The Ellis County Health Department issued the following statement to parents of school-aged children on Thursday afternoon:

With the current rise of cases that we are seeing in our community, I am asking for your help.
Our local schools have gone above and beyond to implement and maintain safety protocols
inside our schools to allow for continued on-site education for our children. With this new rise
and the upcoming holidays, please keep some guidelines in mind. If your child is sick, do not
send them to school. If someone in the household is awaiting test results for COVID-19, do
not send any of your children to school. If your child is currently asymptomatic but you are
planning to have them tested for COVID-19 in the next two days, do not send them to school.
This will remove subsequent quarantine from a positive test. If you are notified that your child
is a close contact of a positive case, please comply with the quarantine. I understand that
finding daycare or taking off of work is always difficult, but we must comply with these
standards to continue on-site education.

Our county’s COVID-19 Response Group, which includes school administrators for all K-12
schools, Hays Medical Center administrators and physicians and myself, meets on a weekly
basis. We only desire to provide a safe environment for all students and staff to learn and
succeed in an on-site learning environment. Please help us to preserve the current “new
normal” so that we may continue on-site learning.


Sincerely,
 Jason R. Kennedy
 Public Health Officer
 Ellis County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department issued the following statement to parents of school-aged children on Thursday afternoon:Dear K-12 Parents,
With the current rise of cases that we are seeing in our community, I am asking for your help.
Our local schools have gone above and beyond to implement and maintain safety protocols
inside our schools to allow for continued on-site education for our children. With this new rise
and the upcoming holidays, please keep some guidelines in mind. If your child is sick, do not
send them to school. If someone in the household is awaiting test results for COVID-19, do
not send any of your children to school. If your child is currently asymptomatic but you are
planning to have them tested for COVID-19 in the next two days, do not send them to school.
This will remove subsequent quarantine from a positive test. If you are notified that your child
is a close contact of a positive case, please comply with the quarantine. I understand that
finding daycare or taking off of work is always difficult, but we must comply with these
standards to continue on-site education.
Our county’s COVID-19 Response Group, which includes school administrators for all K-12
schools, Hays Medical Center administrators and physicians and myself, meets on a weekly
basis. We only desire to provide a safe environment for all students and staff to learn and
succeed in an on-site learning environment. Please help us to preserve the current “new
normal” so that we may continue on-site learning.
<ul>
 <li>Do NOT gather in groups.

						</li><li>Do social distance.

						</li><li>Do wash your hands frequently.

						</li><li>Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance.

						</li><li>Do isolate immediately if you feel ill.

						</li><li>Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.

						</li><li>Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.

						</li>
 </ul>Sincerely,
 Jason R. Kennedy
 Public Health Officer
 Ellis County

Kennedy: 'We must comply with these standards to continue on-site education'

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Overwhelmed hospitals are converting chapels, cafeterias, waiting rooms, hallways, even a parking garage into patient treatment areas. Staff members are desperately calling around to other medical centers in search of open beds. Fatigue and frustration are setting in among front-line workers.

Conditions inside the nation’s hospitals are deteriorating by the day as the coronavirus rages across the U.S. at an unrelenting pace and the confirmed death toll surpasses 250,000.

“We are depressed, disheartened and tired to the bone,” said Alison Johnson, director of critical care at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, adding that she drives to and from work some days in tears.

The number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 in the U.S. has doubled in the past month and set new records every day this week. As of Tuesday, nearly 77,000 were hospitalized with the virus.

Newly confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have exploded more than 80% over the past two weeks to the highest levels on record, with the daily count running at close to 160,000 on average. Cases are on the rise in all 50 states. Deaths are averaging more than 1,155 per day, the highest in months.

The out-of-control surge is leading governors and mayors across the U.S. to grudgingly issue mask mandates, limit the size of private and public gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving, ban indoor restaurant dining, close gyms or restrict the hours and capacity of bars, stores and other businesses.

New York City’s school system — the nation’s largest, with more than 1 million students — suspended in-person classes Wednesday amid a mounting infection rate, a painful setback in a corner of the country that suffered mightily in the spring but had seemingly beaten back the virus months ago.

In Kansas, hospitals are converting spaces such as chapels and cafeterias for use by COVID-19 patients, said Cindy Samuelson, spokeswoman for the Kansas Hospital Association.

Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, devoted an entire hospital floor to COVID-19 patients as their numbers swelled, hitting 90 on Wednesday. The hospital also converted two surgery waiting rooms for use by non-infected patients, spokesman Matt Lara said.

Kansas health chief Dr. Lee Norman said a system that he likened to air traffic control for coronavirus patients is being put in place so nurses from rural hospitals can make a single call to find a larger hospital that can take their sickest patients.

In some cases, nurses and doctors in Kansas have been spending up to eight hours looking for a large hospital with an opening in cities as far away as Denver, Omaha or Kansas City.

“The problem with this is, by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point,” said Kansas nurse practitioner Perry Desbien.

At the same time, patience is wearing thin over the lack of mask wearing that is contributing to the problem in rural areas.

“It kind of feels like we’re just, you know, yelling into the abyss,” said Cheyanne Seematter, a registered nurse at Stormont Vail. “We keep telling everybody to stay home, wear a mask, that it is actually bad here.”

Texas is rushing thousands of additional medical staff to overworked hospitals as the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide accelerates toward 8,000 for the first time since a deadly summer outbreak.

In the worsening rural Panhandle, roughly half of the admitted patients in Lubbock’s two main hospitals had COVID-19, and a dozen people with the virus were waiting in the emergency room for beds to open up Tuesday night, said Dr. Ron Cook, the Lubbock County health authority.

In the Texas border city of El Paso, overwhelmed morgues have begun paying jail inmates $2 an hour to help transport the bodies of virus victims. The crush of patients is forcing the city to send its non-COVID-19 cases to hospitals elsewhere in the state.

More than 5,400 extra medical personnel have been deployed around Texas by the state alone, said Lara Anton, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. And that doesn’t include the help surging into Texas from the military and volunteer organizations.

“There are only so many medical personnel to go around,” said Dr. Mark McClellan, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration.

Ballad Health system, which is located in the Appalachian mountains and includes the Tennessee hospital where Alison Johnson works, has warned that it and its workers are stretched so thin that without a change in course, its hospitals might have to turn patients away. Ballad reported having just 16 available ICU beds Wednesday and about 250 team members in isolation or quarantine. It is trying to recruit hundreds more nurses.

In Idaho, doctors warned that hospitals have almost reached the point where they need to ration care, unable to treat everyone because there aren’t enough beds or staffers to go around.

“Never in my career did I think we would even contemplate the idea of rationing care in the United States of America,” said Dr. Jim Souza, chief medical officer for St. Luke’s Health System.

In Reno, Nevada, Renown Regional Medical Center began moving some coronavirus patients into its parking garage.

Video of the converted garage before it opened to patients showed rows and rows of beds separated by moveable white screens set up on one level of the stark, cavernous garage, each section designated by letters and each bed space marked by a number on the ground. The garage unit currently houses 27 patients but at peak capacity will have enough beds to accommodate more than 1,400, said Dr. Paul Sierzenski, Renown’s chief medical officer for acute care.

Maryland health officials also set up a centralized clearinghouse with information on available ICU beds so that hospitals need only make a single phone call. State authorities also issued an emergency order prohibiting most hospital visitors until further notice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600290260780.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL J. WEBER and SARAH RANKINKANSAS CITY (AP)—Overwhelmed hospitals are converting chapels, cafeterias, waiting rooms, hallways, even a parking garage into patient treatment areas. Staff members are desperately calling around to other medical centers in search of open beds. Fatigue and frustration are setting in among front-line workers.Conditions inside the nation’s hospitals are deteriorating by the day as the coronavirus rages across the U.S. at an unrelenting pace and the confirmed death toll surpasses 250,000.“We are depressed, disheartened and tired to the bone,” said Alison Johnson, director of critical care at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, adding that she drives to and from work some days in tears.The number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 in the U.S. has doubled in the past month and set new records every day this week. As of Tuesday, nearly 77,000 were hospitalized with the virus.Newly confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have exploded more than 80% over the past two weeks to the highest levels on record, with the daily count running at close to 160,000 on average. Cases are on the rise in all 50 states. Deaths are averaging more than 1,155 per day, the highest in months.The out-of-control surge is leading governors and mayors across the U.S. to grudgingly issue mask mandates, limit the size of private and public gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving, ban indoor restaurant dining, close gyms or restrict the hours and capacity of bars, stores and other businesses.New York City’s school system — the nation’s largest, with more than 1 million students — suspended in-person classes Wednesday amid a mounting infection rate, a painful setback in a corner of the country that suffered mightily in the spring but had seemingly beaten back the virus months ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, hospitals are converting spaces such as chapels and cafeterias for use by COVID-19 patients, said Cindy Samuelson, spokeswoman for the Kansas Hospital Association.Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, devoted an entire hospital floor to COVID-19 patients as their numbers swelled, hitting 90 on Wednesday. The hospital also converted two surgery waiting rooms for use by non-infected patients, spokesman Matt Lara said.Kansas health chief Dr. Lee Norman said a system that he likened to air traffic control for coronavirus patients is being put in place so nurses from rural hospitals can make a single call to find a larger hospital that can take their sickest patients.In some cases, nurses and doctors in Kansas have been spending up to eight hours looking for a large hospital with an opening in cities as far away as Denver, Omaha or Kansas City.“The problem with this is, by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point,” said Kansas nurse practitioner Perry Desbien.At the same time, patience is wearing thin over the lack of mask wearing that is contributing to the problem in rural areas.“It kind of feels like we’re just, you know, yelling into the abyss,” said Cheyanne Seematter, a registered nurse at Stormont Vail. “We keep telling everybody to stay home, wear a mask, that it is actually bad here.”Texas is rushing thousands of additional medical staff to overworked hospitals as the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide accelerates toward 8,000 for the first time since a deadly summer outbreak.In the worsening rural Panhandle, roughly half of the admitted patients in Lubbock’s two main hospitals had COVID-19, and a dozen people with the virus were waiting in the emergency room for beds to open up Tuesday night, said Dr. Ron Cook, the Lubbock County health authority.“We’re in trouble,” Cook said.In the Texas border city of El Paso, overwhelmed morgues have begun paying jail inmates $2 an hour to help transport the bodies of virus victims. The crush of patients is forcing the city to send its non-COVID-19 cases to hospitals elsewhere in the state.More than 5,400 extra medical personnel have been deployed around Texas by the state alone, said Lara Anton, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. And that doesn’t include the help surging into Texas from the military and volunteer organizations.“There are only so many medical personnel to go around,” said Dr. Mark McClellan, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration.Ballad Health system, which is located in the Appalachian mountains and includes the Tennessee hospital where Alison Johnson works, has warned that it and its workers are stretched so thin that without a change in course, its hospitals might have to turn patients away. Ballad reported having just 16 available ICU beds Wednesday and about 250 team members in isolation or quarantine. It is trying to recruit hundreds more nurses.In Idaho, doctors warned that hospitals have almost reached the point where they need to ration care, unable to treat everyone because there aren’t enough beds or staffers to go around.“Never in my career did I think we would even contemplate the idea of rationing care in the United States of America,” said Dr. Jim Souza, chief medical officer for St. Luke’s Health System.In Reno, Nevada, Renown Regional Medical Center began moving some coronavirus patients into its parking garage.Video of the converted garage before it opened to patients showed rows and rows of beds separated by moveable white screens set up on one level of the stark, cavernous garage, each section designated by letters and each bed space marked by a number on the ground. The garage unit currently houses 27 patients but at peak capacity will have enough beds to accommodate more than 1,400, said Dr. Paul Sierzenski, Renown’s chief medical officer for acute care.Maryland health officials also set up a centralized clearinghouse with information on available ICU beds so that hospitals need only make a single phone call. State authorities also issued an emergency order prohibiting most hospital visitors until further notice.___

Pandemic stress: Hospitals overwhelmed with virus cases

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly issued a new mask mandate Wednesday in hopes of lessening the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas after the state again reported another record seven-day increase in new cases.

(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)

State law still allows Kansas’ 105 counties to opt out of such an order from the Democratic governor, and most did when Kelly issued a similar order in July. But the state’s rolling seven-day average for new coronavirus cases is now more than nine times higher than it was than when her first order took effect.

Kelly’s order takes effect Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and only in counties that don’t yet have their own mask mandates, though that’s still a majority of them. Kelly said she was giving counties without mandates a week to draft their own alternatives. Her order requires people to wear a “face covering” in indoor public spaces and in public spaces outdoors where social distancing is not possible.

The governor’s Statehouse news conference Wednesday afternoon came only hours after state health department data showed that Kansas averaged 2,767 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. That’s slightly above the previous record of 2,741 for the seven days ending Monday. When Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">first mask order</a>&nbsp;took effect July 2, it was 289.

“We have reached a new stage in our fight with this virus, and how we choose to respond can turn the tide for our businesses, our hospitals and our schools,” Kelly said.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added 5,853 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Monday, increasing 4.8% it to 128,594. The state reported 60 new COVID-19-related deaths over two days, making the total 1,326.

The state averaged a record 44 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, up from the previous high of 41. The state health department reported 130 additional hospitalizations since Monday, bringing the pandemic total to 4,561.

The surge in cases is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">straining hospitals.</a>

In northeast Kansas, Lawrence Memorial Hospital transformed an ultrasound area last week into a five bed critical care unit, with non-infected patients moving in this week to free up room for coronavirus patients elsewhere in the hospital. A conference room and auditorium later could be transformed into patient care areas, said spokeswoman Rebecca Smith.

Dave Garnas, the administrator of the Cloud County Health Center in north-central Kansas, said patients who need care elsewhere are being sent as far away as the Kansas City area, about 170 miles (274 kilometers) away, or Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) away.

“And the process of finding a bed can sometimes take hours,” he said.

Perry Desbien, a nurse practitioner who works full-time in Smith Center in north-central Kansas, and part-time with a company that provides emergency staffing, said smaller hospitals need to transfer coronavirus patients as they get sicker and he has had to call six or seven other hospitals.

“The problem with this is by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point and now time is an urgent issue,” he said.

In northwest Kansas, Ben Kimball, a physician assistant, filled in recently at Decatur County’s small hospital and spent two hours trying to find a larger hospital that could care for a sick non-coronavirus patient who finally was flown to Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the west.

“If we find ourselves in a position where a lot of our regional hospitals are full, we could definitely be having a lot of trouble treating some of these patients that end up sicker,” he said.

Top Republican legislators have long clashed with Kelly over how to address the pandemic, arguing that local officials should determine whether there are mask mandates or restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. While Kelly kept a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">statewide stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>in place for five weeks, ending in early May, the Legislature later forced her to accept local control of pandemic-related rules.

“Community leaders will still have the final say and will make their own decisions on what’s best for their constituents,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said after the governor’s news conference.

Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-kansas-virus-outbreak-topeka-archive-9436c3901c2eaaf3ae46d1763804bed9">also have extracted public promises</a>&nbsp;from Kelly not to shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring.

“Mandates and lockdowns will not eliminate the virus no matter how extreme they are,” House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another Wichita Republican, said in a statement after the governor’s announcement.

But Kelly’s mask order could be more than symbolic. It will remain in effect in places where county commissions don’t take specific action to opt out or write their own rules. At least a dozen counties have tightened up their pandemic-related rules during the past two weeks, including some heavily Republican ones where voters went for President Donald Trump by wide margins in the presidential election.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly issued a new mask mandate Wednesday in hopes of lessening the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas after the state again reported another record seven-day increase in new cases.(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F854182115434980%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>State law still allows Kansas’ 105 counties to opt out of such an order from the Democratic governor, and most did when Kelly issued a similar order in July. But the state’s rolling seven-day average for new coronavirus cases is now more than nine times higher than it was than when her first order took effect.Kelly’s order takes effect Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and only in counties that don’t yet have their own mask mandates, though that’s still a majority of them. Kelly said she was giving counties without mandates a week to draft their own alternatives. Her order requires people to wear a “face covering” in indoor public spaces and in public spaces outdoors where social distancing is not possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor’s Statehouse news conference Wednesday afternoon came only hours after state health department data showed that Kansas averaged 2,767 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. That’s slightly above the previous record of 2,741 for the seven days ending Monday. When Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">first mask order</a>&nbsp;took effect July 2, it was 289.“We have reached a new stage in our fight with this virus, and how we choose to respond can turn the tide for our businesses, our hospitals and our schools,” Kelly said.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added 5,853 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Monday, increasing 4.8% it to 128,594. The state reported 60 new COVID-19-related deaths over two days, making the total 1,326.The state averaged a record 44 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, up from the previous high of 41. The state health department reported 130 additional hospitalizations since Monday, bringing the pandemic total to 4,561.The surge in cases is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">straining hospitals.</a>In northeast Kansas, Lawrence Memorial Hospital transformed an ultrasound area last week into a five bed critical care unit, with non-infected patients moving in this week to free up room for coronavirus patients elsewhere in the hospital. A conference room and auditorium later could be transformed into patient care areas, said spokeswoman Rebecca Smith.Dave Garnas, the administrator of the Cloud County Health Center in north-central Kansas, said patients who need care elsewhere are being sent as far away as the Kansas City area, about 170 miles (274 kilometers) away, or Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) away.“And the process of finding a bed can sometimes take hours,” he said.Perry Desbien, a nurse practitioner who works full-time in Smith Center in north-central Kansas, and part-time with a company that provides emergency staffing, said smaller hospitals need to transfer coronavirus patients as they get sicker and he has had to call six or seven other hospitals.“The problem with this is by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point and now time is an urgent issue,” he said.In northwest Kansas, Ben Kimball, a physician assistant, filled in recently at Decatur County’s small hospital and spent two hours trying to find a larger hospital that could care for a sick non-coronavirus patient who finally was flown to Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the west.“If we find ourselves in a position where a lot of our regional hospitals are full, we could definitely be having a lot of trouble treating some of these patients that end up sicker,” he said.Top Republican legislators have long clashed with Kelly over how to address the pandemic, arguing that local officials should determine whether there are mask mandates or restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. While Kelly kept a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">statewide stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>in place for five weeks, ending in early May, the Legislature later forced her to accept local control of pandemic-related rules.“Community leaders will still have the final say and will make their own decisions on what’s best for their constituents,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said after the governor’s news conference.Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-kansas-virus-outbreak-topeka-archive-9436c3901c2eaaf3ae46d1763804bed9">also have extracted public promises</a>&nbsp;from Kelly not to shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring.“Mandates and lockdowns will not eliminate the virus no matter how extreme they are,” House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another Wichita Republican, said in a statement after the governor’s announcement.But Kelly’s mask order could be more than symbolic. It will remain in effect in places where county commissions don’t take specific action to opt out or write their own rules. At least a dozen counties have tightened up their pandemic-related rules during the past two weeks, including some heavily Republican ones where voters went for President Donald Trump by wide margins in the presidential election.___

🎥  Kan. counties have until Nov. 25 to act on new mask mandate

TOPEKA— Gov. Laura Kelly announced new measures designed to control the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas as the state experiences its biggest surge in new cases of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and&nbsp;an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas’ economy.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”

E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”

Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf">Click here to view E.O. #20-68&nbsp;</a>

In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.

This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.

Wednesday's announcement came as public health officials warn that the state’s residents need to be more vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding gatherings. The Democratic governor has promised publicly that she won’t shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring. The Republican-controlled Legislature also forced her in June to accept local control over pandemic restrictions.

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60

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

TOPEKA— Gov. Laura Kelly announced new measures designed to control the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas as the state experiences its biggest surge in new cases of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F854182115434980%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and&nbsp;an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas’ economy.“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf">Click here to view E.O. #20-68&nbsp;</a>In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.Wednesday's announcement came as public health officials warn that the state’s residents need to be more vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding gatherings. The Democratic governor has promised publicly that she won’t shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring. The Republican-controlled Legislature also forced her in June to accept local control over pandemic restrictions.&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. issues new statewide mask mandate 

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from 36 on Monday to 31 on Wednesday.

The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 21.

On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>

There were 73 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,561 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests dropped to 38.5percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,981 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 21 deaths.

Of the total 11,945 tests administered, 15.5 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605731049723.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from 36 on Monday to 31 on Wednesday.The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 21.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 73 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,561 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests dropped to 38.5percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,981 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 21 deaths.Of the total 11,945 tests administered, 15.5 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605731172317.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

73 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis Co.; one additional death reported

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

RUSSELL - The Russell County Commissioners will be having a special meeting this Friday, November 20 at 11 a.m. to discuss the county opting back into the Governors Executive Orders 20-52 on face mask recommendations.

The announcement was posted on social media Wed. morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605714404485.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostRUSSELL - The Russell County Commissioners will be having a special meeting this Friday, November 20 at 11 a.m. to discuss the county opting back into the Governors Executive Orders 20-52 on face mask recommendations. The public is welcome to attend.The announcement was posted on social media Wed. morning.&nbsp;

Russell Co. Commission special meeting called to discuss opting into Kan. face mask ordinance

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">performed entirely at home</a> and delivers results in 30 minutes.

The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use.

The FDA granted emergency authorization to the single-use <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">test kit from Lucira Health</a>, a California manufacturer.

The company’s test allows users to swab themselves to collect a nasal sample. The sample is then swirled in a vial of laboratory solution that plugs into a portable device. Results are displayed as lights labeled positive or negative.

To date, the FDA has authorized nearly 300 tests for coronavirus. The vast majority require a nasal swab performed by a health professional and must be processed at laboratories using high-tech equipment. A handful of tests allow people to collect their own sample at home — a nasal swab or saliva — that’s then shipped to a lab, which usually means waiting days for results.

Health experts have called for options to allow people to test themselves at home, reducing turnaround times and the potential spread of the virus to others, including health care workers. Rapid test results are critical to quickly quarantining those who are infected and tracing their contacts. But for months, U.S. testing has been plagued by slow results due to bottlenecks as testing laboratories. There are other rapid tests but most require a small, special machine operated by a health professional to develop results

“Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to protect themselves and those around them,” Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s devices center, said in a statement.

Lucira did not immediately respond to a request for additional details after business hours Tuesday.

The Lucira COVID-19 test grew out of research the company was doing to develop an at-home flu test, according to the company’s website. Lucira adapted its technology to detect COVID-19 after the outbreak.

The test uses technology similar to genetic laboratory-based tests that are the standard tool for COVID-19 screening. That’s different than most rapid tests currently used in the U.S., which look for viral proteins called antigens — not the virus itself.

Anyone that tests positive should isolate and seek care from a health professional, the FDA said in its release. Those who test negative but still have coronavirus symptoms should consult a doctor; a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 infection.

The FDA said Lucira’s test was also authorized for use in doctor’s offices and testing sites. Currently all U.S. testing sites must report results to state and federal health authorities tracking the pandemic. Doctors will be required to report the home test results.

“If the results are not reported back, it may be difficult to figure out what is happening in the community at large,” said Dr. Alberto Gutierrez, former head of the FDA’s testing office, in an interview before the announcement.

More than two dozen companies have been racing for months to develop the first, rapid home-based test for COVID-19. However, the FDA outlined a number of study requirements for manufacturers.

These hurdles have less to do with COVID-19 specifically, and more to do with decades-long concerns about whether people without any medical training can accurately screen themselves and interpret the results.

The FDA has only ever approved one home test for an infectious disease — an HIV test. And even commonplace over-the-counter tests— such as home pregnancy kits — were subject to years of scrutiny before FDA allowed their use in the 1970s.

Experts say that careful approach is warranted for coronavirus.

“I think increased testing closer to patients, including in the home, is the way of the future,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic, in an interview before the announcement was made. “But there are considerations that have to be addressed to make sure that this is done in a safe and effective way.”

FDA regulators authorized the new test using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental products during public health crises. In normal times, the FDA requires evidence of safety and effectiveness before clearing a new test. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards.

The FDA release did not disclose the test’s accuracy or the study results that regulators used to make the decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605699600232.png" alt="photo courtesy Lucira Health" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Lucira Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">performed entirely at home</a> and delivers results in 30 minutes.The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use.The FDA granted emergency authorization to the single-use <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">test kit from Lucira Health</a>, a California manufacturer.The company’s test allows users to swab themselves to collect a nasal sample. The sample is then swirled in a vial of laboratory solution that plugs into a portable device. Results are displayed as lights labeled positive or negative.To date, the FDA has authorized nearly 300 tests for coronavirus. The vast majority require a nasal swab performed by a health professional and must be processed at laboratories using high-tech equipment. A handful of tests allow people to collect their own sample at home — a nasal swab or saliva — that’s then shipped to a lab, which usually means waiting days for results.Health experts have called for options to allow people to test themselves at home, reducing turnaround times and the potential spread of the virus to others, including health care workers. Rapid test results are critical to quickly quarantining those who are infected and tracing their contacts. But for months, U.S. testing has been plagued by slow results due to bottlenecks as testing laboratories. There are other rapid tests but most require a small, special machine operated by a health professional to develop results“Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to protect themselves and those around them,” Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s devices center, said in a statement.Lucira did not immediately respond to a request for additional details after business hours Tuesday.The Lucira COVID-19 test grew out of research the company was doing to develop an at-home flu test, according to the company’s website. Lucira adapted its technology to detect COVID-19 after the outbreak.The test uses technology similar to genetic laboratory-based tests that are the standard tool for COVID-19 screening. That’s different than most rapid tests currently used in the U.S., which look for viral proteins called antigens — not the virus itself.Anyone that tests positive should isolate and seek care from a health professional, the FDA said in its release. Those who test negative but still have coronavirus symptoms should consult a doctor; a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 infection.The FDA said Lucira’s test was also authorized for use in doctor’s offices and testing sites. Currently all U.S. testing sites must report results to state and federal health authorities tracking the pandemic. Doctors will be required to report the home test results.“If the results are not reported back, it may be difficult to figure out what is happening in the community at large,” said Dr. Alberto Gutierrez, former head of the FDA’s testing office, in an interview before the announcement.More than two dozen companies have been racing for months to develop the first, rapid home-based test for COVID-19. However, the FDA outlined a number of study requirements for manufacturers.These hurdles have less to do with COVID-19 specifically, and more to do with decades-long concerns about whether people without any medical training can accurately screen themselves and interpret the results.The FDA has only ever approved one home test for an infectious disease — an HIV test. And even commonplace over-the-counter tests— such as home pregnancy kits — were subject to years of scrutiny before FDA allowed their use in the 1970s.Experts say that careful approach is warranted for coronavirus.“I think increased testing closer to patients, including in the home, is the way of the future,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic, in an interview before the announcement was made. “But there are considerations that have to be addressed to make sure that this is done in a safe and effective way.”FDA regulators authorized the new test using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental products during public health crises. In normal times, the FDA requires evidence of safety and effectiveness before clearing a new test. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards.The FDA release did not disclose the test’s accuracy or the study results that regulators used to make the decision.___

FDA allows 1st rapid virus test that gives results at home

Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays City Commission meetings and work sessions will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. 

Meetings and work sessions will be broadcast live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;and scrolling down to the “City News” section.

Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>.

"We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we appreciate the public’s cooperation while we continue to implement measures to protect the health of the community," the city said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/abd8e222-e25c-4a71-8518-df0419b43c8f">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays City Commission meetings and work sessions will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. Meetings and work sessions will be broadcast live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;and scrolling down to the “City News” section. Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>. "We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we appreciate the public’s cooperation while we continue to implement measures to protect the health of the community," the city said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/abd8e222-e25c-4a71-8518-df0419b43c8f">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices</a>

Hays commission meetings go remote until further notice

Effective Thursday and until further notice, City of Hays buildings will be closed to the public, the city announced in a news release Tuesday. 

All city departments will be closed except for the Hays Regional Airport, which will remain open to accommodate commercial air service and general aviation, and Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, which will remain open for play with limited clubhouse access. 

"Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, this action is being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and our employees. The City of Hays will continue to provide services to the community, and there will be no interruption to essential services," the city said in a news release.

Customers and the public will need to use the city’s online resources at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff. Staff in each department will also be available by phone.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73601be1-ad52-4725-9aaf-d336423c3f1e">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays City Commission meetings go remote until further notice</a>

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jg3VbmDXUSA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>(Video by Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Effective Thursday and until further notice, City of Hays buildings will be closed to the public, the city announced in a news release Tuesday. All city departments will be closed except for the Hays Regional Airport, which will remain open to accommodate commercial air service and general aviation, and Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, which will remain open for play with limited clubhouse access. "Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, this action is being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and our employees. The City of Hays will continue to provide services to the community, and there will be no interruption to essential services," the city said in a news release.Customers and the public will need to use the city’s online resources at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff. Staff in each department will also be available by phone.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73601be1-ad52-4725-9aaf-d336423c3f1e">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays City Commission meetings go remote until further notice</a>

🎥 COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices

Effective Wednesday, High Plains Mental Health Center will transition most service delivery to a convenient telehealth model that allows most clients to receive care from the comfort and safety of their homes. 

The 20 northwest Kansas counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center have seen an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health of our clients, communities and staff. 


When possible, clients will receive therapy and medication services virtually via telephone or Zoom videoconferencing. We understand that, in some cases, in-person care is needed and our staff will make those arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Certain medication services will continue to be provided in-person at our Hays Main office, and services will continue at Schwaller Crisis Center and Westside Alternative School in Hays. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline will always be available at 1-800-432-0333 and emergency screenings will continue in our communities as usual. When possible, staff will be working remotely from home but will remain dedicated to our high standards of professional and compassionate care. 


In recent weeks, High Plains has unfortunately seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and additional quarantines due to potential exposure. Additionally, in some northwest Kansas counties, contact tracing responsibilities have been shifted to the state government due to overwhelmed county health departments. That sometimes creates lengthy wait times for contacts to be notified, making it difficult to take appropriate safety precautions to protect our clients and staff from potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. We also understand acute care hospitals in the region are experiencing capacity issues, adding to our level of concern for northwest Kansas. 


At this time, we do not know how long these changes will continue, but it is likely telehealth will be our primary service delivery platform until at least early next year. Staff will continue to work in cooperation with our county health departments and local medical officials, and will closely monitor COVID-19 positivity rates and trends across northwest Kansas. We will resume regular services as soon as we feel it is reasonably safe to do so. Clients are encouraged to contact us at (785) 628-2871 if they have questions or concerns. 


Patients and communities should rely on the excellent telehealth service delivery system we have developed to meet all needs. We plan to provide the same level of service through intensive work by our staff and we will seek feedback from clients for each service provided to ensure their needs are met. In summary, we need to protect our staff so they can remain healthy and continue to provide important mental health services to our clients and communities during this unprecedented local crisis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work together to keep our communities safe. As always, we will be “Here for You.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578344475899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>High Plains Mental Health CenterEffective Wednesday, High Plains Mental Health Center will transition most service delivery to a convenient telehealth model that allows most clients to receive care from the comfort and safety of their homes. The 20 northwest Kansas counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center have seen an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health of our clients, communities and staff. 
When possible, clients will receive therapy and medication services virtually via telephone or Zoom videoconferencing. We understand that, in some cases, in-person care is needed and our staff will make those arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Certain medication services will continue to be provided in-person at our Hays Main office, and services will continue at Schwaller Crisis Center and Westside Alternative School in Hays. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline will always be available at 1-800-432-0333 and emergency screenings will continue in our communities as usual. When possible, staff will be working remotely from home but will remain dedicated to our high standards of professional and compassionate care. 
In recent weeks, High Plains has unfortunately seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and additional quarantines due to potential exposure. Additionally, in some northwest Kansas counties, contact tracing responsibilities have been shifted to the state government due to overwhelmed county health departments. That sometimes creates lengthy wait times for contacts to be notified, making it difficult to take appropriate safety precautions to protect our clients and staff from potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. We also understand acute care hospitals in the region are experiencing capacity issues, adding to our level of concern for northwest Kansas. 
At this time, we do not know how long these changes will continue, but it is likely telehealth will be our primary service delivery platform until at least early next year. Staff will continue to work in cooperation with our county health departments and local medical officials, and will closely monitor COVID-19 positivity rates and trends across northwest Kansas. We will resume regular services as soon as we feel it is reasonably safe to do so. Clients are encouraged to contact us at (785) 628-2871 if they have questions or concerns. 
Patients and communities should rely on the excellent telehealth service delivery system we have developed to meet all needs. We plan to provide the same level of service through intensive work by our staff and we will seek feedback from clients for each service provided to ensure their needs are met. In summary, we need to protect our staff so they can remain healthy and continue to provide important mental health services to our clients and communities during this unprecedented local crisis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work together to keep our communities safe. As always, we will be “Here for You.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

High Plains Mental health moves to telehealth in light of COVID

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days jumped again from 30 on Friday to 36 on Monday.

The department also announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 20.

There were 88 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,489 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 42 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,908 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 20 deaths.

Of the total 11,761 tests administered, 15.2 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605550067848.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days jumped again from 30 on Friday to 36 on Monday.The department also announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 20.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 88 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,489 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 42 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,908 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 20 deaths.Of the total 11,761 tests administered, 15.2 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605553284101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AClvlGge52U"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

88 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis Co.; two additional deaths reported

In the last two weeks, the state of Kansas and Ellis County have experienced a drastic increase in COVID-
19 cases and hospitalizations. We have seen a four-fold increase in average cases per day. This trend is
both alarming and impactful. Nationwide, medical professionals and care staff are strained. We must
all remember that cases create impacts to families, communities and individuals. 

As cases continue to
increase, so do the impacts. We need everyone's help to mitigate the overall damage of this virus. Each
resident of Ellis County can play a critical role in mitigating this virus by following these guidelines. We
all desire a return to normal but that cannot happen at this time in a safe manner.


Do NOT gather in groups. 
Do social distance. 
Do wash your hands frequently. 
Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance. 
Do isolate immediately if you feel ill. 
Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.
Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.

https://www.ellisco.net/693/Covid-19-Portal


Please read the Hays Medical Center update available here:


https://www.haysmed.com/haysmed-issues-update-on-covid-19-community-
spread/?fbclid=IwAR0uGBRL-EyNUmzOdIK-PkoKHUIWOKHnpVXPvKs946Dc9JkcNfOMGf8KU4Q


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the last two weeks, the state of Kansas and Ellis County have experienced a drastic increase in COVID-
19 cases and hospitalizations. We have seen a four-fold increase in average cases per day. This trend is
both alarming and impactful. Nationwide, medical professionals and care staff are strained. We must
all remember that cases create impacts to families, communities and individuals. As cases continue to
increase, so do the impacts. We need everyone's help to mitigate the overall damage of this virus. Each
resident of Ellis County can play a critical role in mitigating this virus by following these guidelines. We
all desire a return to normal but that cannot happen at this time in a safe manner.
Do NOT gather in groups. 
Do social distance. 
Do wash your hands frequently. 
Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance. 
Do isolate immediately if you feel ill. 
Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.
Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.
<h2>Case Updates</h2>https://www.ellisco.net/693/Covid-19-Portal
Please read the Hays Medical Center update available here:
https://www.haysmed.com/haysmed-issues-update-on-covid-19-community-
spread/?fbclid=IwAR0uGBRL-EyNUmzOdIK-PkoKHUIWOKHnpVXPvKs946Dc9JkcNfOMGf8KU4Q

Ellis Co. issues statement on COVID-19 spike

The Midwest, including Ellis County, is experiencing record numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.&nbsp; The county currently has 1,820 positive patients, which is an increase of 238 cases from a week ago per the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE</a> tracking website.&nbsp;

We have had total of 236 COVID-19 in patients admitted to HaysMed since the beginning of the pandemic.&nbsp; As of Friday, we have a total of 27 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. We have had a total of 33 deaths since the pandemic began with 20 of those deaths occurring since Oct. 1. It is important to note these statistics are not inherent to Ellis County as we are a regional referral center and receive patients from all over the area. &nbsp;

Please refer to the Ellis County Health website for Ellis County specific information.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a>

What does this mean for the hospital, the community and the region in general? &nbsp; The number of beds currently being used for COVID-19 related care has spiked exponentially here and across the Midwest creating a high demand for patient beds. This, during a traditionally busier time of year as people move indoors and other seasonal respiratory viruses are more common. &nbsp;

What is the patient capacity&nbsp;at the hospital?&nbsp; We are licensed for 207 beds at HaysMed but we have a total of 113 beds available for use. However, just because beds are available doesn’t mean that we have enough staff to care for the patients in 113 beds.&nbsp;The number of patients we can care for depends on the acuity of the patient and the number of available staff.&nbsp; The critical number that is most important is the number of staff available.&nbsp; &nbsp;We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can. &nbsp;As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

How close are you to meeting that capacity?&nbsp; Capacity at HaysMed is an ever-changing variable.&nbsp; There are days when we reach capacity and have to divert patients.&nbsp; This has happened even when we were not in the COVID-19 pandemic but lately it is happening more frequently due to the influx of COVID-19 patients. &nbsp;

What does it mean to divert or transfer patients? When we reach a stage where we don’t have any more staff to care for patients, we cannot accept new patient transfers from other hospitals.&nbsp; These transfers are not only COVID related but also include patients who have had heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergency situations.&nbsp; We then must try and find other facilities that can take the patient.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Does the Emergency Room ever close? No.&nbsp; Even on the rare occasions when patients are diverted, our emergency room remains open to all those who need emergency care.&nbsp; However, if beds and staffing cannot permit us to admit you, we will work to find another hospital with capacity which may mean receiving care in another city, county or state.

How is COVID-19 impacting transfers?&nbsp; If we are at capacity, we request to transfer a patient to another hospital.&nbsp; It is increasingly difficult to find a hospital that can accept a patient because they, too, are experiencing high census due to COVID.&nbsp; This can affect COVID-19 patients as well as other medical needs including heart attack, stroke, or trauma. Requests for transfers are coming to the health system from as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska.&nbsp; Such needs to transfer delays medical care and potentially sends patients far away from home.&nbsp;

What measures are in place should the hospital reach patient capacity? Our health system hospitals manage patient flow every day and have emergency plans for handling a surge in patients whether from trauma or, in this case, a pandemic. However, COVID-19 has forced the hospital to take more critical measures including but not limited to:&nbsp;

Is it safe to come to HaysMed?&nbsp; YES.&nbsp; Hospitals and clinics are currently considered the safest place in every community during this pandemic as the pillars of infection prevention and control are strictly followed and enforced. Telehealth is also a recommended option for healthcare during this pandemic when a conversation with your provider meets your needs.&nbsp; While your experience visiting our facilities to receive care or support a loved one may look and feel a bit different, be assured that what is not different is our commitment to your health and safety, and that of your loved ones.

What can the public do to help this situation? As the number of COVID-19 patients at HaysMed and across the Midwest rise exponentially, it is critical for us to work together to slow the virus spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Help keep everyone safe: 
* wear masks that cover your nose and mouth when in public *consider eye protection, especially when flying *maintain a 6-foot distance with those outside your immediate household *wash and/or sanitize your hands thoroughly and often&nbsp; *avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible. &nbsp; *Stay home if you are ill&nbsp; *Do not let down your guard!

We recognize people are weary of the pandemic and this includes healthcare workers. HaysMed is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect your health and well-being and you play a critical part in our ability to provide that care. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Can I assess my risk for attending a group gathering? Yes.&nbsp; Have a plan and ask questions.&nbsp; Know how many people will attend and assume that everyone you meet may carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus.&nbsp; Take the pillars of infection prevention and control with you.&nbsp; The COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool is interactive and shows the current virus spread across the U.S. &nbsp; <a href="https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI">https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI</a>

Link to the KDHE's COVID-19 Microsite.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>

Link to the Ellis County Health Department that has the latest COVID-19 information for Ellis County.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a>

Link to the CDC&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584140055070.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedThe Midwest, including Ellis County, is experiencing record numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.&nbsp; The county currently has 1,820 positive patients, which is an increase of 238 cases from a week ago per the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE</a> tracking website.&nbsp;We have had total of 236 COVID-19 in patients admitted to HaysMed since the beginning of the pandemic.&nbsp; As of Friday, we have a total of 27 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. We have had a total of 33 deaths since the pandemic began with 20 of those deaths occurring since Oct. 1. It is important to note these statistics are not inherent to Ellis County as we are a regional referral center and receive patients from all over the area. &nbsp;Please refer to the Ellis County Health website for Ellis County specific information.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a><h2>FAQs</h2>What does this mean for the hospital, the community and the region in general? &nbsp; The number of beds currently being used for COVID-19 related care has spiked exponentially here and across the Midwest creating a high demand for patient beds. This, during a traditionally busier time of year as people move indoors and other seasonal respiratory viruses are more common. &nbsp;What is the patient capacity&nbsp;at the hospital?&nbsp; We are licensed for 207 beds at HaysMed but we have a total of 113 beds available for use. However, just because beds are available doesn’t mean that we have enough staff to care for the patients in 113 beds.&nbsp;The number of patients we can care for depends on the acuity of the patient and the number of available staff.&nbsp; The critical number that is most important is the number of staff available.&nbsp; &nbsp;We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can. &nbsp;As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How close are you to meeting that capacity?&nbsp; Capacity at HaysMed is an ever-changing variable.&nbsp; There are days when we reach capacity and have to divert patients.&nbsp; This has happened even when we were not in the COVID-19 pandemic but lately it is happening more frequently due to the influx of COVID-19 patients. &nbsp;What does it mean to divert or transfer patients? When we reach a stage where we don’t have any more staff to care for patients, we cannot accept new patient transfers from other hospitals.&nbsp; These transfers are not only COVID related but also include patients who have had heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergency situations.&nbsp; We then must try and find other facilities that can take the patient.&nbsp; &nbsp;Does the Emergency Room ever close? No.&nbsp; Even on the rare occasions when patients are diverted, our emergency room remains open to all those who need emergency care.&nbsp; However, if beds and staffing cannot permit us to admit you, we will work to find another hospital with capacity which may mean receiving care in another city, county or state.How is COVID-19 impacting transfers?&nbsp; If we are at capacity, we request to transfer a patient to another hospital.&nbsp; It is increasingly difficult to find a hospital that can accept a patient because they, too, are experiencing high census due to COVID.&nbsp; This can affect COVID-19 patients as well as other medical needs including heart attack, stroke, or trauma. Requests for transfers are coming to the health system from as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska.&nbsp; Such needs to transfer delays medical care and potentially sends patients far away from home.&nbsp;What measures are in place should the hospital reach patient capacity? Our health system hospitals manage patient flow every day and have emergency plans for handling a surge in patients whether from trauma or, in this case, a pandemic. However, COVID-19 has forced the hospital to take more critical measures including but not limited to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Delaying non-urgent elective surgery and procedures to free beds and staff for COVID-19 patients</li><li>Restricting visitors to decrease the spread of COVID-19</li><li>Manage PPE and medical supplies needed to care for COVID-19 patients</li><li>Keep constant contact with the Ellis County Health Department, The University of Kansas Health System, Fort Hays State University, Ellis County Schools, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Hospital Association to monitor the situation.</li>
 </ul>Is it safe to come to HaysMed?&nbsp; YES.&nbsp; Hospitals and clinics are currently considered the safest place in every community during this pandemic as the pillars of infection prevention and control are strictly followed and enforced. Telehealth is also a recommended option for healthcare during this pandemic when a conversation with your provider meets your needs.&nbsp; While your experience visiting our facilities to receive care or support a loved one may look and feel a bit different, be assured that what is not different is our commitment to your health and safety, and that of your loved ones.What can the public do to help this situation? As the number of COVID-19 patients at HaysMed and across the Midwest rise exponentially, it is critical for us to work together to slow the virus spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Help keep everyone safe: 
* wear masks that cover your nose and mouth when in public *consider eye protection, especially when flying *maintain a 6-foot distance with those outside your immediate household *wash and/or sanitize your hands thoroughly and often&nbsp; *avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible. &nbsp; *Stay home if you are ill&nbsp; *Do not let down your guard!We recognize people are weary of the pandemic and this includes healthcare workers. HaysMed is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect your health and well-being and you play a critical part in our ability to provide that care. &nbsp; &nbsp;Can I assess my risk for attending a group gathering? Yes.&nbsp; Have a plan and ask questions.&nbsp; Know how many people will attend and assume that everyone you meet may carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus.&nbsp; Take the pillars of infection prevention and control with you.&nbsp; The COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool is interactive and shows the current virus spread across the U.S. &nbsp; <a href="https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI">https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR168Jpexddvg_gS4JjiX810qsjvwxhEQmOIUu37hCIkbIX7y8J84HqnXHI</a><h2>Helpful Links</h2>Link to the KDHE's COVID-19 Microsite.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>Link to the Ellis County Health Department that has the latest COVID-19 information for Ellis County.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a>Link to the CDC&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html</a>

HaysMed issues statement on spike in COVID-19 cases

ELLIS — In a statement Friday afternoon, the Good Samaritan Society, 1101 Spruce in Ellis, said 13 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the facility, along with three deaths.

"We are grieving with the families of these residents," said&nbsp;Sharon Leuenberger,&nbsp;&nbsp;Good Samaritan Society-Ellis administrator.&nbsp;"Good Samaritan Society-Ellis&nbsp;continues to take extra precautions and is using vigorous infection control measures while also working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"The health, safety and well-being of our residents, staff and the community we serve remain our top priority," she added.

ELLIS — In a statement Friday afternoon, the Good Samaritan Society, 1101 Spruce in Ellis, said 13 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the facility, along with three deaths."We are grieving with the families of these residents," said&nbsp;Sharon Leuenberger,&nbsp;&nbsp;Good Samaritan Society-Ellis administrator.&nbsp;"Good Samaritan Society-Ellis&nbsp;continues to take extra precautions and is using vigorous infection control measures while also working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment."The health, safety and well-being of our residents, staff and the community we serve remain our top priority," she added.

Three deaths, 13 COVID cases announced at Ellis Good Samaritan Society 

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again jumped from 25 on Wednesday to 30 on Friday.

There were 84 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 340 active cases, including 11 active hospitalizations, and 1,362 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 41 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,820 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: Nov. 13, 2020" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/kd7ec-f21d39?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605291135096.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again jumped from 25 on Wednesday to 30 on Friday.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 84 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 340 active cases, including 11 active hospitalizations, and 1,362 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 41 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,820 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
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🎙COVID case average continues to rise in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.

The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.

With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.

“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”

Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.

Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.

The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.

The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.

“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”

Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.

The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.

Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.

In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

Kansas counties tighten COVID rules; more schools online

Corrected, 10 p.m. Wednesday to clarify headline. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days jumped from 19 on Monday to 25 on Wednesday.

There were 102 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 288 active cases, including eight active hospitalizations, and 1,430 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests spiked to 40.3 percent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605118840732.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Corrected, 10 p.m. Wednesday to clarify headline. Hays Post apologizes for the error.The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days jumped from 19 on Monday to 25 on Wednesday.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 102 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 288 active cases, including eight active hospitalizations, and 1,430 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests spiked to 40.3 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,736 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.Of the total 11,323 tests administered, 14.4 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
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Coronavirus Update