The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 11 on Friday to 12 on Monday.

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.

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

There were 32 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 129 active cases, including three active hospitalizations, and 1,332 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests increase to 21.7 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,479 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

Of the total 10,612 tests administered, 13.2 percent have returned&nbsp; 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>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604340973668.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 rose from 11 on Friday to 12 on Monday.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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 32 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 129 active cases, including three active hospitalizations, and 1,332 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests increase to 21.7 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,479 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.Of the total 10,612 tests administered, 13.2 percent have returned&nbsp; 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>
 <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>

Per-day virus case average rises again in Ellis Co.; 32 new cases since Friday

By ANNE CHRISTIANSEN-BULLERS KUMC News

KANSAS CITY - The struggle to breathe is well-documented symptom for those battling COVID-19, so how is the disease best treated for those with existing respiratory problems, such as asthma?

A study to address that question, along with other research related to lung issues, is being supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/" target="_blank">American Lung Association</a>&nbsp;and its research arm, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/airways-clinical-research-centers" target="_blank">Airways Clinical Research Centers Network&nbsp;</a>(ACRC).

The University of Kansas Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/acrc-expands">recently expanded its position&nbsp;</a>in the ACRC from member to consortium hub, which gives KU Medical Center the responsibility to mentor and lead other universities in its group.

<a href="http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/internal-medicine/clinical-divisions/pulmonary-critical-care-and-sleep-medicine/faculty/mario-castro-md.html" target="_blank">Mario Castro</a>, MD, MPH, division chief for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will act as principal investigator. He brings this role with him from a previous position at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

The ACRC is the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers focused on lung disease. Its member centers have advanced research in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"The ACRC Network is an incredibly valuable resource in pulmonology research," Castro said. "The network has answered some of the most important clinical questions we need to manage our patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. Now we are leveraging this expertise to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic."

KU Medical Center will be one of nine hub leaders for the ACRC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/about-our-research/covid19-action-initiative" target="_blank">COVID-19 Action Initiative</a>, a $25 million project from the American Lung Association. The initiative's goals are to:

American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer said the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the importance of ongoing lung disease research championed by the ACRC. "Clinical research allows us to advance scientific knowledge from the lab to the patient's bedside swiftly, directly impacting patient care," he said.

A second major ACRC initiative, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/lung-health-study" target="_blank">Lung Health Cohort Study</a>&nbsp;of millennials (ages 25-35 years old), will examine the effect of environmental exposures on respiratory health in young people. These environmental exposures will include urgent, timely and relevant factors, such as COVID-19 and vaping.

Castro said KU Medical Center is honored to play a role in the initiative, which is funded by a $24.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

"Often, when we think of breathing problems, we focus on the very young or the very old," Castro said. "The Lung Health Cohort Study provides an opportunity to research exposure risk within a young person's environment, so that all generations can benefit moving forward."

"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence."

Locally, KU Medical Center is teaming up with Children's Mercy Kansas City for a clinical trial to be conducted by the ACRC. The trial, called "Improving&nbsp;Medication&nbsp;Adherence with&nbsp;Telehealthcare Medication Therapy Management to&nbsp;Change&nbsp;Health Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Asthma," goes by the acronym MATCH and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Participants will include 300 adolescents and young adults (ages 14-30) who have a difficult time controlling their asthma.

All participants in the clinical trial will receive sensors that attach to their corticosteroid inhalers and a software application for their smartphone or computer.

When the medication is taken, the sensors relay information to the software so the clinical trial participant and the trial administrator can review it. With that data, both can see how well the participant is sticking to the medication plan.

Some participants will get extra support to adhere to their medication plan. In addition to the sensors and software, these participants will have video consultations with a pharmacist trained in medication therapy management. These telehealth visits will offer the participant periodic feedback and encouragement.

The clinical trial will measure which group has fewer asthma flare-ups. It also will figure out the cost-benefit analysis of the telehealth consultations.

"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence," Castro said. "Being able to test that hypothesis as well as measure its costs - especially against the costs associated with an emergency-room visit or hospitalization - could provide insight into a new approach to this common chronic disease, especially in these days of the pandemic where telehealth provides definite advantages to patient care."

In April 2020, the number of member institutions within ACRC nearly doubled, from 22 sites to 39. Universities within the current KU Medical Center consortium hub include the university itself as well as:

"As our nation faces the COVID-19 public health crisis, this framework of the ACRC is needed today more than ever," ALA's Wimmer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603750350464.jpeg" alt="The University of Kansas Medical Center will take a leadership role in the Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC), the research arm of the American Lung Association." />
 <figcaption>The University of Kansas Medical Center will take a leadership role in the Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC), the research arm of the American Lung Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNE CHRISTIANSEN-BULLERS KUMC NewsKANSAS CITY - The struggle to breathe is well-documented symptom for those battling COVID-19, so how is the disease best treated for those with existing respiratory problems, such as asthma?A study to address that question, along with other research related to lung issues, is being supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/" target="_blank">American Lung Association</a>&nbsp;and its research arm, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/airways-clinical-research-centers" target="_blank">Airways Clinical Research Centers Network&nbsp;</a>(ACRC).The University of Kansas Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/acrc-expands">recently expanded its position&nbsp;</a>in the ACRC from member to consortium hub, which gives KU Medical Center the responsibility to mentor and lead other universities in its group.<h2>Importance of ACRC Network</h2><a href="http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/internal-medicine/clinical-divisions/pulmonary-critical-care-and-sleep-medicine/faculty/mario-castro-md.html" target="_blank">Mario Castro</a>, MD, MPH, division chief for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will act as principal investigator. He brings this role with him from a previous position at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.The ACRC is the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers focused on lung disease. Its member centers have advanced research in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."The ACRC Network is an incredibly valuable resource in pulmonology research," Castro said. "The network has answered some of the most important clinical questions we need to manage our patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. Now we are leveraging this expertise to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic."<h2>COVID-19 Action Initiative</h2>KU Medical Center will be one of nine hub leaders for the ACRC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/about-our-research/covid19-action-initiative" target="_blank">COVID-19 Action Initiative</a>, a $25 million project from the American Lung Association. The initiative's goals are to:<ul>
 <li>Expand respiratory research</li><li>Fund grants for coronavirus vaccines and other prevention measures</li><li>Provide additional grants for research evaluating the effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic lung disease</li><li>Enhance key public health measures through education and advocacy</li>
 </ul>American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer said the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the importance of ongoing lung disease research championed by the ACRC. "Clinical research allows us to advance scientific knowledge from the lab to the patient's bedside swiftly, directly impacting patient care," he said.<h2>Millennial Lung Health Cohort Study</h2>A second major ACRC initiative, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/lung-health-study" target="_blank">Lung Health Cohort Study</a>&nbsp;of millennials (ages 25-35 years old), will examine the effect of environmental exposures on respiratory health in young people. These environmental exposures will include urgent, timely and relevant factors, such as COVID-19 and vaping.Castro said KU Medical Center is honored to play a role in the initiative, which is funded by a $24.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health."Often, when we think of breathing problems, we focus on the very young or the very old," Castro said. "The Lung Health Cohort Study provides an opportunity to research exposure risk within a young person's environment, so that all generations can benefit moving forward."<h2>Clinical trial for those with asthma</h2><figure>
 <img src="http://www.kumc.edu/Images/news/Castro,%20M%20Pulmonary%20Disease.jpg" alt="Mario Castro" />
 <figcaption>Mario Castro</figcaption>
 </figure>"We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence."Locally, KU Medical Center is teaming up with Children's Mercy Kansas City for a clinical trial to be conducted by the ACRC. The trial, called "Improving&nbsp;Medication&nbsp;Adherence with&nbsp;Telehealthcare Medication Therapy Management to&nbsp;Change&nbsp;Health Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Asthma," goes by the acronym MATCH and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.Participants will include 300 adolescents and young adults (ages 14-30) who have a difficult time controlling their asthma.All participants in the clinical trial will receive sensors that attach to their corticosteroid inhalers and a software application for their smartphone or computer.When the medication is taken, the sensors relay information to the software so the clinical trial participant and the trial administrator can review it. With that data, both can see how well the participant is sticking to the medication plan.Some participants will get extra support to adhere to their medication plan. In addition to the sensors and software, these participants will have video consultations with a pharmacist trained in medication therapy management. These telehealth visits will offer the participant periodic feedback and encouragement.The clinical trial will measure which group has fewer asthma flare-ups. It also will figure out the cost-benefit analysis of the telehealth consultations."We hypothesize that the telehealth visits will reduce asthma attacks and lead to better medication adherence," Castro said. "Being able to test that hypothesis as well as measure its costs - especially against the costs associated with an emergency-room visit or hospitalization - could provide insight into a new approach to this common chronic disease, especially in these days of the pandemic where telehealth provides definite advantages to patient care."<h2>About the ACRC expansion</h2>In April 2020, the number of member institutions within ACRC nearly doubled, from 22 sites to 39. Universities within the current KU Medical Center consortium hub include the university itself as well as:<ul>
 <li>Vanderbilt University</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Madison</li><li>Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina</li>
 </ul>"As our nation faces the COVID-19 public health crisis, this framework of the ACRC is needed today more than ever," ALA's Wimmer said.

KUMC selected for COVID-19, lung health research

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 9 on Wednesday to 11 on Friday.

There were 31 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 123 active cases, including four active hospitalizations, and 1,306 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 19.9 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,447 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

Check Hays Post for more as information is made available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604078010991.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 9 on Wednesday to 11 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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 31 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 123 active cases, including four active hospitalizations, and 1,306 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 19.9 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,447 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.Check Hays Post for more as information is made available.<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>

UPDATE: Per-day virus case average rises again in Ellis Co.

NORTON — The Norton County Health Department on Friday announced eight new cases of COVID-19 in the county.

There are now 715 reported cases of coronavirus in the county, including clusters at the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">Andbe Home long-term care facility</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8aceae0e-6208-4b61-ad14-0d88f43ba07b">Norton Correctional Facility.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/015655ab-0eb5-4cff-af37-2914c2170bd0">RELATED:&nbsp;Norton nursing home removed from Medicare program, fined</a>

Three additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported, bringing the total to 18. There are two active hospitalizations as of Friday, the department reported.

There remain nine Andbe Home residents and three staff members considered active cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604084751756.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON — The Norton County Health Department on Friday announced eight new cases of COVID-19 in the county.There are now 715 reported cases of coronavirus in the county, including clusters at the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">Andbe Home long-term care facility</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8aceae0e-6208-4b61-ad14-0d88f43ba07b">Norton Correctional Facility.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/015655ab-0eb5-4cff-af37-2914c2170bd0">RELATED:&nbsp;Norton nursing home removed from Medicare program, fined</a>Three additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported, bringing the total to 18. There are two active hospitalizations as of Friday, the department reported.There remain nine Andbe Home residents and three staff members considered active cases.See below for more:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNortonCountyHealthDeptandHomeHealth%2Fposts%2F3781603631851409&show_text=true&width=552&height=219&appId" width="552" height="219" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Norton County reports eight new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday

TOPEKA—The State Finance Council (SFC) Thursday unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses, according to a media release from the governor's office. “Today’s actions will bolster our Unified Testing Strategy and allow us to provide up to one million COVID-19 tests by the end of the year,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank the State Finance Council for supporting the health priorities of our state and increasing funds for small businesses, which are essential for our economic recovery.” The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), which is part of the federal CARES Act. After receiving proposals from public and private labs across the state, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined it could invest up to $95 million to implement its unified testing strategy. Previously, SFC had authorized $50 million for COVID-19 testing, and with today’s actions, the Office of Recovery will have the ability to invest up to $95 million in testing. SFC approved an additional $20 million for small business grants. About $35 million has already been awarded in small business grants. Additionally, SFC approved providing the Office of Recovery the authority to redistribute any unused funds among previously approved programs. The CRF requires funds to be used by the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Office of Recovery oversees all the CRF programs and will shift dollars from program to program based on need, demand, and the ability to implement by the deadline. “With only 39 working days remaining before December 30, we need a dynamic approach, and I want to thank State Finance Council for providing us the flexibility to deliver timely investments to Kansans,”&nbsp;Executive Director Julie Lorenz said.&nbsp;“We know our state’s needs exceed the funds available, and we’re committed to leveraging these dollars to help as many Kansans as we can.” Approximately $25 million of the CRF remains in reserve. SFC will meet again next month to approve the final investments.

TOPEKA—The State Finance Council (SFC) Thursday unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses, according to a media release from the governor's office. “Today’s actions will bolster our Unified Testing Strategy and allow us to provide up to one million COVID-19 tests by the end of the year,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank the State Finance Council for supporting the health priorities of our state and increasing funds for small businesses, which are essential for our economic recovery.” The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), which is part of the federal CARES Act. After receiving proposals from public and private labs across the state, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined it could invest up to $95 million to implement its unified testing strategy. Previously, SFC had authorized $50 million for COVID-19 testing, and with today’s actions, the Office of Recovery will have the ability to invest up to $95 million in testing. SFC approved an additional $20 million for small business grants. About $35 million has already been awarded in small business grants. Additionally, SFC approved providing the Office of Recovery the authority to redistribute any unused funds among previously approved programs. The CRF requires funds to be used by the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Office of Recovery oversees all the CRF programs and will shift dollars from program to program based on need, demand, and the ability to implement by the deadline. “With only 39 working days remaining before December 30, we need a dynamic approach, and I want to thank State Finance Council for providing us the flexibility to deliver timely investments to Kansans,”&nbsp;Executive Director Julie Lorenz said.&nbsp;“We know our state’s needs exceed the funds available, and we’re committed to leveraging these dollars to help as many Kansans as we can.” Approximately $25 million of the CRF remains in reserve. SFC will meet again next month to approve the final investments.

$65M approved for more COVID-19 testing in Kansas

NORTON — The Norton County Health Department on Monday announced an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county.

There are now 668 reported cases of coronavirus in the county, including clusters at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">Andbe Home long-term care facility</a> and the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8aceae0e-6208-4b61-ad14-0d88f43ba07b">Norton Correctional Facility.</a>

Fifteen coronavirus-related deaths also have been reported.

The county had reported just a handful of cases until the early October spike.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603999240777.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON — The Norton County Health Department on Monday announced an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county.There are now 668 reported cases of coronavirus in the county, including clusters at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">Andbe Home long-term care facility</a> and the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8aceae0e-6208-4b61-ad14-0d88f43ba07b">Norton Correctional Facility.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/015655ab-0eb5-4cff-af37-2914c2170bd0">RELATED:&nbsp;Norton nursing home removed from Medicare program, fined</a>Fifteen coronavirus-related deaths also have been reported.The county had reported just a handful of cases until the early October spike.&nbsp;See below for more:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNortonCountyHealthDeptandHomeHealth%2Fposts%2F3776254805719625&show_text=true&width=552&height=233&appId" width="552" height="233" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Norton Co. COVID-19 case count up to 668

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from eight on Monday to nine on Wednesday.

There were 44 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Monday. There are currently 98 active cases of coronavirus, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,300 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests jumped from 15.2 percent on Monday to 20.4 percent on Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,416 total cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

Of the 10,334 total tests administered, 12.8 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

In Norton County, where there have been clusters reported at the Norton Correctional Facility and Andbe Home long-term care facility, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported cases rose from 475 on Monday to 571 on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603905133977.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 rose slightly from eight on Monday to nine 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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 44 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Monday. There are currently 98 active cases of coronavirus, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,300 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests jumped from 15.2 percent on Monday to 20.4 percent on Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 1,416 total cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.Of the 10,334 total tests administered, 12.8 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.In Norton County, where there have been clusters reported at the Norton Correctional Facility and Andbe Home long-term care facility, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported cases rose from 475 on Monday to 571 on Wednesday.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/2020/10/1603911276876.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>

Ellis Co. COVID-19 per-day rate rises; 44 new cases reported

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3,369 to a total of 82,045 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1007, an increase of&nbsp; 31.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3,369 to a total of 82,045 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1007, an increase of&nbsp; 31.<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/2020/10/1603905113410.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 28, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 28, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.

The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.

It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.

The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.

President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.

Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.

“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.

A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.

States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.

Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.

Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare will cover the yet-to-be approved coronavirus vaccine free for older people under a policy change expected to be announced shortly, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.The coming announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aims to align the time-consuming process for securing Medicare coverage of a new vaccine, drug or treatment with the rapid campaign to have a coronavirus vaccine ready for initial distribution once it is ready, possibly as early as the end of the year.It’s questionable under normal circumstances if Medicare can pay for a drug that receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, as expected for the eventual coronavirus vaccine. Emergency use designation is a step short of full approval.The administration official said Medicare’s announcement will try to resolve several legal technicalities that could conceivably get in the way of delivering free vaccines to millions of seniors, a high-risk group for COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending regulation.President Donald Trump and lawmakers of both parties in Congress have spelled out their intention that all Americans will be able to get the vaccine for free. But the official said a series of potential legal obstacles that could get in the way of Medicare payment never got unscrambled.Earlier this month, Medicare administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/seema-verma">Seema Verma</a>&nbsp;said her agency was close to resolving the issue.“I think we’ve figured out a path forward,” Verma said at the HLTH conference, a forum for innovators. “It was very clear that Congress wants to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have this vaccine and that there isn’t any cost-sharing.”“Stay tuned,” she added.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">$1.8 trillion CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress in March called for free vaccination for all Americans, from seniors covered by Medicare to families with employer-sponsored health insurance.A White House-backed initiative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">“Operation Warp Speed”</a>&nbsp;is pushing to have a vaccine ready for distribution in the coming months. The government is spending billions of dollars to manufacture vaccines even before they receive FDA approval, thereby cutting the timeline for delivery. Officials at the FDA have committed that the program will not interfere with their own science-based decisions. Vaccines that don’t meet the test for approval would be discarded.States have already begun submitting their plans for vaccine distribution to the federal government.Initially, it’s expected vaccines will go to people in high-risk groups such as medical personnel, frontline workers and nursing home residents and staff. Older people are also high on the priority list because their risks of serious illness and death from the coronavirus — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">killed more than 225,000 people</a>&nbsp;in the United States — are much higher. It could be well into next year before a vaccine is widely available.Medicare’s impending announcement was first reported by Politico.

Medicare finalizing coverage policy for coronavirus vaccine

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.

Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.

Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.

&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.

The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.

“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City area over the past week recorded its highest number of deaths over a one-week period, with more than 80 people dying from COVID-19.Missouri is among several states across the U.S. seeing a spike in confirmed cases and hospitalizations related to the coronavirus. The state health department on Tuesday announced 1,695 additional confirmed cases and 28 more deaths. The state has reported 172,717 cases and 2,838 deaths since the pandemic began.Hospitalizations statewide remain high, with 1,407 people in Missouri hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illnesses as of Saturday, the most recent date available.&nbsp;Kansas City along with Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas has recorded 735 deaths since the pandemic began. But The most recent seven-day period was the most deadly.The health department reported 81 deaths for the period of Oct. 20-26, and 163 deaths since the start of October.“We are now what looks like moving into our third wave of this outbreak and that’s very, very concerning,” said Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department. “We’re very concerned about this surge and as we move more and more indoors, this is going to become even more problematic.”

Kansas City sees record number of virus deaths 

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again fell — from 10 on Friday to eight on Monday.

It is the first time since the health department began reporting the seven-day average metric that it has been in the single digits.

The department reported 24 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including seven active hospitalizations, and 1,261 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 15.8 percent on Friday to 15.2 percent on Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,372 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

Of the 10,225 total tests administered, 12.6 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603732217087.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 again fell — from 10 on Friday to eight on Monday.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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>It is the first time since the health department began reporting the seven-day average metric that it has been in the single digits.The department reported 24 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including seven active hospitalizations, and 1,261 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 15.8 percent on Friday to 15.2 percent on Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 1,372 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;Of the 10,225 total tests administered, 12.6 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>
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 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
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Ellis Co. COVID-19 per-day rate falls; 24 new cases reported

Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

With Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603550162306.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control</h2>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewWith Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

REVIEW: Inmate evacuations underway at Norton prison

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again fell from 11 on Wednesday to 10 on Friday.

The department also reported two additional&nbsp; coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 18.

There were 23 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 129 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,201 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.8 percent Wednesday to 15.8 percent Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,348 total cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603474345557.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 fell from 11 on Wednesday to 10 on Friday.The department also reported two additional&nbsp; coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 18.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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 23 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 129 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,201 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.8 percent Wednesday to 15.8 percent Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 1,348 total 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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Ellis Co. COVID-19 per-day rate falls; two additional deaths reported

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.

The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.

Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.

The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.

“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.

The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.

Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.

Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.

So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603450089080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. regulators on Thursday approved the first drug to treat COVID-19: remdesivir, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV.The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. is calling Veklury, cut the time to recovery by five days — from 15 days to 10 on average — in a large study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.It had been authorized for use on an emergency basis since spring, and now becomes the first drug to win full Food and Drug Administration approval for treating COVID-19. President Donald Trump received it when he was sickened earlier this month.Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) who are hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. For patients younger than 12, the FDA will still allow the drug’s use in certain cases under its previous emergency authorization.The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus uses to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor for any possible side effects. And the label warns against using it with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, because that can curb its effectiveness.“We now have enough knowledge and a growing set of tools to help fight COVID-19,” Gilead’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merdad Parsey, said in a statement.The drug is either approved or has temporary authorization in about 50 countries, he noted.Its price has been controversial, given that no studies have found it improves survival. Last week, a large study led by the World Health Organization found the drug did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but that study did not include a placebo group and was less rigorous than previous ones that found a benefit. The FDA’s approval statement noted that, besides the NIH-led one, two other studies found the drug beneficial.Gilead charges $2,340 for a typical treatment course for people covered by government health programs in the United States and other developed countries, and $3,120 for patients with private insurance. The amount that patients pay out of pocket depends on insurance, income and other factors.So far, only steroids such as dexamethasone have been shown to cut the risk of dying of COVID-19. The FDA also has given emergency authorization to using the blood of survivors, and two companies are currently seeking similar authorization for experimental antibody drugs.___

FDA approves the first drug for treating COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.

For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.

The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.

The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.

It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.

The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.

An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.

The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.

In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.

“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.

The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.

The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591480312815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html" target="_blank">CDC changed&nbsp;</a>it to a total of 15 minutes or more — so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.The CDC advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.It also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.The definition change was triggered by a report on that case of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard’s brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.The report didn’t identify the prison but Vermont officials have said that in late July, six inmates tested positive when they arrived at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission, and that the agency’s guidance can change as new information comes in.“As we get more data and understand this COVID we’re going to continue to incorporate that in our recommendations,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said at a press conference in Atlanta.The CDC also says close contact can include hugging and kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone infected, and providing home care to someone who is sick. Someone sneezing or coughing on you also counts.The risk of spread is considered to be lower outdoors, but the CDC guidance update “makes scientific sense,” said Dr. Michael Saag, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.___

CDC redefines COVID-19 close contact, adds brief encounters

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review There is currently no good news in what is a worsening major health crisis in Norton County, where COVID is close to having infected 10 percent of the population in less than two weeks and has developed into being the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">worst local outbreak in the entire United States.</a> While information is still lacking, the situation at the Andbe Home Long Term Care Facility is becoming a bit less murky, with the facility making national news, including segments on CBS, NBC and CNN. Every single resident at Andbe — 62 of them — has caught the virus, with 10 of them dying. &nbsp; In addition, 12 staff members and other individuals associated with Andbe have caught the dangerous disease. Just east of the city of Norton at Norton Correctional Facility, cases have reached a stage where the situation is the worst mass health crisis the Kansas prison system has faced in any of its facilities. Cases there jumped from 133 on Monday to above 230 just 24 hours later — almost one-third of all inmates there. In addition, at least a dozen NCF staffers have been infected.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a total of 385 cases of COVID-19 in Norton County since reporting began — the cast majority a result of the recent spike in cases.

The Norton County Health Department reported 464 total cases. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603300001019.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594071502884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review There is currently no good news in what is a worsening major health crisis in Norton County, where COVID is close to having infected 10 percent of the population in less than two weeks and has developed into being the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">worst local outbreak in the entire United States.</a> While information is still lacking, the situation at the Andbe Home Long Term Care Facility is becoming a bit less murky, with the facility making national news, including segments on CBS, NBC and CNN. Every single resident at Andbe — 62 of them — has caught the virus, with 10 of them dying. &nbsp; In addition, 12 staff members and other individuals associated with Andbe have caught the dangerous disease. Just east of the city of Norton at Norton Correctional Facility, cases have reached a stage where the situation is the worst mass health crisis the Kansas prison system has faced in any of its facilities. Cases there jumped from 133 on Monday to above 230 just 24 hours later — almost one-third of all inmates there. In addition, at least a dozen NCF staffers have been infected.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a total of 385 cases of COVID-19 in Norton County since reporting began — the cast majority a result of the recent spike in cases.The Norton County Health Department reported 464 total cases. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

REVIEW: Norton COVID-19 outbreak worsening by the hour

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from 13 on Monday to 11 on Wednesday.

There were 23 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 117 active cases, including six active hospitalizations, and 1,192 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 23 percent Monday to 16.8 percent Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,325 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 16 deaths.

Of the more than 9,800 total tests administered, 12.7 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603299931614.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 fell from 13 on Monday to 11 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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 23 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 117 active cases, including six active hospitalizations, and 1,192 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 23 percent Monday to 16.8 percent Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 1,325 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 16 deaths.Of the more than 9,800 total tests administered, 12.7 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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 <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>
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Ellis County's COVID-19 per-day rate falls; 23 new cases reported

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/20/norton-facility-hosts-biggest-covid-19-hotspot-in-kansas-prison-system/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The largest 
COVID-19 outbreak in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility is in 
Norton where at least 135 inmates and 11 staff members recently tested 
positive for the virus, officials said Tuesday.

Coronavirus has been 
detected in nearly 3,000 inmates within Kansas’ state prison system this
 year, but the surge at Norton Correctional <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6271f721-0685-41e0-bf8e-36bbded8a69d">Facility corresponded with 
disclosure of the hotspot at Andbe Home in Norton where 10 residents of 
the nursing home have died. All 52 other residents of Andbe Home testing
 positive for COVID-19 have been quarantined there with exception of one
 hospitalized patient, officials said.</a>

“The community infected 
the facility,” said Randy Bowman, a spokesman for the state Department 
of Corrections. “It spreads in the facility once it’s in.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">RELATED:&nbsp;Norton the largest per capita outbreak in U.S.</a>

Data collected by Johns 
Hopkins University showed Norton County had the largest number of new 
cases per 100,000 residents in the United States during the two-week 
period ending Sunday.

Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment said Monday that Norton County had 340 cases of 
COVID-19, but that likely didn’t include all positive tests emerging 
from the nursing home. Overall in Kansas, KDHE has documented 872 
deaths, 3,421 hospitalizations and 72,968 cases of COVID-19.

The total of 135 cases 
among inmates at the 850-bed prison in Norton surpassed the 103 cases 
reported at Hutchinson Correctional Facility and the 80 cases at 
Ellsworth Correctional Facility. Lansing Correctional Facility has been a
 magnet for coronavirus with 974 known inmate cases.

Meanwhile, the Department 
of Corrections said a 60-year-old inmate at the Ellsworth prison died 
Monday after testing positive Sept. 26. The Black man was serving a life
 sentence out of Wyandotte County. After testing positive, he was 
transferred to the COVID-19 management unit at Lansing Correctional 
Facility before moved several days later to a hospital.

Since March, six Kansas 
prison inmates and three of the state’s corrections employees have died 
of coronavirus. There have been four inmate fatalities at Lansing and 
one death at Larned Correctional Facility. In terms of prison staff, two
 deaths occurred among workers at Lansing and one at Topeka Correctional
 Facility.

The state corrections 
department reported that as of Oct. 14 there were 422 inmates and 43 
employees with cases of COVID-19. During the pandemic, testing has 
identified 1,955 inmate and 344 staff cases of infection by the 
coronavirus.

Jeff Zmuda, secretary at 
the Department of Corrections, said in a letter to inmates and family 
members that spread of the virus in Kansas communities and inside prison
 facilities would preclude a prompt return to regular visition 
opportunites.

“We continue to explore 
options for visitation,” Zmuda said. “Some states have reopened 
visitation, a smaller number have also closed again and others have not.
 Each of which provide examples for us.”

He said future visitation 
policy at Kansas prisons would likely include a prohibition on physical 
contact. Plexiglass barriers, distance limits among participants and 
screening of all people taking part in the visits would be combined with
 launch of an online advance scheduling process and a reduction in the 
number of allowable visits each day, he said.

“Given the prevalence of 
the virus in our communities and in our facilities today I cannot 
estimate when we could implement a new visitation process,” the 
secretary said.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603229175762.png" alt="Jeff Zmuda, Kansas corrections secretary, says ongoing spread COVID-19 in state prison system and communities prevents resumption of visitation privileges. In terms of active COVID-19 cases, there are more than 400 among inmates and at least 40 among prison staff. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Zmuda, Kansas corrections secretary, says ongoing spread COVID-19 in state prison system and communities prevents resumption of visitation privileges. In terms of active COVID-19 cases, there are more than 400 among inmates and at least 40 among prison staff. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/20/norton-facility-hosts-biggest-covid-19-hotspot-in-kansas-prison-system/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The largest 
COVID-19 outbreak in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility is in 
Norton where at least 135 inmates and 11 staff members recently tested 
positive for the virus, officials said Tuesday.Coronavirus has been 
detected in nearly 3,000 inmates within Kansas’ state prison system this
 year, but the surge at Norton Correctional <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6271f721-0685-41e0-bf8e-36bbded8a69d">Facility corresponded with 
disclosure of the hotspot at Andbe Home in Norton where 10 residents of 
the nursing home have died. All 52 other residents of Andbe Home testing
 positive for COVID-19 have been quarantined there with exception of one
 hospitalized patient, officials said.</a>“The community infected 
the facility,” said Randy Bowman, a spokesman for the state Department 
of Corrections. “It spreads in the facility once it’s in.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e4299112-0fe4-40da-ac7e-a0c62f0df35b">RELATED:&nbsp;Norton the largest per capita outbreak in U.S.</a>Data collected by Johns 
Hopkins University showed Norton County had the largest number of new 
cases per 100,000 residents in the United States during the two-week 
period ending Sunday.Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment said Monday that Norton County had 340 cases of 
COVID-19, but that likely didn’t include all positive tests emerging 
from the nursing home. Overall in Kansas, KDHE has documented 872 
deaths, 3,421 hospitalizations and 72,968 cases of COVID-19.The total of 135 cases 
among inmates at the 850-bed prison in Norton surpassed the 103 cases 
reported at Hutchinson Correctional Facility and the 80 cases at 
Ellsworth Correctional Facility. Lansing Correctional Facility has been a
 magnet for coronavirus with 974 known inmate cases.Meanwhile, the Department 
of Corrections said a 60-year-old inmate at the Ellsworth prison died 
Monday after testing positive Sept. 26. The Black man was serving a life
 sentence out of Wyandotte County. After testing positive, he was 
transferred to the COVID-19 management unit at Lansing Correctional 
Facility before moved several days later to a hospital.Since March, six Kansas 
prison inmates and three of the state’s corrections employees have died 
of coronavirus. There have been four inmate fatalities at Lansing and 
one death at Larned Correctional Facility. In terms of prison staff, two
 deaths occurred among workers at Lansing and one at Topeka Correctional
 Facility.The state corrections 
department reported that as of Oct. 14 there were 422 inmates and 43 
employees with cases of COVID-19. During the pandemic, testing has 
identified 1,955 inmate and 344 staff cases of infection by the 
coronavirus.Jeff Zmuda, secretary at 
the Department of Corrections, said in a letter to inmates and family 
members that spread of the virus in Kansas communities and inside prison
 facilities would preclude a prompt return to regular visition 
opportunites.“We continue to explore 
options for visitation,” Zmuda said. “Some states have reopened 
visitation, a smaller number have also closed again and others have not.
 Each of which provide examples for us.”He said future visitation 
policy at Kansas prisons would likely include a prohibition on physical 
contact. Plexiglass barriers, distance limits among participants and 
screening of all people taking part in the visits would be combined with
 launch of an online advance scheduling process and a reduction in the 
number of allowable visits each day, he said.“Given the prevalence of 
the virus in our communities and in our facilities today I cannot 
estimate when we could implement a new visitation process,” the 
secretary said.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Norton facility biggest COVID-19 hotspot in Kan. prison system

The large-scale COVID-19 outbreak taking place in Norton took a horrific turn Monday night as it came to light all 62 aged residents of Andbe Home there have contracted the disease, along with multiple staff members, and that 10 of them have died as of Monday night.

As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, this cluster had still not been reported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment but the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has been able to learn the outlines of what is unfolding there through multiple sources in the community.

Early Monday morning, the Phillips County Review/Main Street Media and Hays Post broke the story of the tragedy underway in Norton with their reporting on a mass outbreak at Norton Correctional Facility which has infected over 130 people.

Most significantly, over the past 10 days, fully five percent of the population of Norton has been diagnosed with&nbsp;COVID-19, making it the largest per capita outbreak in the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594071502884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewThe large-scale COVID-19 outbreak taking place in Norton took a horrific turn Monday night as it came to light all 62 aged residents of Andbe Home there have contracted the disease, along with multiple staff members, and that 10 of them have died as of Monday night.As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, this cluster had still not been reported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment but the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has been able to learn the outlines of what is unfolding there through multiple sources in the community.Early Monday morning, the Phillips County Review/Main Street Media and Hays Post broke the story of the tragedy underway in Norton with their reporting on a mass outbreak at Norton Correctional Facility which has infected over 130 people.Most significantly, over the past 10 days, fully five percent of the population of Norton has been diagnosed with&nbsp;COVID-19, making it the largest per capita outbreak in the United States.

REVIEW: Norton the largest per capita outbreak in U.S.

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days held steady at 13.

There were 29 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Friday. There are currently 128 active cases, including eight active hospitalizations, and 1,158 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests remained at 23 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,302 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including 16 deaths.

Of the more than 9,700 tests conducted, 12.6 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603128956692.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 held steady at 13.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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 29 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Friday. There are currently 128 active cases, including eight active hospitalizations, and 1,158 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests remained at 23 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,302 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including 16 deaths.Of the more than 9,700 tests conducted, 12.6 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>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603134175525.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>

COVID-19 per-day rate remains at 13; 29 new cases reported

Since a second wave of coronavirus struck Phillips County in mid-August, the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;has worked diligently to keep a close watch on the disease and report on local developments so our readers can make informed decisions regarding their families’ health &nbsp;and safety.

As part of our reporting, we have also been keeping an eye on our immediate surrounding area since problems with a contagious pandemic in the outlying region can easily move into Phillips County and become a threat here.

Up until very recently, since August the local northwest Kansas Coronavirus problem areas outside Ellis County had been limited to Rooks County and Phillips County.

Since the Pandemic virus started spreading across the nation in March, up until the end of September Norton County had only had 33 total confirmed cases of COVID. &nbsp;In fact, in the final full week of September there were just two new cases diagnosed in all of Norton County during that seven-day period. &nbsp;That compares to 24 new cases in Phillips County and 34 in Rooks the same week.

Things in Norton started looking a little unusual the first few days of October — cases there bumped up to 13 that week. &nbsp;It was nothing to be alarmed about, but it was maybe something of which to take notice.

Then came the week of Oct. 4. &nbsp;With the new outbreak seemingly being brought under control in Phillips County where there were just 12 cases, and in Rooks County which had 11 cases, Norton County went on a completely opposite trajectory with 55 newly-diagnosed COVID cases. &nbsp;(That number for the week of Oct. 4 was updated to 60 by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shortly after we went to press with that lower number last week).

This development out of Norton resulted in a comment in a story in last week’s issue of the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;that COVID there had evolved into a “mess,” with their numbers amounting to being the worst one-week total ever reported in rural northwest Kansas.

So that was the week of Oct. 4 — 60 new cases in Norton County.

Which next brought us to a new counting period, the week of Oct. 11. &nbsp;When we looked at those numbers this weekend it became apparent something major was going on when we saw Norton County had as many COVID diagnoses for the timeframe as much larger Ellis County -- 72. &nbsp;

In fact, that week of Oct. 11 Norton County had about as many total cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 as Saline (Salina) and Barton (Great Bend) counties&nbsp;combined.

Suspecting the Norton County problem might lie in a major outbreak at the prison there, we searched through press releases which had been regularly coming from the Kansas Department of Corrections since the beginning of the Pandemic last spring. &nbsp;

Those press releases provide transparency on Kansas outbreaks — whether they be large or small outbreaks — at various incarceration facilities around the state. &nbsp;By saying “large or small,” we mean the KDOC notifications would range from mention of a single guard or inmate being diagnosed, on up to groups of around 100 prisoners. &nbsp;Those types of reports were issued throughout the summer.

However, finding no KDOC report regarding an outbreak at the Norton Prison in recent weeks, we then went directly to the KDOC website.

Notably, on Oct. 7 the Kansas Department of Corrections started running a COVID statistical chart online. &nbsp;KDOC commentary accompanying that chart said the data on it would be updated every Wednesday. &nbsp;

So — the next update was due Oct. 14.

Regarding that first chart — the Oct. 7 chart — KDOC reported that at Norton Correctional there were 15 current inmate cases, and one staff case. &nbsp;The chart also indicated that since the beginning of the Pandemic there had been 18 total inmate cases, and three staff cases.&nbsp;

Attempting to determine whether there were more cases at Norton after Oct. 7 we went to review the updated KDOC chart for Oct. 14. &nbsp;We couldn’t find it.

Not being able to locate it, we have sent a message to KDOC asking for the updated chart, as well as any press releases issued regarding an outbreak at Norton.

The next step towards our research regarding what was going on at Norton was to go to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. &nbsp;Through that agency we were able to dig up a report stating that as of Oct. 10 there had been a total of 108 COVID-19 cases at Norton Correctional Facility over the course of the previous 14 days. &nbsp;Elsewhere we discovered another 25 were diagnosed the end of last week, bringing the seven-day total to 133 in the prison. &nbsp;

[In addition, a downtown Norton business had an outbreak of 10 cases last week. &nbsp;In our research we also observe that as of Oct. 12 Hutchinson Correctional Facility had 105 COVID diagnoses the previous 14 days, indicating a possible broader COVID problem within the Department of Corrections.]

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594071502884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewSince a second wave of coronavirus struck Phillips County in mid-August, the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;has worked diligently to keep a close watch on the disease and report on local developments so our readers can make informed decisions regarding their families’ health &nbsp;and safety. As part of our reporting, we have also been keeping an eye on our immediate surrounding area since problems with a contagious pandemic in the outlying region can easily move into Phillips County and become a threat here. Up until very recently, since August the local northwest Kansas Coronavirus problem areas outside Ellis County had been limited to Rooks County and Phillips County. Since the Pandemic virus started spreading across the nation in March, up until the end of September Norton County had only had 33 total confirmed cases of COVID. &nbsp;In fact, in the final full week of September there were just two new cases diagnosed in all of Norton County during that seven-day period. &nbsp;That compares to 24 new cases in Phillips County and 34 in Rooks the same week. Things in Norton started looking a little unusual the first few days of October — cases there bumped up to 13 that week. &nbsp;It was nothing to be alarmed about, but it was maybe something of which to take notice. Then came the week of Oct. 4. &nbsp;With the new outbreak seemingly being brought under control in Phillips County where there were just 12 cases, and in Rooks County which had 11 cases, Norton County went on a completely opposite trajectory with 55 newly-diagnosed COVID cases. &nbsp;(That number for the week of Oct. 4 was updated to 60 by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shortly after we went to press with that lower number last week). This development out of Norton resulted in a comment in a story in last week’s issue of the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;that COVID there had evolved into a “mess,” with their numbers amounting to being the worst one-week total ever reported in rural northwest Kansas. So that was the week of Oct. 4 — 60 new cases in Norton County. Which next brought us to a new counting period, the week of Oct. 11. &nbsp;When we looked at those numbers this weekend it became apparent something major was going on when we saw Norton County had as many COVID diagnoses for the timeframe as much larger Ellis County -- 72. &nbsp; In fact, that week of Oct. 11 Norton County had about as many total cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 as Saline (Salina) and Barton (Great Bend) counties&nbsp;combined. Suspecting the Norton County problem might lie in a major outbreak at the prison there, we searched through press releases which had been regularly coming from the Kansas Department of Corrections since the beginning of the Pandemic last spring. &nbsp; Those press releases provide transparency on Kansas outbreaks — whether they be large or small outbreaks — at various incarceration facilities around the state. &nbsp;By saying “large or small,” we mean the KDOC notifications would range from mention of a single guard or inmate being diagnosed, on up to groups of around 100 prisoners. &nbsp;Those types of reports were issued throughout the summer. However, finding no KDOC report regarding an outbreak at the Norton Prison in recent weeks, we then went directly to the KDOC website. Notably, on Oct. 7 the Kansas Department of Corrections started running a COVID statistical chart online. &nbsp;KDOC commentary accompanying that chart said the data on it would be updated every Wednesday. &nbsp; So — the next update was due Oct. 14. Regarding that first chart — the Oct. 7 chart — KDOC reported that at Norton Correctional there were 15 current inmate cases, and one staff case. &nbsp;The chart also indicated that since the beginning of the Pandemic there had been 18 total inmate cases, and three staff cases.&nbsp; Attempting to determine whether there were more cases at Norton after Oct. 7 we went to review the updated KDOC chart for Oct. 14. &nbsp;We couldn’t find it. Not being able to locate it, we have sent a message to KDOC asking for the updated chart, as well as any press releases issued regarding an outbreak at Norton. The next step towards our research regarding what was going on at Norton was to go to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. &nbsp;Through that agency we were able to dig up a report stating that as of Oct. 10 there had been a total of 108 COVID-19 cases at Norton Correctional Facility over the course of the previous 14 days. &nbsp;Elsewhere we discovered another 25 were diagnosed the end of last week, bringing the seven-day total to 133 in the prison. &nbsp; [In addition, a downtown Norton business had an outbreak of 10 cases last week. &nbsp;In our research we also observe that as of Oct. 12 Hutchinson Correctional Facility had 105 COVID diagnoses the previous 14 days, indicating a possible broader COVID problem within the Department of Corrections.] With the Norton Correctional data in hand but not being broken down relating to staff and inmates, we have learned that out of the Norton prison cases, 11 are staff members. &nbsp; Staff members having the disease are now quarantining at home as widespread testing is underway throughout the entire facility. &nbsp; In an attempt at preventing the spread of the disease, within the wire all cell blocks and pods are locked down and prisoner movement is being highly restricted. &nbsp;Instead of communal meals, food is brought individually to the prisoners. &nbsp;Prisoners needing medical care have a physician brought to them, rather than having them move through the facility.&nbsp; We’ll be providing updates as additional information becomes available.

Coronavirus Update