post your videos on the Rec Facebook page with the has tag #EllisRecFFChallenge for a chance to win a prize.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585337473872.png" alt="Elis Karoke Challenge" />
 <figcaption>Elis Karoke Challenge</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>WaKeeney bears and scavenger hunt</h2>WaKeeney also launched a bear hunt last week, according to Cathy Albert, director of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GetWaKeeney/">WaKeeney Travel and Tourism</a>."Families can walk around with the weather being so nice," she said earlier this week. "It is a chance to get some fresh air."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585337938437.png" alt="WaKeeney bear hunt&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>WaKeeney bear hunt&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Trego County Junior High KAY Club launched a weekly scavenger hunt on Wednesday that will run through April 15. The theme is pillars of education.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585338008460.png" alt="TCJH scavenger hunt" />
 <figcaption>TCJH scavenger hunt</figcaption>
 </figure>Community members will display items in their windows for children to find. There will be a family prize pack as a reward. To enter to win a prize pack, text 785-769-3297 or post a photo to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stacie.edgettminson">Stacie Minson's&nbsp; Facebook page</a>, the KAY sponsor.The first week's theme was respect and carrying and people were asked to post hearts in their windows.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585338339172.jpeg" alt="Hearts posted in the window of TJ's Alignment and Repair for the TCJH Kay Club scavenger hunt in WaKeeney." />
 <figcaption>Hearts posted in the window of TJ's Alignment and Repair for the TCJH Kay Club scavenger hunt in WaKeeney.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I have been really impressed&nbsp; how different communities have come up with things on the spur of the moment, especially for kids and families," Albert said. ... "something to do and a chance to get outside, especially with the nice weather."Send us your positive news stories. Email admin@hayspost.com.

Going on a bear hunt while keeping your social distance

Russell&nbsp; will be dragging main again from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Dream Theater.

Russell&nbsp; will be dragging main again from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Dream Theater.

Cruise night set for Sunday in Russell

Please call <a href="http://785-301-2211">(785)-301-2211</a> to add your cancellation. Leave a voicemail if no one answers. You may also email your cancellation to <a href="http://admin@haypost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. We will add your cancellation as soon as possible.

<a href="https://www.kandrive.org/kandrive">Click here for Kansas road conditions.</a>

*March 18 to End of Spring Semesters*

*All Kansas public and private schools, Kindergarten through Grade 12, are closed through their respective spring semesters by order of the Kansas governor.*

Doerflers' Harley-Davidson closed until further notice. We will offer curbside service along with motorcycle pickup and drop-off by appointment. 

Hays Chamber canceling/postponing all public events until April 30 

Hays Recreation Commission including the Fitness Center closed through  April 30, 2020

Center for Health Improvement at Hays Med closed until further notice.

All Hays Center for Life Experience meetings canceled until March 30

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARBuAuuzogsM8gSDEjHkH1bv0UhjDvCmVnCgGkye1Htm9JJLZYQnEMP5c45Mq6pACMMk4W4QmmOq5K9h">Big Creek Crossing stores closed - click here to see most recent updates</a>

Fort Hays State Active Aging Aquacise classes canceled until further notice

Fort Hays State Active Aging Neuromuscular classes canceled until further notice

Community Assistance Center in Hays will have no shopping available until further notice.

Hays Public Library closed until further notice

Hays Christian Church services and events through March 29

Hays Municipal Court appearances suspended through April 6

Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County ReStore closed until further notice; not accepting donations

Hays VFW Fish Fries have been canceled though Lent

Hays Trinity Lutheran Church Activities and services canceled until March 31

No bingo at the Heritage Eatery and Bingo in Hays 

Fort Hays State Historic Site closed through March 31

Eagle Media Center offices closed through April 5th

The Hays Senior center meal site is closed, but will still be offering to go meals and home deliveries to current home delivered customers. To arrange for food call 785-628-8824.

Hays North Oak Community Church Activities and services canceled until March 31; Online Sunday services at <a href="http://www.northoak.net/" target="_blank">www.northoak.net</a>

City of Hays offices closed to public until further notice; airport remains open

Victoria City Hall closed to public until further notice

Hays Messiah Lutheran Church canceled all church services and activities through April 1

Hays United Methodist Church online services and broadcast on KAYS 94.3 FM and 1400 AM only

Trego County Courthouse closed to public until further notice

Ellis City Hall closed to the public until further notice. City employees will still be available on premises during regular office hours and will be available by phone or email.&nbsp;Citizens should utilize the outside drop box, mail, or phone in utility payments.

Group meetings for DREAM, Inc. canceled. Clients should call 628-6655 to schedule telephone sessions&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ARC Thrist Store closed starting Saturday 3/28.

Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home &amp; Museum in Ellis closed until further notice

Hays Community Theatre's performance of Miss Buchanan's Deadly Inheritance has been postponed

St. Mary’s 26th annual Parish Auction in Ellis postponed

Smoky Valley Antique Tractor pull in Schoenchen postponed

FHSU Alumni Social at the Paisley Pear canceled

Ellis Co. Health Dept. Community Blood Pressure Screening in Ellis canceled

HPL Spring Cleaning Book Sale canceled April 2-5

DHDC Cottontails and Cupcakes - refunds will be issued

The Munjor Knights of Columbus fish fry for April 3rd has been canceled

High Plains Barbershop performance cancelled-tickets will be honored at next year's show

The Hays After 5 Christian women’s group has canceled its spring fashion show and brunch

April 5 Charity basketball game for Mitch Beran with "Your Voice Through Cancer" has been canceled

FHSU Half-Century Club Spring Luncheon canceled

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament rescheduled for September 18

Hays VFW Stars and Stripes Breakfast canceled

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579186347471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Please call <a href="http://785-301-2211">(785)-301-2211</a> to add your cancellation. Leave a voicemail if no one answers. You may also email your cancellation to <a href="http://admin@haypost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. We will add your cancellation as soon as possible.<a href="https://www.kandrive.org/kandrive">Click here for Kansas road conditions.</a>*March 18 to End of Spring Semesters**All Kansas public and private schools, Kindergarten through Grade 12, are closed through their respective spring semesters by order of the Kansas governor.*Doerflers' Harley-Davidson closed until further notice. We will offer curbside service along with motorcycle pickup and drop-off by appointment. Hays Chamber canceling/postponing all public events until April 30 Hays Recreation Commission including the Fitness Center closed through April 30, 2020Center for Health Improvement at Hays Med closed until further notice.All Hays Center for Life Experience meetings canceled until March 30FHSU Tiger Wellness Center closed<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARBuAuuzogsM8gSDEjHkH1bv0UhjDvCmVnCgGkye1Htm9JJLZYQnEMP5c45Mq6pACMMk4W4QmmOq5K9h">Big Creek Crossing stores closed - click here to see most recent updates</a>Fort Hays State Active Aging Aquacise classes canceled until further noticeFort Hays State Active Aging Neuromuscular classes canceled until further noticeCommunity Assistance Center in Hays will have no shopping available until further notice.Hays Public Library closed until further noticeRussell Public Library closed&nbsp;Hays Christian Church services and events through March 29Hays Municipal Court appearances suspended through April 6Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County ReStore closed until further notice; not accepting donationsHays VFW Fish Fries have been canceled though LentHays Trinity Lutheran Church Activities and services canceled until March 31No bingo at the Heritage Eatery and Bingo in Hays Fort Hays State Historic Site closed through March 31Eagle Media Center offices closed through April 5thThe Hays Senior center meal site is closed, but will still be offering to go meals and home deliveries to current home delivered customers. To arrange for food call 785-628-8824.Hays North Oak Community Church Activities and services canceled until March 31; Online Sunday services at <a href="http://www.northoak.net/" target="_blank">www.northoak.net</a>City of Hays offices closed to public until further notice; airport remains openVictoria City Hall closed to public until further noticeHays Messiah Lutheran Church canceled all church services and activities through April 1Hays United Methodist Church online services and broadcast on KAYS 94.3 FM and 1400 AM onlyTrego County Courthouse closed to public until further noticeEllis City Hall closed to the public until further notice. City employees will still be available on premises during regular office hours and will be available by phone or email.&nbsp;Citizens should utilize the outside drop box, mail, or phone in utility payments.Group meetings for DREAM, Inc. canceled. Clients should call 628-6655 to schedule telephone sessions&nbsp;&nbsp;The ARC Thrist Store closed starting Saturday 3/28.March 27-28Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home &amp; Museum in Ellis closed until further noticeHays Community Theatre's performance of Miss Buchanan's Deadly Inheritance has been postponedMarch 28St. Mary’s 26th annual Parish Auction in Ellis postponedMarch 29Smoky Valley Antique Tractor pull in Schoenchen postponedMarch 30Ellis County Strategic Doing postponedMarch 31Rooks County Strategic Doing postponedApril 2FHSU Alumni Social at the Paisley Pear canceledPower of the Purse Fundraiser postponedEllis Co. Health Dept. Community Blood Pressure Screening in Ellis canceledHPL Spring Cleaning Book Sale canceled April 2-5April 3DHDC Cottontails and Cupcakes - refunds will be issuedThe Munjor Knights of Columbus fish fry for April 3rd has been canceledApril 4Hays Chamber Legislative Coffee canceledBrookdale-Hays Easter egg hunt canceled High Plains Barbershop performance cancelled-tickets will be honored at next year's showThe Hays After 5 Christian women’s group has canceled its spring fashion show and brunchApril 5 Charity basketball game for Mitch Beran with "Your Voice Through Cancer" has been canceledApril 11Hays Toy Show postponedApril 15Hays VFW Stag &amp; Stagette April 16Hays Job Fair canceledMay 1FHSU Half-Century Club Spring Luncheon canceledAnnual Chamber Golf Tournament rescheduled for September 18May 2Hays Symphony Concert has been canceledMay 3Hays VFW Stars and Stripes Breakfast canceledMay 11Hays After 5 dinner meeting canceled

Latest cancellations and delays

The Downtown Hays Development Corp. announced Wednesday it will postpone its annual Brews on the Bricks event until Aug. 29 in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

DHDC said in a Facebook post that it will refund the ticket price for people who will not be able to attend the August event.

"We are asking that refunds be requested before July 30, 2020. We also ask that you consider donating the cost of your tickets to DHDC, a 501c3 non-profit organization. We appreciate any and all support that helps us continue to grow and market Downtown Hays," the post said.

The fundraiser supports DHDC operations and is its largest fundraiser of the year.

If you purchased online and would like a refund, simply give DHDC a call at 785-621-4171. If you bought in office, message DHDC or email dhdc@downtownhays.com to set up an appointment to exchange your tickets for a check, the post said. If you would like to donate the cost of your tickets, email dhdc@downtownhays.com for the DHDC tax ID number.

"We are looking forward to making this Brews on the Bricks better than the previous years. While we are excited to welcome Kansas craft brewers back to Hays, we are even more excited to bring our Hays community back together!" the post said.

You can follow DHDC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays/">Facebook</a>. DHDC has also created a <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19">COVID-19 page</a> on its website, which is up-to-date on business closings, special offerings and disaster assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585248708783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Downtown Hays Development Corp. announced Wednesday it will postpone its annual Brews on the Bricks event until Aug. 29 in light of the coronavirus outbreak.The event was scheduled for May.DHDC said in a Facebook post that it will refund the ticket price for people who will not be able to attend the August event."We are asking that refunds be requested before July 30, 2020. We also ask that you consider donating the cost of your tickets to DHDC, a 501c3 non-profit organization. We appreciate any and all support that helps us continue to grow and market Downtown Hays," the post said.The fundraiser supports DHDC operations and is its largest fundraiser of the year.If you purchased online and would like a refund, simply give DHDC a call at 785-621-4171. If you bought in office, message DHDC or email dhdc@downtownhays.com to set up an appointment to exchange your tickets for a check, the post said. If you would like to donate the cost of your tickets, email dhdc@downtownhays.com for the DHDC tax ID number."We are looking forward to making this Brews on the Bricks better than the previous years. While we are excited to welcome Kansas craft brewers back to Hays, we are even more excited to bring our Hays community back together!" the post said.You can follow DHDC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays/">Facebook</a>. DHDC has also created a <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19">COVID-19 page</a> on its website, which is up-to-date on business closings, special offerings and disaster assistance.

Brews on the Bricks postponed to Aug. 29

The Ellis County Commission recognizes the various services we provide to our citizens,
businesses, and institutions throughout our community. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Ellis County realizes we are a pillar in our community and the services we provide must
continue. However, we must also realize the concerns and level of safety for the public as well
as our valued employees.


Following recommendations of our Public Health Officer, Ellis County offices will remain open to
the public with normal hours. We are taking additional steps and precautions to protect both
the employees and the public. Currently the Health Department reports Ellis County is still in a
low level of threat and there are no positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. We are encouraging
everyone to follow the CDC and KDHE guidelines and recommendations. Gatherings of 50
people or more are prohibited per the Governors Executive Order 20-04. We are following the
KDHE mandated travel quarantine for all of Ellis County including our employees.


The Ellis County Commission asks for your help in providing service by calling the office you
need to do business with to schedule an appointment in advance. We ask if you are sick, to
please stay home and wait until you recover, or try to conduct your business over the phone or
send an email if possible.


Please be advised this is a dynamic situation and we are working though this daily as the
situation changes. Our Ellis County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation to
help keep our community informed.


As a reminder from our Health Department; please remember to regularly wash your hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes,
and to clean and disinfect surfaces daily.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579287163220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Commission recognizes the various services we provide to our citizens,
businesses, and institutions throughout our community. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Ellis County realizes we are a pillar in our community and the services we provide must
continue. However, we must also realize the concerns and level of safety for the public as well
as our valued employees.
Following recommendations of our Public Health Officer, Ellis County offices will remain open to
the public with normal hours. We are taking additional steps and precautions to protect both
the employees and the public. Currently the Health Department reports Ellis County is still in a
low level of threat and there are no positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. We are encouraging
everyone to follow the CDC and KDHE guidelines and recommendations. Gatherings of 50
people or more are prohibited per the Governors Executive Order 20-04. We are following the
KDHE mandated travel quarantine for all of Ellis County including our employees.
The Ellis County Commission asks for your help in providing service by calling the office you
need to do business with to schedule an appointment in advance. We ask if you are sick, to
please stay home and wait until you recover, or try to conduct your business over the phone or
send an email if possible.
Please be advised this is a dynamic situation and we are working though this daily as the
situation changes. Our Ellis County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation to
help keep our community informed.
As a reminder from our Health Department; please remember to regularly wash your hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes,
and to clean and disinfect surfaces daily.

Ellis County offers update on hours, ongoing operations

The Victoria USD 432 school district will be offering grab-and-go lunches for children from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday at Victoria Elementary School.

Students must be present to receive the meals.

The meals will not be offered during spring break.&nbsp;

An announcement will be made after spring break about if and where further meals will be offered.

The Victoria USD 432 school district will be offering grab-and-go lunches for children from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday at Victoria Elementary School.Students must be present to receive the meals.The meals will not be offered during spring break.&nbsp;An announcement will be made after spring break about if and where further meals will be offered.

 Victoria USD 432 to offer student meals

The American Red Cross is in urgent need of healthy blood donors.

There is a blood drive until 2 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas More Prep-Marian. A blood drive is also ongoing at the Center for Life Improvement at HaysMed until 5 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

In light of the corona virus, the Red Cross has implemented additional sanitizing and screening processes to keep donors safe.

Red CrossThe American Red Cross is in urgent need of healthy blood donors.There is a blood drive until 2 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas More Prep-Marian. A blood drive is also ongoing at the Center for Life Improvement at HaysMed until 5 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;In light of the corona virus, the Red Cross has implemented additional sanitizing and screening processes to keep donors safe.

Red Cross in need of blood donors today in Hays

LOGAN COUNTY— Three people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Christie R. Lacey , 27, Chicago, was eastbound on U.S. 40 five miles west of U.S. 83.

The driver&nbsp; lost control of the vehicle, entered the south ditch, overcorrected back onto the roadway and struck a&nbsp; 2012 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Mary Kathleen Magley, 60, Monument head-on.

EMS transported&nbsp;Lacey, Magley and a passenger in the Mazda Magley, Wayne F. Magley, 61, Oakley, to the Logan County Hospital. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY— Three people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Christie R. Lacey , 27, Chicago, was eastbound on U.S. 40 five miles west of U.S. 83.The driver&nbsp; lost control of the vehicle, entered the south ditch, overcorrected back onto the roadway and struck a&nbsp; 2012 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Mary Kathleen Magley, 60, Monument head-on.EMS transported&nbsp;Lacey, Magley and a passenger in the Mazda Magley, Wayne F. Magley, 61, Oakley, to the Logan County Hospital. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after head-on crash in NW Kansas

Pursuant to Executive Order 20-16 as of March 30th at 1201 am Ellis County and all of Kansas will be subject to a Stay at Home order.  Ellis County Health Department encourages all Kansans to read and understand this order. Executive Order 20-16 define the limitations and exemptions for all Kansans.  Ellis County Health Department encourages all Kansans to follow this order. 

  
All Kansans are directed to stay in their homes unless you are performing an essential function. Activities that are permitted are obtaining food, medicine or other household necessities, and seeking medical care.  Performing an essential function as defined in the KEFF framework EO-20-16.  Caring for children, family members or pets and care of a vulnerable person at another location.  Engaging in outdoor activities provided that social distancing of greater than 6 ft and group sizes of 10 people or less are maintained.  Families are still permitted to gather privately.


The KEFF framework as defined in EO-20-16 contains the necessary functions that are exempt from the prohibitions in this order.  No prior approval is required for individuals or entities to perform essential functions listed in the KEFF framework.  Individuals or entities who are uncertain whether they perform functions exempted from the prohibitions of this may email KEFF@ks.gov to determine whether their functions are deemed essential. Please do not call 911 or the dispatch center to determine work requirements or limitations. 

ECHD encourages all residents to utilize this order and all guidance from the CDC and KDHE to keep themselves and loved ones safe in this tumultuous time. Please remember to take basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and avoiding any non-essential time outside of your home. 
Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information,&nbsp; visit www.kdheks.gov or www.cdc.gov/COVID19. We encourage you to access EO-20-16 at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/executive-orders/">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/executive-orders/</a>.

Ellis County Health DepartmentPursuant to Executive Order 20-16 as of March 30th at 1201 am Ellis County and all of Kansas will be subject to a Stay at Home order. Ellis County Health Department encourages all Kansans to read and understand this order. Executive Order 20-16 define the limitations and exemptions for all Kansans. Ellis County Health Department encourages all Kansans to follow this order. 
All Kansans are directed to stay in their homes unless you are performing an essential function. Activities that are permitted are obtaining food, medicine or other household necessities, and seeking medical care. Performing an essential function as defined in the KEFF framework EO-20-16. Caring for children, family members or pets and care of a vulnerable person at another location. Engaging in outdoor activities provided that social distancing of greater than 6 ft and group sizes of 10 people or less are maintained. Families are still permitted to gather privately.
The KEFF framework as defined in EO-20-16 contains the necessary functions that are exempt from the prohibitions in this order. No prior approval is required for individuals or entities to perform essential functions listed in the KEFF framework. Individuals or entities who are uncertain whether they perform functions exempted from the prohibitions of this may email KEFF@ks.gov to determine whether their functions are deemed essential. Please do not call 911 or the dispatch center to determine work requirements or limitations. 
ECHD encourages all residents to utilize this order and all guidance from the CDC and KDHE to keep themselves and loved ones safe in this tumultuous time. Please remember to take basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and avoiding any non-essential time outside of your home. 
Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information,&nbsp; visit www.kdheks.gov or www.cdc.gov/COVID19. We encourage you to access EO-20-16 at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/executive-orders/">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/executive-orders/</a>.

Ellis Co Health Department's statement on stay-at-home order

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf">A stay-at-home order for the entire state of Kansas </a>will take effect 
at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 30, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Saturday, 
making it one of at least 20 states to ask its residents to conduct only
 essential business.&nbsp;

The executive order, which will last at 
least until April 19, is meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. Kansas
 has surpassed 250 cases of COVID-19 — including two military personnel,
 one from Fort Riley and one from Fort Leavenworth — and has five 
deaths.&nbsp;

Kelly said the order became necessary once projections 
showed confirmed cases of coronavirus could jump to as many as 900 over 
the next week.&nbsp;

“I can’t tell you how much I wish it weren’t 
necessary, but this is our window to ensure Kansas does not suffer the 
terrible fate of other hard-hit states like New York and Missouri,” she 
said at a Statehouse news conference.&nbsp;

More than a dozen counties
 already had stay-at-home orders, covering a large swath of Kansas’ 
population. But Kelly said the “difficult but unavoidable” decision for a
 statewide order was needed to keep from having a network of them, and 
the state order supersedes county orders.&nbsp;

“I left these 
decisions to local health departments for as long as possible,” she 
said. “But the reality is that a patchwork approach is a recipe for 
confusion in our statewide fight to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

Stay-at-home
 orders mean people by and large should not leave their homes except for
 essential business — work, grocery shopping, seeking medical care or 
taking care of family or friends who are in need. People are allowed to 
exercise outside, but cannot gather in groups larger than 10.

“You can leave your home,” Kelly said. “You can go outside. You’re not under house arrest.”

Kansas’
 neighbors vary when it comes to statewide orders: Colorado’s took 
effect Thursday, while Missouri has left it up to its cities and 
counties, and Nebraska has nothing.&nbsp;

The center of the outbreak 
in Kansas is in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, while so far, the 
western half is largely unaffected. But Kansas officials have said the 
state’s peak in cases may not come until mid- to late April.&nbsp;

Kelly
 said President Donald Trump’s suggestion that life should be allowed to
 return to normal soon in sections of the country where cases remain 
relatively low runs counter to the advice she is receiving from public 
health experts.&nbsp;

“We are making this move now because of what 
we’re seeing here in Kansas and any guidelines from the federal 
government that don’t model this we quite honestly will ignore,” she 
said.&nbsp;

Kelly has been one of the more aggressive governors across the U.S. 
in responding to coronarvirus and was the first to close all K-12 
schools through the end of the 2019-20 school year, moving instruction 
largely online.

Kansas House Republican leadership issued a 
statement Saturday after Kelly’s news conference, saying the Legislative
 Coordinating Council will “carefully assess this executive order and 
the reasons for it.”

“There are no easy decisions in a time like 
this,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman, Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and 
Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch said in a statement, “and we must 
diligently work together to strike a balance that is in the best 
interests of all Kansans.”

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce, 
however, said it worked with Kelly’s office to “develop this more 
uniform approach,” which says will help “flatten the curve” and provide 
“consistent supply chain operations for the delivery of groceries, 
medical supplies and other vital products.”

Testing has ramped up
 in Kansas, with the state lab handling 175 samples a day and expecting 
to get up to between 700 and 1,000 daily soon, according to Kansas 
health secretary Lee Norman. State testing is only for high-risk groups,
 like nursing home residents and health care workers; many commercial 
labs and hospitals in Kansas now have the capacity to test now, too.&nbsp;

Kansas
 will soon use up its share of the federally provided personal 
protection equipment for health care workers, like gloves, masks and 
gowns.&nbsp;

“The strategic national stockpile is not an endless 
stockpile, unfortunately,” Norman said Friday. “And again, it’s 
something that we don’t control but we try to make sure we get our 
share.”

Kansas has mandated that people who, as of Friday, 
returned from Colorado (which has more than 1,000 cases) or Louisiana 
(more than 2,700 cases) must self-quarantine for 14 days. Illinois, New 
Jersey, California, Florida, New York state and Washington were already 
on the list, as well as cruises and international locations.

The 
majority of people who get coronavirus have mild or moderate symptoms, 
like a fever, cough and shortness of breath; some report losing their 
sense of smell and taste. These people tend to recover in two weeks. 
More severe cases can have up to six weeks’ recovery time, require 
hospitalization and can lead to death.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf">HERE</a> to see the order in its entirety.

Kansas News Service reporters Celia Llopis-Jepsen and Daniel Caudill contributed to this report.&nbsp;

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585442211571.jpeg" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. The map shows the counties that have confirmed coronavirus cases.&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service &nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order on Saturday. The map shows the counties that have confirmed coronavirus cases.&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service &nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf">A stay-at-home order for the entire state of Kansas </a>will take effect 
at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 30, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Saturday, 
making it one of at least 20 states to ask its residents to conduct only
 essential business.&nbsp;The executive order, which will last at 
least until April 19, is meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. Kansas
 has surpassed 250 cases of COVID-19 — including two military personnel,
 one from Fort Riley and one from Fort Leavenworth — and has five 
deaths.&nbsp;Kelly said the order became necessary once projections 
showed confirmed cases of coronavirus could jump to as many as 900 over 
the next week.&nbsp;“I can’t tell you how much I wish it weren’t 
necessary, but this is our window to ensure Kansas does not suffer the 
terrible fate of other hard-hit states like New York and Missouri,” she 
said at a Statehouse news conference.&nbsp;More than a dozen counties
 already had stay-at-home orders, covering a large swath of Kansas’ 
population. But Kelly said the “difficult but unavoidable” decision for a
 statewide order was needed to keep from having a network of them, and 
the state order supersedes county orders.&nbsp;“I left these 
decisions to local health departments for as long as possible,” she 
said. “But the reality is that a patchwork approach is a recipe for 
confusion in our statewide fight to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”Stay-at-home
 orders mean people by and large should not leave their homes except for
 essential business — work, grocery shopping, seeking medical care or 
taking care of family or friends who are in need. People are allowed to 
exercise outside, but cannot gather in groups larger than 10.“You can leave your home,” Kelly said. “You can go outside. You’re not under house arrest.”Kansas’
 neighbors vary when it comes to statewide orders: Colorado’s took 
effect Thursday, while Missouri has left it up to its cities and 
counties, and Nebraska has nothing.&nbsp;The center of the outbreak 
in Kansas is in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, while so far, the 
western half is largely unaffected. But Kansas officials have said the 
state’s peak in cases may not come until mid- to late April.&nbsp;Kelly
 said President Donald Trump’s suggestion that life should be allowed to
 return to normal soon in sections of the country where cases remain 
relatively low runs counter to the advice she is receiving from public 
health experts.&nbsp;“We are making this move now because of what 
we’re seeing here in Kansas and any guidelines from the federal 
government that don’t model this we quite honestly will ignore,” she 
said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585442294485.jpeg" alt=" The governor's office is limiting the number of reporters allowed at state briefings. This is what it looked like on Saturday, when the statewide stay-at-home order was announced. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The governor's office is limiting the number of reporters allowed at state briefings. This is what it looked like on Saturday, when the statewide stay-at-home order was announced. Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly has been one of the more aggressive governors across the U.S. 
in responding to coronarvirus and was the first to close all K-12 
schools through the end of the 2019-20 school year, moving instruction 
largely online.Kansas House Republican leadership issued a 
statement Saturday after Kelly’s news conference, saying the Legislative
 Coordinating Council will “carefully assess this executive order and 
the reasons for it.”“There are no easy decisions in a time like 
this,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman, Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and 
Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch said in a statement, “and we must 
diligently work together to strike a balance that is in the best 
interests of all Kansans.”The Kansas Chamber of Commerce, 
however, said it worked with Kelly’s office to “develop this more 
uniform approach,” which says will help “flatten the curve” and provide 
“consistent supply chain operations for the delivery of groceries, 
medical supplies and other vital products.”Testing has ramped up
 in Kansas, with the state lab handling 175 samples a day and expecting 
to get up to between 700 and 1,000 daily soon, according to Kansas 
health secretary Lee Norman. State testing is only for high-risk groups,
 like nursing home residents and health care workers; many commercial 
labs and hospitals in Kansas now have the capacity to test now, too.&nbsp;Kansas
 will soon use up its share of the federally provided personal 
protection equipment for health care workers, like gloves, masks and 
gowns.&nbsp;“The strategic national stockpile is not an endless 
stockpile, unfortunately,” Norman said Friday. “And again, it’s 
something that we don’t control but we try to make sure we get our 
share.”Kansas has mandated that people who, as of Friday, 
returned from Colorado (which has more than 1,000 cases) or Louisiana 
(more than 2,700 cases) must self-quarantine for 14 days. Illinois, New 
Jersey, California, Florida, New York state and Washington were already 
on the list, as well as cruises and international locations.The 
majority of people who get coronavirus have mild or moderate symptoms, 
like a fever, cough and shortness of breath; some report losing their 
sense of smell and taste. These people tend to recover in two weeks. 
More severe cases can have up to six weeks’ recovery time, require 
hospitalization and can lead to death.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf">HERE</a> to see the order in its entirety.Kansas News Service reporters Celia Llopis-Jepsen and Daniel Caudill contributed to this report.&nbsp;Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

Kansas governor issues statewide stay-at-home order

Update: 5:07 p.m. Saturday, March 28&nbsp;

With the stay at home order in effect Monday, this program will be more important than ever to our community, according to Sara Bloom, DHDC director.

**There will be a $1,000 per customer limit on purchase.

**All customers will be given the option of keeping their bonus cards or donating them to a local food bank.

The Downtown Hays Development Corp. in cooperation with Astra Bank is offering a bonus for people who buy gift cards from participating downtown Hays businesses April 1 through May 31.

For every $25 purchased in gift cards, buyers will receive a $10 gift certificate to Dillons or Walmart.

Sara Bloom, DHDC director, said there is currently no limit on the amount of gift cards that can be purchased.

"This is a way to help get cash to downtown businesses through gift cards and back into stores plus offset grocery costs and support families," Bloom said.&nbsp;

The program has been dubbed Stronger Than Ever Working Together .

All of the gift card purchases will be handled through the DHDC office. A special webpage on the <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">DHDC website</a> is being created where buyers can select and purchase their gift cards.&nbsp;

The gift cards will be mailed to purchasers. Bloom said there are two reasons for this process. The first is that not all downtown businesses have gift card systems or websites in place.

The second is to promote social distancing.

Although some of the downtown businesses are temporarily closed to honor coronavirus precautions, the gift cards can be used when the businesses reopen.

Walmart has also been a generous donor for this program, Bloom said, and has agreed to donate the first $1,000 worth of gift cards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585341227728.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Update: 5:07 p.m. Saturday, March 28&nbsp;With the stay at home order in effect Monday, this program will be more important than ever to our community, according to Sara Bloom, DHDC director.**There will be a $1,000 per customer limit on purchase.**All customers will be given the option of keeping their bonus cards or donating them to a local food bank.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Downtown Hays Development Corp. in cooperation with Astra Bank is offering a bonus for people who buy gift cards from participating downtown Hays businesses April 1 through May 31.For every $25 purchased in gift cards, buyers will receive a $10 gift certificate to Dillons or Walmart.Sara Bloom, DHDC director, said there is currently no limit on the amount of gift cards that can be purchased."This is a way to help get cash to downtown businesses through gift cards and back into stores plus offset grocery costs and support families," Bloom said.&nbsp;The program has been dubbed Stronger Than Ever Working Together .All of the gift card purchases will be handled through the DHDC office. A special webpage on the <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">DHDC website</a> is being created where buyers can select and purchase their gift cards.&nbsp;The gift cards will be mailed to purchasers. Bloom said there are two reasons for this process. The first is that not all downtown businesses have gift card systems or websites in place.The second is to promote social distancing.Although some of the downtown businesses are temporarily closed to honor coronavirus precautions, the gift cards can be used when the businesses reopen.Walmart has also been a generous donor for this program, Bloom said, and has agreed to donate the first $1,000 worth of gift cards.

DHDC to launch bonus program for gift card purchases

Gov. Laura Kelly appointed John Bottenberg to the Kansas State Fair Board, and reappointed Harmon Bliss, Nick Ketzner and Robert Atkisson.

The purpose of the Board is to promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry and culture; to create opportunity for commercial activity; and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.

“The Fair provides tremendous opportunities for commerce, entertainment and education in Kansas each year,” Kelly said. “I feel confident that these appointees will ensure the success of the Fair through their service on the Board.”

Bottenberg, Topeka, served on the board previously and was appointed to an at-large seat. He is a former state representative.

Bliss, Jetmore, is the current Board president and was reappointed to the seat reserved for a representative from the southwest agriculture extension district.

Ketzner, Bird City, was reappointed to the northwest agriculture extension district seat.

Atkisson, Stockton, was reappointed to the seat reserved for a representative from the Kansas Fairs Association.

Office of the GovernorGov. Laura Kelly appointed John Bottenberg to the Kansas State Fair Board, and reappointed Harmon Bliss, Nick Ketzner and Robert Atkisson.The purpose of the Board is to promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry and culture; to create opportunity for commercial activity; and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.“The Fair provides tremendous opportunities for commerce, entertainment and education in Kansas each year,” Kelly said. “I feel confident that these appointees will ensure the success of the Fair through their service on the Board.”Bottenberg, Topeka, served on the board previously and was appointed to an at-large seat. He is a former state representative.Bliss, Jetmore, is the current Board president and was reappointed to the seat reserved for a representative from the southwest agriculture extension district.Ketzner, Bird City, was reappointed to the northwest agriculture extension district seat.Atkisson, Stockton, was reappointed to the seat reserved for a representative from the Kansas Fairs Association.

NW Kansans reappointed to Kansas State Fair Board

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/even-40-kansans-getting-covid-19-six-months-would-overwhelm-states-hospitals#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

Dr. Joe Meier’s hospital in Wilson County has 15 beds, no intensive 
care unit and one ventilator. Two of his neighboring counties in 
southeast Kansas have no hospital at all, and another two have no ICU 
either.

So Meier has a plea to the residents of his region: Stay home.

"It's not a matter of 'if' (COVID-19) is going to hit here,' he said. "It’s a matter of when."

Harvard University researchers looked at&nbsp;<a href="https://globalepidemics.org/2020/03/17/caring-for-covid-19-patients/" target="_blank">nine scenarios</a>&nbsp;for
 how many Americans could catch COVID-19, and how fast. Kansas, it 
turned out, could only handle the milder scenarios. More moderate or 
severe situations would overload the state’s hospitals without dramatic 
steps — such as clearing hospitals of other patients and convincing the 
public to shelter in place.

As of Thursday afternoon, Kansas had 
about 200 confirmed cases of COVID-19, though the true number of people 
carrying the bug is unknown. State officials have said at times that 
they expect to see cases double every three or four days.

Staff at Wilson Medical Center are preparing to run an ad hoc ICU and 
convert spaces used for other purposes into coronavirus wards. The 
hospital is ordering more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/how-ventilators-work-and-why-they-are-so-important-in-saving-people-with-coronavirus" target="_blank">ventilators</a>, which are needed to help severely ill COVID-19 patients breathe, but those could take a month or more to arrive.

“If Wichita becomes full and Topeka becomes full and Kansas City is 
full,” Meier said, “we're going to have to take care of them whether we 
have ICU beds or not.”

While most cases of the new coronavirus are mild, about <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/methodology-how-propublica-mapped-hospital-capacity-for-coronavirus" target="_blank">one in five</a>
 people become sick enough for hospitalization. If too many need that 
level of care at once, Kansas would need field hospitals. Facilities 
could have to ration ventilators and other equipment, as has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/03/15/coronavirus-rationing-us/" target="_blank">happened elsewhere</a>.

“Everybody
 has a role to play in terms of slowing the spread,” said Thomas Tsai, a
 professor at the Harvard Global Health Institute, which produced the 
study.

But the country’s window of opportunity is closing, he 
added. Strict social distancing is needed to avoid the worst-case 
scenarios and buy time for hospitals that are waiting on equipment and 
protective gear, and training staff on handling COVID-19 patients.

There’s
 a big difference, for example, between 20% of the U.S. catching 
COVID-19 over the next 18 months versus 40% in a year or 60% in half a 
year.

Harvard’s scenarios took into account likely hospitalization rates and how full hospitals already were.

Health
 care facilities in the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas that 
depend on it — what’s known as a hospital referral region — could handle
 only the mildest of Harvard’s scenarios.

That’s a situation in 
which the disease hits 20% of the 2.6 million people over the next 
year-and-a-half. Anything beyond that, and the region’s hospitals would 
overflow.

The vast Wichita referral region (population 1.3 
million, including west and southeast Kansas) could handle up to a 40% 
infection rate over a year-and-a-half. The Topeka referral region 
(population 460,000) could handle a 20% infection rate over a year or 
year-and-a-half.

Kansas didn’t appear ready, according to the researchers’ findings, 
for higher infection rates and swifter spread. Even if hospitals had no 
other patients, there wouldn’t be enough beds in the state for a 40% 
infection rate over six months.

Hospitals have tapered down or shuttered <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/most-kansas-city-area-hospitals-put-elective-surgeries-prepare-covid-19" target="_blank">non-emergency care</a>
 to make space and the state’s main population centers are under 
stay-home orders. Kansas health secretary Lee Norman urges the rest of 
the state to shelter in place, too.

Kansas has asked the federal government for 100 more ventilators from
 a national stockpile, Norman said Wednesday, and may turn to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/ventilator-supply-mitigation-strategies-letter-health-care-providers" target="_blank">machines meant for sleep apnea</a>
 to help COVID-19 patients breathe. To address a looming shortage of 
face masks, it’s trying to get ultraviolet lights that would let health 
workers sterilize and reuse the items several times.

The state is also scouring options for <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/03/23/coronavirus-and-the-states-governors-plan-field-hospitals-heartland-unemployment-spikes" target="_blank">temporary bed space</a>; in other parts of the U.S., officials are turning to everything from <a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1775827/king-county-field-hospitals-coronavirus/" target="_blank">soccer fields</a> to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-closed-hospitals-college-dorms-meet-coronavirus-demands/story?id=69683447" target="_blank">closed hospitals</a>.

Norman
 expected to know more soon about the state’s risks for running out of 
bed space and its options to repurpose existing buildings if needed.

“As
 much as it seems like ‘Oh, well, we’ll call in the National Guard and 
set up tents,” he said, “that's hard. We would much rather move into a 
built environment that was built for patient care, that has (ventilator)
 gases and all the safety features.”

In Topeka, Stormont Vail 
Health swiftly renovated 16 rooms, adding to 31 that were already 
equipped with the right air systems to handle COVID-19 patients. It may 
renovate another 16 rooms, CEO and physician Robert Kenagy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421658372.png" alt="Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/even-40-kansans-getting-covid-19-six-months-would-overwhelm-states-hospitals#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>Dr. Joe Meier’s hospital in Wilson County has 15 beds, no intensive 
care unit and one ventilator. Two of his neighboring counties in 
southeast Kansas have no hospital at all, and another two have no ICU 
either.So Meier has a plea to the residents of his region: Stay home."It's not a matter of 'if' (COVID-19) is going to hit here,' he said. "It’s a matter of when."Harvard University researchers looked at&nbsp;<a href="https://globalepidemics.org/2020/03/17/caring-for-covid-19-patients/" target="_blank">nine scenarios</a>&nbsp;for
 how many Americans could catch COVID-19, and how fast. Kansas, it 
turned out, could only handle the milder scenarios. More moderate or 
severe situations would overload the state’s hospitals without dramatic 
steps — such as clearing hospitals of other patients and convincing the 
public to shelter in place.As of Thursday afternoon, Kansas had 
about 200 confirmed cases of COVID-19, though the true number of people 
carrying the bug is unknown. State officials have said at times that 
they expect to see cases double every three or four days.Staff at Wilson Medical Center are preparing to run an ad hoc ICU and 
convert spaces used for other purposes into coronavirus wards. The 
hospital is ordering more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/how-ventilators-work-and-why-they-are-so-important-in-saving-people-with-coronavirus" target="_blank">ventilators</a>, which are needed to help severely ill COVID-19 patients breathe, but those could take a month or more to arrive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421697296.jpeg" alt=" Hospitals have tapered off non-emergency care to free up beds. That could help Kansas weather a storm of COVID-19 infections, but experts say only if Kansans also practice social distancing. Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Hospitals have tapered off non-emergency care to free up beds. That could help Kansas weather a storm of COVID-19 infections, but experts say only if Kansans also practice social distancing. Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“If Wichita becomes full and Topeka becomes full and Kansas City is 
full,” Meier said, “we're going to have to take care of them whether we 
have ICU beds or not.”While most cases of the new coronavirus are mild, about <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/methodology-how-propublica-mapped-hospital-capacity-for-coronavirus" target="_blank">one in five</a>
 people become sick enough for hospitalization. If too many need that 
level of care at once, Kansas would need field hospitals. Facilities 
could have to ration ventilators and other equipment, as has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/03/15/coronavirus-rationing-us/" target="_blank">happened elsewhere</a>.“Everybody
 has a role to play in terms of slowing the spread,” said Thomas Tsai, a
 professor at the Harvard Global Health Institute, which produced the 
study.But the country’s window of opportunity is closing, he 
added. Strict social distancing is needed to avoid the worst-case 
scenarios and buy time for hospitals that are waiting on equipment and 
protective gear, and training staff on handling COVID-19 patients.There’s
 a big difference, for example, between 20% of the U.S. catching 
COVID-19 over the next 18 months versus 40% in a year or 60% in half a 
year.Harvard’s scenarios took into account likely hospitalization rates and how full hospitals already were.Health
 care facilities in the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas that 
depend on it — what’s known as a hospital referral region — could handle
 only the mildest of Harvard’s scenarios.That’s a situation in 
which the disease hits 20% of the 2.6 million people over the next 
year-and-a-half. Anything beyond that, and the region’s hospitals would 
overflow.The vast Wichita referral region (population 1.3 
million, including west and southeast Kansas) could handle up to a 40% 
infection rate over a year-and-a-half. The Topeka referral region 
(population 460,000) could handle a 20% infection rate over a year or 
year-and-a-half.Kansas didn’t appear ready, according to the researchers’ findings, 
for higher infection rates and swifter spread. Even if hospitals had no 
other patients, there wouldn’t be enough beds in the state for a 40% 
infection rate over six months.Hospitals have tapered down or shuttered <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/most-kansas-city-area-hospitals-put-elective-surgeries-prepare-covid-19" target="_blank">non-emergency care</a>
 to make space and the state’s main population centers are under 
stay-home orders. Kansas health secretary Lee Norman urges the rest of 
the state to shelter in place, too.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421732792.jpeg" alt=" Health secretary Lee Norman talks to reporters about COVID-19. (Press briefings are now less crowded and follow social distancing rules.) Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Health secretary Lee Norman talks to reporters about COVID-19. (Press briefings are now less crowded and follow social distancing rules.) Credit Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas has asked the federal government for 100 more ventilators from
 a national stockpile, Norman said Wednesday, and may turn to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/ventilator-supply-mitigation-strategies-letter-health-care-providers" target="_blank">machines meant for sleep apnea</a>
 to help COVID-19 patients breathe. To address a looming shortage of 
face masks, it’s trying to get ultraviolet lights that would let health 
workers sterilize and reuse the items several times.The state is also scouring options for <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/03/23/coronavirus-and-the-states-governors-plan-field-hospitals-heartland-unemployment-spikes" target="_blank">temporary bed space</a>; in other parts of the U.S., officials are turning to everything from <a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1775827/king-county-field-hospitals-coronavirus/" target="_blank">soccer fields</a> to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-closed-hospitals-college-dorms-meet-coronavirus-demands/story?id=69683447" target="_blank">closed hospitals</a>.Norman
 expected to know more soon about the state’s risks for running out of 
bed space and its options to repurpose existing buildings if needed.“As
 much as it seems like ‘Oh, well, we’ll call in the National Guard and 
set up tents,” he said, “that's hard. We would much rather move into a 
built environment that was built for patient care, that has (ventilator)
 gases and all the safety features.”In Topeka, Stormont Vail 
Health swiftly renovated 16 rooms, adding to 31 that were already 
equipped with the right air systems to handle COVID-19 patients. It may 
renovate another 16 rooms, CEO and physician Robert Kenagy said.His
 hospital is also turning one of its clinics into an acute respiratory 
location to screen and care for suspected COVID-19 patients more 
efficiently and safely.“We believe that we will be able to 
handle what's coming,” Kenagy said, if Kansans take social distancing 
seriously. “It is vitally important. This is our one opportunity to 
dampen the effect of the pandemic.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

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