By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press

The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.

There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.

The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.

“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.

Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.

In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”

“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”

Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.

But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.

The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.

Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.

That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.

“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.

It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.

Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.

“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”

That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.

If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.

Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.

“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.

Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.

“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858673337.png" alt="Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated PressThe world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.___

Virus vaccine put to final test in thousands of volunteers

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.

The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.

“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”

On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.

The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.

According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable."

"It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible."

"Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;

The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595848915739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable.""It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible.""Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.------------

Officials: Future shutdowns inevitable in Kansas City due to virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.

The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.

“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.

But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.

“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.

With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.

Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.

Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.

“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.

But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.

Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.

On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.

Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.

Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.

“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.

Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.

The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.

It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.

The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.

The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.

Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.

The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595844870529.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.___

Extra unemployment aid expires, federal eviction moratorium to end

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The ARC of the Central Plains suspended two sports seasons on July 14 because someone close to the program tested positive for COVID-19.

Both the ARC's bowling and volleyball seasons were closed early and will not resume,&nbsp;Brent Kaiser, activities director, said.

However, the program hopes to proceed with its softball season, starting in August, with a phased approach, Kaiser said.

Kaiser did not release the name of the person who had tested positive or their relationship to the program. However, he said Thursday no one else associated with the program has since tested positive for the virus.

Kaiser said the ARC contacted the Ellis County Health Department about the case, although it was not required to do so.

"We canceled the season for precautionary reasons," he said. "We want everyone to be safe for the general fact that our athletes are at higher risk."

The local ARC recently received direction from Kansas Special Olympics on how to proceed with sports seasons after Aug. 1.

Kaiser said the ARC will approach the softball season in phases. The start of softball practice is set for Aug. 19, according to the ARC's Facebook page.

In the first phase, athletes would be allowed to practice with instruction on social distancing, wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. The second phase would include games with other team members.

The third phase would be regional games with teams from other communities. However, Kaiser said he was uncertain if the local ARC team would travel this year. The nearest regional game for the ARC of the Central Plains would be Wichita.

Kaiser said how the ARC moves forward with activities will depend on local COVID-19 infections.

"I don't have a&nbsp;crystal ball," he said. "We are just trying to move forward day by day. If it looks like we are going to put one of those people at risk, I'm going to suspend things awhile again."

Activities that are provided by the ARC and the Hays Recreation Commission are important for the population who the ARC serves, Kaiser said.

"That social side is a really a huge aspect of their lives," Kaiser said. "They don't get to get out a lot to do other things."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595534683420.jpeg" alt="ARC volleyball from earlier this summer. The season had to be suspended because of COVID-19. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ARC volleyball from earlier this summer. The season had to be suspended because of COVID-19. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe ARC of the Central Plains suspended two sports seasons on July 14 because someone close to the program tested positive for COVID-19.Both the ARC's bowling and volleyball seasons were closed early and will not resume,&nbsp;Brent Kaiser, activities director, said.However, the program hopes to proceed with its softball season, starting in August, with a phased approach, Kaiser said.Kaiser did not release the name of the person who had tested positive or their relationship to the program. However, he said Thursday no one else associated with the program has since tested positive for the virus.Kaiser said the ARC contacted the Ellis County Health Department about the case, although it was not required to do so."We canceled the season for precautionary reasons," he said. "We want everyone to be safe for the general fact that our athletes are at higher risk."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595534904921.jpeg" alt="ARC athletes playing sand volleyball earlier this season. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ARC athletes playing sand volleyball earlier this season. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The local ARC recently received direction from Kansas Special Olympics on how to proceed with sports seasons after Aug. 1.Kaiser said the ARC will approach the softball season in phases. The start of softball practice is set for Aug. 19, according to the ARC's Facebook page.In the first phase, athletes would be allowed to practice with instruction on social distancing, wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. The second phase would include games with other team members.The third phase would be regional games with teams from other communities. However, Kaiser said he was uncertain if the local ARC team would travel this year. The nearest regional game for the ARC of the Central Plains would be Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595535037548.jpeg" alt="The ARC hopes to be able to start practice for its softball season in August. The season is dependent on the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community." />
 <figcaption>The ARC hopes to be able to start practice for its softball season in August. The season is dependent on the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kaiser said how the ARC moves forward with activities will depend on local COVID-19 infections."I don't have a&nbsp;crystal ball," he said. "We are just trying to move forward day by day. If it looks like we are going to put one of those people at risk, I'm going to suspend things awhile again."Activities that are provided by the ARC and the Hays Recreation Commission are important for the population who the ARC serves, Kaiser said."That social side is a really a huge aspect of their lives," Kaiser said. "They don't get to get out a lot to do other things."

ARC suspends bowling, volleyball, hopes to resume sports in Aug.

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have expanded a project to detect COVID-19 virus in the wastewater systems of local communities across the state.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/ku-partners-kansas-department-health-environment-trace-covid-19-wastewater-treatment-plants">original project launched this spring</a>&nbsp;looked for evidence of the virus in a dozen Kansas communities. This summer, that roster has expanded to 18 communities, including some in western Kansas. KU has also partnered with the City of Lawrence to test that city’s wastewater weekly.

“The idea is we can’t test everybody in our community,” said Belinda Sturm, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of civil, environmental &amp; architectural engineering, “but we can test the catchment to see if COVID is present in our community, if it’s increasing or decreasing.”

In late April, Sturm began collecting samples from wastewater plants — ranging from big urban plants to small-town lagoon systems from around the state — using a test that looks for signs of the virus’ RNA. Studies from the Netherlands and Massachusetts suggest that such analyses can help local officials understand if the virus is present in their community — and if so, how widespread any outbreak might be.

The results so far: The wastewater sampling technique appears able to give Kansas researchers a one-week heads up that the coronavirus is surging in a community, before the case numbers and hospitalizations begin to officially rise.

“It’s a way for us to make sure the community is aware of the prevalence of COVID in the community,” Sturm said. “So that we are not responding after the spike, but preparing before the spike.”

But researchers and public health officials are still figuring out the best way to make use of the information, she added.” Right now, the data is so new we have to get to the point where we know how to use it and have confidence in it.”

The preliminary results have been encouraging enough to warrant expanding the effort to other communities. The City of Lawrence plans to use the information to be ready for any increased demand on medical personnel, equipment and other health resources.

“The wastewater study is a great example of how our community is collaborating and using every tool in our toolbox to plan and prepare for fighting coronavirus,” said Sonia Jordan, director of informatics for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This study will help us make informed decisions moving forward, including related to staffing, bandwidth and surge capacity.”

Sturm began the project after KDHE reached out to her.

“I’ve worked with Professor Sturm on a lot of things — I knew she was on the cutting edge on a lot of issues regarding wastewater,” said Tom Stiles, who directs the Bureau of Water for KDHE. “She jumped right on in.”

One technical challenge, Sturm and Stiles said, is determining how sensitive the test is. Can it detect just a few cases in a large urban wastewater system? Can it give an accurate sense of how widespread an outbreak is in the community?

“We don’t want false negatives, and we don’t want false positives,” Sturm said. “It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

Sturm wanted to emphasize that observing viral RNA in wastewater does not imply that the wastewater is infectious. According to the Centers for Disease Control, researchers do not know whether this virus can cause disease if a person is exposed to untreated wastewater or sewage systems. There is no evidence to date that this has occurred.

KU and KDHE are sharing their results with other researchers nationwide in order to help develop best practices for detecting and fighting the virus. That should benefit the state of Kansas, Sturm and Stiles said.

“This is part of a wide initiative across the world,” Sturm said. “Across the US there are a lot of folks like me who are doing this, and we’re talking together. A lot of academics are exchanging knowledge right now, in real time — we usually wait to publish. From a science perspective, it’s really cool to see our scientific infrastructure respond to this crisis.”

KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have expanded a project to detect COVID-19 virus in the wastewater systems of local communities across the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2020_news/july/sturm%20wastewater%20225.jpg" alt="Belinda Sturm" />
 <figcaption>Belinda Sturm</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/ku-partners-kansas-department-health-environment-trace-covid-19-wastewater-treatment-plants">original project launched this spring</a>&nbsp;looked for evidence of the virus in a dozen Kansas communities. This summer, that roster has expanded to 18 communities, including some in western Kansas. KU has also partnered with the City of Lawrence to test that city’s wastewater weekly.“The idea is we can’t test everybody in our community,” said Belinda Sturm, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of civil, environmental &amp; architectural engineering, “but we can test the catchment to see if COVID is present in our community, if it’s increasing or decreasing.”In late April, Sturm began collecting samples from wastewater plants — ranging from big urban plants to small-town lagoon systems from around the state — using a test that looks for signs of the virus’ RNA. Studies from the Netherlands and Massachusetts suggest that such analyses can help local officials understand if the virus is present in their community — and if so, how widespread any outbreak might be.The results so far: The wastewater sampling technique appears able to give Kansas researchers a one-week heads up that the coronavirus is surging in a community, before the case numbers and hospitalizations begin to officially rise.“It’s a way for us to make sure the community is aware of the prevalence of COVID in the community,” Sturm said. “So that we are not responding after the spike, but preparing before the spike.”But researchers and public health officials are still figuring out the best way to make use of the information, she added.” Right now, the data is so new we have to get to the point where we know how to use it and have confidence in it.”The preliminary results have been encouraging enough to warrant expanding the effort to other communities. The City of Lawrence plans to use the information to be ready for any increased demand on medical personnel, equipment and other health resources.“The wastewater study is a great example of how our community is collaborating and using every tool in our toolbox to plan and prepare for fighting coronavirus,” said Sonia Jordan, director of informatics for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This study will help us make informed decisions moving forward, including related to staffing, bandwidth and surge capacity.”Sturm began the project after KDHE reached out to her.“I’ve worked with Professor Sturm on a lot of things — I knew she was on the cutting edge on a lot of issues regarding wastewater,” said Tom Stiles, who directs the Bureau of Water for KDHE. “She jumped right on in.”One technical challenge, Sturm and Stiles said, is determining how sensitive the test is. Can it detect just a few cases in a large urban wastewater system? Can it give an accurate sense of how widespread an outbreak is in the community?“We don’t want false negatives, and we don’t want false positives,” Sturm said. “It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”Sturm wanted to emphasize that observing viral RNA in wastewater does not imply that the wastewater is infectious. According to the Centers for Disease Control, researchers do not know whether this virus can cause disease if a person is exposed to untreated wastewater or sewage systems. There is no evidence to date that this has occurred.KU and KDHE are sharing their results with other researchers nationwide in order to help develop best practices for detecting and fighting the virus. That should benefit the state of Kansas, Sturm and Stiles said.“This is part of a wide initiative across the world,” Sturm said. “Across the US there are a lot of folks like me who are doing this, and we’re talking together. A lot of academics are exchanging knowledge right now, in real time — we usually wait to publish. From a science perspective, it’s really cool to see our scientific infrastructure respond to this crisis.”

 COVID-19 in wastewater provides early warning to Kansans

Hays USD 489 released the following draft reopening plan to staff and student families Thursday afternoon.

The yet-to-be-approved plan includes options for on-site, hybrid or remote learning, as well as face masks and temperature checks for those attending classes in person.

Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.

Read the entire plan by following the links below:

Thank you, all, for your patience and support as USD 489 develops a plan for safely reopening our schools.&nbsp; It is our hope that the documents provided will help answer any questions you may have as we approach the start of the 2020-21 school year.&nbsp; Feedback can be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiXM4XolnezRJ3AIi3QrZ8nioZlnhBEqMdZKMpUEnioWMTaujZtYoc-2FDDA2tGoT7fY8-3D2X86_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5V4KeKXf0FAq3PATlLP7mYEt1Rnu-2BvL2vi-2Bxlrt-2FUUv8WAhrW3zgbHzaXS80C8T7BwaW-2Bkr4Ud0o-2B0Egv3XhU6N5O-2B5f-2FCyFi-2F4Dob9jF60Pzv0tApv1EcCKVGo8CY67HtwlW-2BTmqdlBFuG6P4DDi0EeSd1DlHwMA-2Be3IkR1KqKg-3D" target="_blank">Reopening page</a>&nbsp;of the district website.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Please check the district website frequently as it will be updated when new information becomes available.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiUpY2an3DEkyCvGpT42rAw8ZctXCmwhN7IRN5AZmoPiviNEO6kUwOplVnmpp4BLbGtwMKe108Unimq81xn7Wayi5vHc_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5C5u2y58mAR7TE2SEVANzvaKWegohVaZ-2B5ebrKgkH0VZ8j3ubOD58X4lkyoLOW6oIZcroN1mWfehQqPFgH9zVE2s1AiIoGxi1pjL4j2uZpGz5fSrM0g6vkNSNAGZzl0B3tVZXseetb0xEL6FB-2BAooWAIU4ob6qrRNl9n1mcWP-2Brw-3D" target="_blank">Enrollment information</a>&nbsp;can be found on the website as well.&nbsp;

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76420P7x-2BNJOUzJZen-2FyacKw8c-3DrE2q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5TSEzQ0UhkNUZNnHX6HgNaUCQD4fS4-2FcyfIcvIslQuJ9HR3MDP2oA-2F3ZeEWEoyjpsdWmO9QZzleXMExKgAM-2BY-2BuKsj4Y6372SamSI6iFp7NtF7eBTEz4JBIB7tNUeXuSgFRGQnovrD5PGlnttewEh2rc0EqsMJO58T54WSb7t-2Faw-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Reopening Plan Draft</a>

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI764298NLJKr5gBDb3xty53fjK4-3DRkfw_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5ZCauABDVok13KOUhjz6CBKCxZQu1EYwuTbVCAHwZ7HwojPK89hcWaNwUjYmyf7uM-2Bysz0ed5KZUSlT-2FXQn-2BG-2BXRpwJYBbnhBo-2F3mq4w6b0fdpLbUqy9Xg7MjYNIxJcbtzrQMSSJevuaNWsecbm7p7GwrWRjO46-2BYQJagBPaLdP4-3D" target="_blank">Parent Choice Off-Site Learning FAQ</a>

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76423z7Dq51iyRhONpncXgpeZ0-3D9w5q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5d8n-2BPa7h7d6TYm9DmirSZtTCDV-2BIHST6j6Sy1teAxAuPeW-2FfyI2sCOWoLD-2BW3D71jKrdJyqObx8Jj-2FwVHtl5gdVOWWLXQXBR3cKvu-2FZ7kpdtSrS77rmOJZEC6r3GgqC4-2FhpGH46tJyctN03ojL1Xtr71tDFbPWWnwADrp72ikBs-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Timeline</a>

Hays USD 489 released the following draft reopening plan to staff and student families Thursday afternoon.The yet-to-be-approved plan includes options for on-site, hybrid or remote learning, as well as face masks and temperature checks for those attending classes in person.Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.Read the entire plan by following the links below:Hays USD 489Parents/Guardians and Staff,Thank you, all, for your patience and support as USD 489 develops a plan for safely reopening our schools.&nbsp; It is our hope that the documents provided will help answer any questions you may have as we approach the start of the 2020-21 school year.&nbsp; Feedback can be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiXM4XolnezRJ3AIi3QrZ8nioZlnhBEqMdZKMpUEnioWMTaujZtYoc-2FDDA2tGoT7fY8-3D2X86_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5V4KeKXf0FAq3PATlLP7mYEt1Rnu-2BvL2vi-2Bxlrt-2FUUv8WAhrW3zgbHzaXS80C8T7BwaW-2Bkr4Ud0o-2B0Egv3XhU6N5O-2B5f-2FCyFi-2F4Dob9jF60Pzv0tApv1EcCKVGo8CY67HtwlW-2BTmqdlBFuG6P4DDi0EeSd1DlHwMA-2Be3IkR1KqKg-3D" target="_blank">Reopening page</a>&nbsp;of the district website.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please check the district website frequently as it will be updated when new information becomes available.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiUpY2an3DEkyCvGpT42rAw8ZctXCmwhN7IRN5AZmoPiviNEO6kUwOplVnmpp4BLbGtwMKe108Unimq81xn7Wayi5vHc_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5C5u2y58mAR7TE2SEVANzvaKWegohVaZ-2B5ebrKgkH0VZ8j3ubOD58X4lkyoLOW6oIZcroN1mWfehQqPFgH9zVE2s1AiIoGxi1pjL4j2uZpGz5fSrM0g6vkNSNAGZzl0B3tVZXseetb0xEL6FB-2BAooWAIU4ob6qrRNl9n1mcWP-2Brw-3D" target="_blank">Enrollment information</a>&nbsp;can be found on the website as well.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76420P7x-2BNJOUzJZen-2FyacKw8c-3DrE2q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5TSEzQ0UhkNUZNnHX6HgNaUCQD4fS4-2FcyfIcvIslQuJ9HR3MDP2oA-2F3ZeEWEoyjpsdWmO9QZzleXMExKgAM-2BY-2BuKsj4Y6372SamSI6iFp7NtF7eBTEz4JBIB7tNUeXuSgFRGQnovrD5PGlnttewEh2rc0EqsMJO58T54WSb7t-2Faw-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Reopening Plan Draft</a><a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI764298NLJKr5gBDb3xty53fjK4-3DRkfw_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5ZCauABDVok13KOUhjz6CBKCxZQu1EYwuTbVCAHwZ7HwojPK89hcWaNwUjYmyf7uM-2Bysz0ed5KZUSlT-2FXQn-2BG-2BXRpwJYBbnhBo-2F3mq4w6b0fdpLbUqy9Xg7MjYNIxJcbtzrQMSSJevuaNWsecbm7p7GwrWRjO46-2BYQJagBPaLdP4-3D" target="_blank">Parent Choice Off-Site Learning FAQ</a><a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76423z7Dq51iyRhONpncXgpeZ0-3D9w5q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5d8n-2BPa7h7d6TYm9DmirSZtTCDV-2BIHST6j6Sy1teAxAuPeW-2FfyI2sCOWoLD-2BW3D71jKrdJyqObx8Jj-2FwVHtl5gdVOWWLXQXBR3cKvu-2FZ7kpdtSrS77rmOJZEC6r3GgqC4-2FhpGH46tJyctN03ojL1Xtr71tDFbPWWnwADrp72ikBs-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Timeline</a>

Hays USD 489 shares draft of reopening proposal

On Thursday evening, the Hays City Commission approved a mandatory face covering requirement.

According to the decision, face coverings in many public situations will be required as of 8 a.m. Monday. The requirement will expire midnight Aug. 31.

There is a list of 10 exceptions to the rule, including children younger than the age of 8.

Check Hays Post for more on this developing story as information becomes available.

On Thursday evening, the Hays City Commission approved a mandatory face covering requirement.According to the decision, face coverings in many public situations will be required as of 8 a.m. Monday. The requirement will expire midnight Aug. 31.There is a list of 10 exceptions to the rule, including children younger than the age of 8.Check Hays Post for more on this developing story as information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595554137114.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Commission Dustin Roths addresses the city commission Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Commission Dustin Roths addresses the city commission Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595554355706.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595554376879.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

BREAKING: Hays City Commission approves face mask requirement

HILL CITY — The Graham County Health Department on Wednesday reported the first case of a resident testing positive for COVID-19 at Dawson Place, a Hill City nursing home.

The health department said a female resident in her 60s tested positive for coronavirus on Monday and is currently in isolation.

"Officials plan to test all employees and residents immediately. KDHE has been contacted for further advice regarding isolation procedures," the department said in a social media announcement. "Officials indicate that the 'no visitors' policy will continue at the nursing home until further notice."

Graham County has had a total of 10 positive cases of COVID-19 since reporting began.

HILL CITY — The Graham County Health Department on Wednesday reported the first case of a resident testing positive for COVID-19 at Dawson Place, a Hill City nursing home.The health department said a female resident in her 60s tested positive for coronavirus on Monday and is currently in isolation."Officials plan to test all employees and residents immediately. KDHE has been contacted for further advice regarding isolation procedures," the department said in a social media announcement. "Officials indicate that the 'no visitors' policy will continue at the nursing home until further notice."Graham County has had a total of 10 positive cases of COVID-19 since reporting began.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10158915830494653%26id%3D154973624652&width=500" width="500" height="303" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Positive virus case identified in Graham Co. nursing home

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced today that one resident at the Norton Correctional Facility’s Stockton Satellite Facility tested positive for COVID-19. This is the eighth KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

The resident at NCF is a male over the age of 30. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for staff and residents was implemented on July 3.

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

“As positive COVID-19 cases in Kansas continue to rise toward record levels, family members are undoubtedly worried about their loved ones in our prison system,” Zmuda said. “All of our residents are important to us and we will work diligently to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.”

The Norton Correctional Facility opened in the buildings of the former Norton State Hospital in 1987. Minimum- to low-medium-custody residents are housed in the Central Unit with a capacity of 849. In 1988, the East Unit opened in a converted farm implement dealership building in Stockton to house minimum-custody residents. The East Unit has a capacity of 128.

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at&nbsp;<a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus">kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doc.ks.gov%2Fkdoc-coronavirus-updates&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cb756a25af8294ed429df08d82f27790a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637311194486139925&amp;sdata=4QOmI6LhHHjo5SlkFAwurxF499O27iEazMhBb28Wxfo%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595523030600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOC&nbsp;TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced today that one resident at the Norton Correctional Facility’s Stockton Satellite Facility tested positive for COVID-19. This is the eighth KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.The resident at NCF is a male over the age of 30. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for staff and residents was implemented on July 3.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ul>
 <li>The East Unit, consisting of 96 men, will quarantine in place for a minimum of 14 days</li><li>Testing of the entire living unit and staff will be conducted</li><li>Contact tracing was conducted to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ul>“As positive COVID-19 cases in Kansas continue to rise toward record levels, family members are undoubtedly worried about their loved ones in our prison system,” Zmuda said. “All of our residents are important to us and we will work diligently to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.”The Norton Correctional Facility opened in the buildings of the former Norton State Hospital in 1987. Minimum- to low-medium-custody residents are housed in the Central Unit with a capacity of 849. In 1988, the East Unit opened in a converted farm implement dealership building in Stockton to house minimum-custody residents. The East Unit has a capacity of 128.For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at&nbsp;<a href="http://kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus">kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doc.ks.gov%2Fkdoc-coronavirus-updates&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cb756a25af8294ed429df08d82f27790a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637311194486139925&amp;sdata=4QOmI6LhHHjo5SlkFAwurxF499O27iEazMhBb28Wxfo%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates</a>.

Correctional facility in Stockton confirms COVID-19 case

New positive cases of COVID-19 are being reported in in northwest Kansas counties.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e0ec0171-2334-4413-83d8-d35d3a85c47b">Ellis County reported 10 new cases</a> of coronavirus since Monday.&nbsp;

In Phillips County, another death associated with an outbreak at Logan Manor was reported Tuesday by the health department. A 75-year-old female died early Tuesday afternoon, the department reported. There are now 20 active cases — 40 overall — identified in Phillips County.

In Graham County, where a cluster of cases were identified after a dance, there have been nine cases and two hospitalizations.

Thomas County has seven active cases and 25 total, including two hospitalizations, since reporting began.

In Rooks County, two new cases were announced Wednesday, and an additional positive was also identified in Russell County. There are currently three active cases of the virus in Rush County, with two recovered.

Trego County announced Tuesday its third and fourth cases have recovered, bringing the number of active cases to zero.

Two northwest Kansas counties — Wallace and Rawlins — remain the only counties in Kansas without a reported case of COVID-19.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc906249-3316-4798-91b0-483d30b1825f">Click HERE for a statewide update of cases from the KDHE.</a>

New positive cases of COVID-19 are being reported in in northwest Kansas counties.On Wednesday, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e0ec0171-2334-4413-83d8-d35d3a85c47b">Ellis County reported 10 new cases</a> of coronavirus since Monday.&nbsp;In Phillips County, another death associated with an outbreak at Logan Manor was reported Tuesday by the health department. A 75-year-old female died early Tuesday afternoon, the department reported. There are now 20 active cases — 40 overall — identified in Phillips County.In Graham County, where a cluster of cases were identified after a dance, there have been nine cases and two hospitalizations.Thomas County has seven active cases and 25 total, including two hospitalizations, since reporting began.In Rooks County, two new cases were announced Wednesday, and an additional positive was also identified in Russell County. There are currently three active cases of the virus in Rush County, with two recovered.Trego County announced Tuesday its third and fourth cases have recovered, bringing the number of active cases to zero.Two northwest Kansas counties — Wallace and Rawlins — remain the only counties in Kansas without a reported case of COVID-19.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc906249-3316-4798-91b0-483d30b1825f">Click HERE for a statewide update of cases from the KDHE.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frussellcountyhealthdept%2Fposts%2F2622888831295037&width=500" width="500" height="673" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

NW Kan. counties reporting new cases of coronavirus

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county since Monday.

There are now 39 active cases and 97 total cases — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/313e8963-6312-45d5-960d-9605f464bab1">including one death</a> — since reporting began.

"Fifty percent of our new active cases are familial contacts of another positive that reside in the same home," the department said in a news release. "Ellis County is not isolating well inside the home. If a known positive resides in the home, the positive cannot use shared spaces."

Contacts of the new cases will be notified and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/afd26628-fb8b-4d1b-8aa3-8262a92c5c8b">On Monday, the Ellis County Commission opted against requiring face coverings,</a> an issue the Hays City Commission is expected to discuss Thursday.

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county since Monday.There are now 39 active cases and 97 total cases — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/313e8963-6312-45d5-960d-9605f464bab1">including one death</a> — since reporting began."Fifty percent of our new active cases are familial contacts of another positive that reside in the same home," the department said in a news release. "Ellis County is not isolating well inside the home. If a known positive resides in the home, the positive cannot use shared spaces."Contacts of the new cases will be notified and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/afd26628-fb8b-4d1b-8aa3-8262a92c5c8b">On Monday, the Ellis County Commission opted against requiring face coverings,</a> an issue the Hays City Commission is expected to discuss Thursday.Read the entire release below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595438857076.png" alt="" />
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Ten new cases: 'Ellis County is not isolating well inside the home'

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.

As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?

“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.

“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.

The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.

Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.

“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”

By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”

“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.

“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.

But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.

“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.

If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.

And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”

Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595414351557.png" alt="President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366343118.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366561351.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump embraces masks in an about-face

Children can be safe to return to school in the fall, but parents and schools will need to take precautions, a group of doctors from the University Kansas Health Systems said during a press conference Monday.

Not only is going back to school possible, but it is probably in the best interest of the children, the group said.

The team at the University of Kansas Health Systems invited&nbsp;Dr. Angie Myers, division director of Infectious Diseases; Dr. Jennifer Goldman,&nbsp;pediatric infectious diseases, from Children's Mercy Hospital; and Psychologist Danielle Johnson with the University of Kansas Health System, to discuss COVID-19 as children prepare to return to school in the fall.

Doctor: Children less likely to transmit disease than adults

Goldman said children are not being impacted by the virus the same as adults. Children's Mercy has tested more than 7,300 children with only 188 positives and two hospitalizations.

Goldman also cited a study out of South Korea that found children 9 and younger had very low transmission rates of COVID-19 to other people even within their own households.

Even though children are less likely to transmit the disease, Myers said if you have to care for a small child that has COVID-19, you still need to frequently clean high-touch surfaces, wash hands frequently, try to avoid kissing on the mouth or face, and try to avoid eating or drinking after each other. Depending on the age of the child, you may also choose to wear a mask at home.

Children still need hugs when they are sick, but a family may choose to designate one parent as a caregiver for an infected child, the doctors said.

Goldman said schools cover gaps for children, including providing nutrition, socialization and social services. Schools are also mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect.

"We all acknowledge that in-person learning provides opportunities and support that remote learning just can't,"&nbsp;Goldman said. "We know all children don't have access to excellent internet and electronics to perform remote learning or potentially the safe environment that is needed to stay at home and learn effectively."

Schools, parents will need to take precautions

Goldman said she did think schools could reopen with in-person learning, but they would have to take significant precautions.

Some of the mitigating factors have been what the doctors have been preaching throughout the pandemic — physical distancing, mask wearing and screening.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said mask wearing can occur for children older than 2.

If a child has symptoms, they must not return to school until they can be evaluated for COVID-19,&nbsp;Goldman said. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has many symptoms that are the same as the common cold.

Is your child emotionally ready to go back to school?

Whether a child is psychologically ready to go back to school may depend on several factors, including if your child has a pre-existing condition, the child's age and if they are a worrisome child already,&nbsp;Johnson said.

"We already have some worrisome kids who are already nervous about going back to school," she said.

They are asking questions, such as "What if I get sick?" "What if I get my family sick?" and "What if I can't see my friends?"

"In talking to kiddos, I say there are some things we can't answer because we don't know. We don't have all the answers, but these are the things I am going to do to keep you safe," Johnson said.

Talk to kids about their role in staying safe

Johnson talks to her own children about how she wears a mask and face shield at work to keep herself safe. She said parents who decide to send their children back to school for in-person classes can talk to the children about things they can control to keep themselves safe like wearing masks,&nbsp; washing their hands and sneezing into their elbows.

She lets her youngest son, who is kindergarten, know Mom and Dad will take care of the big stuff and he just needs to concentrate on his role, which is going to school and learning his ABCs.

Johnson echoed some of Goldman's concerns, saying school is important to children's academic, social and emotional development, and that can't be replicated at home.

"By nature and design, having kiddos at school — if they are healthy and they can social distance — is the safest place they can be," she said. "Children's Mercy mentioned safety issues. We have seen the number of mandated [abuse and neglect] reports drop tremendously."

Johnson said children have reported being more sad since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Calls to suicide hotlines have increased, and Johnson said suicide attempts among youth have become more severe.

Many of those suicide survivors she sees in in-patient care are pointing to the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as a contributor to their attempts.

Goldman said European and Australia schools have reopened and have shown that children can learn positive preventive routines.

She said it is important to set expectations, such as mask wearing, early. Videos are available that encouraged kids to wear masks. She said you can make wearing a masks fun and positive by say it is like wearing a superhero costume.

"Kids are a lot more flexible than adults a lot of the time," she said.

Goldman also encourages teachers to wear masks and try to social distance from students. She said school nurses need to be equipped with full personal protective equipment.

Virus will likely not be contained when schools reopen

One of the news conference listeners noted other countries had better containment of the virus when their children returned to school. She asked the doctors if we should return the school before the U.S. has containment of the virus.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention, said the virus is exploding.

"We are seeing changes every day — new totals of daily deaths, new amounts of total daily cases. ... I don't know we are going to be able to temper down those rates anytime soon," he said.

He encouraged everyone to wear masks and social distance. He said he thought the numbers could decrease, which could be helped if people wear masks, but not to the point officials may want by the start of school.

Goldman said rapid testing will be needed for those children and staff who show symptoms of the illness.

Hawkinson said Quest Diagnostics recently received approval for COVID-19 saliva testing, which should help as large number of students and staff return for classes. The University of Kansas announced it will test all students and staff as they return for fall classes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595359506233.jpeg" alt="Dr.&nbsp;Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention; Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer; and&nbsp;Psychologist Danielle Johnson, all of the University of Kansas Health Systems, answer COVID-19 questions during a press conference on Monday." />
 <figcaption>Dr.&nbsp;Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention; Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer; and&nbsp;Psychologist Danielle Johnson, all of the University of Kansas Health Systems, answer COVID-19 questions during a press conference on Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostChildren can be safe to return to school in the fall, but parents and schools will need to take precautions, a group of doctors from the University Kansas Health Systems said during a press conference Monday.Not only is going back to school possible, but it is probably in the best interest of the children, the group said.The team at the University of Kansas Health Systems invited&nbsp;Dr. Angie Myers, division director of Infectious Diseases; Dr. Jennifer Goldman,&nbsp;pediatric infectious diseases, from Children's Mercy Hospital; and Psychologist Danielle Johnson with the University of Kansas Health System, to discuss COVID-19 as children prepare to return to school in the fall.<h2>Doctor: Children less likely to transmit disease than adults</h2>Goldman said children are not being impacted by the virus the same as adults. Children's Mercy has tested more than 7,300 children with only 188 positives and two hospitalizations.Goldman also cited a study out of South Korea that found children 9 and younger had very low transmission rates of COVID-19 to other people even within their own households.Even though children are less likely to transmit the disease, Myers said if you have to care for a small child that has COVID-19, you still need to frequently clean high-touch surfaces, wash hands frequently, try to avoid kissing on the mouth or face, and try to avoid eating or drinking after each other. Depending on the age of the child, you may also choose to wear a mask at home.Children still need hugs when they are sick, but a family may choose to designate one parent as a caregiver for an infected child, the doctors said.Goldman said schools cover gaps for children, including providing nutrition, socialization and social services. Schools are also mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect."We all acknowledge that in-person learning provides opportunities and support that remote learning just can't,"&nbsp;Goldman said. "We know all children don't have access to excellent internet and electronics to perform remote learning or potentially the safe environment that is needed to stay at home and learn effectively."<h2>Schools, parents will need to take precautions</h2>Goldman said she did think schools could reopen with in-person learning, but they would have to take significant precautions.Some of the mitigating factors have been what the doctors have been preaching throughout the pandemic — physical distancing, mask wearing and screening.The American Academy of Pediatrics said mask wearing can occur for children older than 2.If a child has symptoms, they must not return to school until they can be evaluated for COVID-19,&nbsp;Goldman said. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has many symptoms that are the same as the common cold.<h2>Is your child emotionally ready to go back to school?</h2>Whether a child is psychologically ready to go back to school may depend on several factors, including if your child has a pre-existing condition, the child's age and if they are a worrisome child already,&nbsp;Johnson said."We already have some worrisome kids who are already nervous about going back to school," she said.They are asking questions, such as "What if I get sick?" "What if I get my family sick?" and "What if I can't see my friends?""In talking to kiddos, I say there are some things we can't answer because we don't know. We don't have all the answers, but these are the things I am going to do to keep you safe," Johnson said.<h2>Talk to kids about their role in staying safe</h2>Johnson talks to her own children about how she wears a mask and face shield at work to keep herself safe. She said parents who decide to send their children back to school for in-person classes can talk to the children about things they can control to keep themselves safe like wearing masks,&nbsp; washing their hands and sneezing into their elbows.She lets her youngest son, who is kindergarten, know Mom and Dad will take care of the big stuff and he just needs to concentrate on his role, which is going to school and learning his ABCs.Johnson echoed some of Goldman's concerns, saying school is important to children's academic, social and emotional development, and that can't be replicated at home."By nature and design, having kiddos at school — if they are healthy and they can social distance — is the safest place they can be," she said. "Children's Mercy mentioned safety issues. We have seen the number of mandated [abuse and neglect] reports drop tremendously."Johnson said children have reported being more sad since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Calls to suicide hotlines have increased, and Johnson said suicide attempts among youth have become more severe.Many of those suicide survivors she sees in in-patient care are pointing to the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as a contributor to their attempts.<h2>Make mask wearing fun</h2>Goldman said European and Australia schools have reopened and have shown that children can learn positive preventive routines.She said it is important to set expectations, such as mask wearing, early. Videos are available that encouraged kids to wear masks. She said you can make wearing a masks fun and positive by say it is like wearing a superhero costume."Kids are a lot more flexible than adults a lot of the time," she said.Goldman also encourages teachers to wear masks and try to social distance from students. She said school nurses need to be equipped with full personal protective equipment.<h2>Virus will likely not be contained when schools reopen</h2>One of the news conference listeners noted other countries had better containment of the virus when their children returned to school. She asked the doctors if we should return the school before the U.S. has containment of the virus.Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention, said the virus is exploding."We are seeing changes every day — new totals of daily deaths, new amounts of total daily cases. ... I don't know we are going to be able to temper down those rates anytime soon," he said.He encouraged everyone to wear masks and social distance. He said he thought the numbers could decrease, which could be helped if people wear masks, but not to the point officials may want by the start of school.Goldman said rapid testing will be needed for those children and staff who show symptoms of the illness.Hawkinson said Quest Diagnostics recently received approval for COVID-19 saliva testing, which should help as large number of students and staff return for classes. The University of Kansas announced it will test all students and staff as they return for fall classes.<h2>Doctor: Asthma, immunity not factor in kids contracting COVID-19</h2>A parent also asked what families should do about medically fragile children.&nbsp;Myers said the scientific literature indicates children with asthma are not at higher risk than children without asthma in terms of contracting COVID-19. Even children who have had transplants do not seem to have the illness worse than healthy children.However, factors such as heart disease or obesity can be risk factors for kids just as they are for adults.

Coronavirus Update