Saturday's report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated at at 10 a.m&nbsp;

Saturday's report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated at at 10 a.m&nbsp;<figure>
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 5th death reported

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two new states to the quarantine list: Louisiana and Colorado. Previously, just certain counties in Colorado were included. This is effective for persons returning Friday, March 27, and moving forward.

A comprehensive list of those Kansans needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:

Important Note:&nbsp;These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc8ddda7c98114fdc4da508d7d29048a8%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637209389437160095&amp;sdata=IgaAggS9tuEdgdPIkLPHH5lJqypnkC%2Flw0WZAVkRN9c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two new states to the quarantine list: Louisiana and Colorado. Previously, just certain counties in Colorado were included. This is effective for persons returning Friday, March 27, and moving forward.A comprehensive list of those Kansans needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:<ol>
 <li>Traveled to Louisiana or anywhere in Colorado on or after March 27.</li><li>Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (California, Florida, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.</li><li>Traveled to Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.</li><li>Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week of March 8 or after.</li><li>Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Traveled internationally on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.&nbsp; (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)</li>
 </ol>Important Note:&nbsp;These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc8ddda7c98114fdc4da508d7d29048a8%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637209389437160095&amp;sdata=IgaAggS9tuEdgdPIkLPHH5lJqypnkC%2Flw0WZAVkRN9c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

KDHE adds states to travel quarantine list

DUFUR, Ore. (AP) — The social distancing rules repeated like a mantra in America’s urban centers, where the coronavirus is spreading exponentially, might seem silly in wide-open places where neighbors live miles apart and “working from home” means another day spent branding calves or driving a tractor alone through a field.

But as the pandemic spreads through the U.S., those living in rural areas, too, are increasingly threatened. Tiny towns tucked into Oregon’s windswept plains and cattle ranches miles from anywhere in South Dakota might not have had a single case of the new coronavirus, but their main streets are also empty and their medical clinics overwhelmed by the worried.

Residents from rural Alabama to the woods of Vermont to the frozen reaches of Alaska fear the spread of the disease from outsiders, the social isolation that comes when the town’s only diner closes, and economic collapse in places where jobs were already tough to come by.

“Nobody knows what to do and they’re just running in circles, so stay away from me is what I’m saying,” said Mike Filbin, a 70-year-old cattle rancher in Wasco County, Oregon, one of the few parts of the state that has yet to see a case of COVID-19.

“Right now, we’re pretty clean over here, but we’re not immune to nothin’ — and if they start bringing it over, it’ll explode here.”

To make matters worse, some of the most remote communities have limited or no internet access and spotty cellphone service. That makes telecommuting and online learning challenging in an era of blanket school and work closures, and it eliminates the possibility of the FaceTime card games and virtual cocktail hours that urban Americans have turned to in droves to stay connected.

The routine ways that rural Americans connect — a bingo night, stopping in at a local diner or attending a potluck — are suddenly taboo.

“Rural people are reliant on their neighbors and have more confidence and trust in their neighbors,” said Ken Johnson, a senior demographer at the Carsey School of Public Policy and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. “Now you have people who are supposed to self-isolate themselves. What does that mean when people you depend on, in order to help you, are going to put themselves and their families at risk? I don’t know what that will do in rural America.”

Neil Bradshaw, the mayor of Ketchum, Idaho, is starting to see the answer in his own community.

The rural resort town has struggled since the arrival of COVID-19, and he fears if the virus lingers too long, it could devastate it. The town is nestled next door to the tony skiing destination Sun Valley Resort and is known as the second-home haven for dozens of celebrities.

It’s also become the epicenter of Idaho’s caseload, with at least 35 cases and known community spread of the virus. At least 14 of the cases are among health care workers, forcing the town’s small medical workers to bring in replacement staffers from nearby cities.

“Our town thrives on people coming to town, and for the first time in our history we are discouraging visitors,” said Bradshaw, of the town of 2,700 people. “Initially people had different levels of adoption, but there’s tremendous community pressure that we’re all in this together. We’ve gone from being a vibrant town to a ghost town.”

The town’s coffers rely on a local option tax, and if that drops by half the city will have lost $700,000 in revenue, he said.

Some communities have pushed back on shutdowns that have brought daily life to a standstill. Leaders from seven Utah counties, for example, sent a letter earlier this week to Gov. Gary Herbert urging a “return to normalcy,” and said the closure of schools and business was causing panic and hurting the economy.

“As of (Monday, the total deaths attributed to the virus in the United States stands at ninety,” the letter states. “Not nine hundred, not nine thousand, not ninety thousand. Ninety. This number is sure to rise in the near future but we need to keep our wits about us.”

Others worry about outsiders bringing the disease to truly remote areas that aren’t equipped to deal with it. Across the nation, there are over 51,000 general intensive care beds in urban counties, compared with just 5,600 in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press.

Those beds serve a smaller population than in urban areas, but it would still take fewer people in rural areas to overwhelm a typical hospital. In fiscal year 2018, the average rural hospital had eight ICU beds, compared with 20 for a typical hospital in an urban area.

In Georgiana, a small town in southern Alabama, the only hospital closed last year and residents have now been forced to flock to the health clinic instead when a person in a town 5 miles (8 kilometers) away was diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 30% of Georgiana’s 1,600 residents are over age 60, putting them at higher risk with limited medical facilities to serve them, said Mayor Jerome Antone.

The town’s older residents, he said, are “aggressively upset” even though no one there has been diagnosed yet.

In Alaska’s Point Hope, an Inupiat whaling village at the edge of the Arctic Ocean nearly 700 miles&nbsp; north of Anchorage, tribal leaders have been preparing and discussing potential issues such as air travel into town. The state’s limited road system doesn’t reach the community of 900 people, which relies on planes for much of its connection to the outside world.

This week, one of the two airlines that serve Point Hope will begin restricting flights to cargo and passengers with medical or other essential needs.

Still, residents worry the recent deaths of two elders will bring out-of-town mourners for the funerals.

“We have all kinds of different people who come into our village,” said acting Mayor Daisy Sage. “This coronavirus is serious.”

Thousands of miles away, in South Dakota, falling prices for beef are generating as much — or more — worry than the virus.

Sam Stoddard, a cattle rancher near the small community of Kadoka, population 650, said futures markets for beef have dropped up to 30% because of the coronavirus. He’s worried about longtime ranchers being able to hang on.

If the market remains terrible, he said, ranchers can put off selling their calves until later in the year — but no one knows how long the economy will be in upheaval, leaving everyone stressed.

At the same time, the state has not shuttered businesses, leaving residents wondering what to expect next. South Dakota has 30 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

“Normally this time of year we’re more worried about a big blizzard coming in and killing 10% of our calves. You know it’s coming, and you can prepare for it,” said Stoddard, who lives 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the nearest town of any size.

“With this, you don’t know what’s coming or what you should be doing.”

DUFUR, Ore. (AP) — The social distancing rules repeated like a mantra in America’s urban centers, where the coronavirus is spreading exponentially, might seem silly in wide-open places where neighbors live miles apart and “working from home” means another day spent branding calves or driving a tractor alone through a field.But as the pandemic spreads through the U.S., those living in rural areas, too, are increasingly threatened. Tiny towns tucked into Oregon’s windswept plains and cattle ranches miles from anywhere in South Dakota might not have had a single case of the new coronavirus, but their main streets are also empty and their medical clinics overwhelmed by the worried.Residents from rural Alabama to the woods of Vermont to the frozen reaches of Alaska fear the spread of the disease from outsiders, the social isolation that comes when the town’s only diner closes, and economic collapse in places where jobs were already tough to come by.“Nobody knows what to do and they’re just running in circles, so stay away from me is what I’m saying,” said Mike Filbin, a 70-year-old cattle rancher in Wasco County, Oregon, one of the few parts of the state that has yet to see a case of COVID-19.“Right now, we’re pretty clean over here, but we’re not immune to nothin’ — and if they start bringing it over, it’ll explode here.”To make matters worse, some of the most remote communities have limited or no internet access and spotty cellphone service. That makes telecommuting and online learning challenging in an era of blanket school and work closures, and it eliminates the possibility of the FaceTime card games and virtual cocktail hours that urban Americans have turned to in droves to stay connected.The routine ways that rural Americans connect — a bingo night, stopping in at a local diner or attending a potluck — are suddenly taboo.“Rural people are reliant on their neighbors and have more confidence and trust in their neighbors,” said Ken Johnson, a senior demographer at the Carsey School of Public Policy and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. “Now you have people who are supposed to self-isolate themselves. What does that mean when people you depend on, in order to help you, are going to put themselves and their families at risk? I don’t know what that will do in rural America.”Neil Bradshaw, the mayor of Ketchum, Idaho, is starting to see the answer in his own community.The rural resort town has struggled since the arrival of COVID-19, and he fears if the virus lingers too long, it could devastate it. The town is nestled next door to the tony skiing destination Sun Valley Resort and is known as the second-home haven for dozens of celebrities.It’s also become the epicenter of Idaho’s caseload, with at least 35 cases and known community spread of the virus. At least 14 of the cases are among health care workers, forcing the town’s small medical workers to bring in replacement staffers from nearby cities.“Our town thrives on people coming to town, and for the first time in our history we are discouraging visitors,” said Bradshaw, of the town of 2,700 people. “Initially people had different levels of adoption, but there’s tremendous community pressure that we’re all in this together. We’ve gone from being a vibrant town to a ghost town.”The town’s coffers rely on a local option tax, and if that drops by half the city will have lost $700,000 in revenue, he said.Some communities have pushed back on shutdowns that have brought daily life to a standstill. Leaders from seven Utah counties, for example, sent a letter earlier this week to Gov. Gary Herbert urging a “return to normalcy,” and said the closure of schools and business was causing panic and hurting the economy.“As of (Monday, the total deaths attributed to the virus in the United States stands at ninety,” the letter states. “Not nine hundred, not nine thousand, not ninety thousand. Ninety. This number is sure to rise in the near future but we need to keep our wits about us.”Others worry about outsiders bringing the disease to truly remote areas that aren’t equipped to deal with it. Across the nation, there are over 51,000 general intensive care beds in urban counties, compared with just 5,600 in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press.Those beds serve a smaller population than in urban areas, but it would still take fewer people in rural areas to overwhelm a typical hospital. In fiscal year 2018, the average rural hospital had eight ICU beds, compared with 20 for a typical hospital in an urban area.In Georgiana, a small town in southern Alabama, the only hospital closed last year and residents have now been forced to flock to the health clinic instead when a person in a town 5 miles (8 kilometers) away was diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 30% of Georgiana’s 1,600 residents are over age 60, putting them at higher risk with limited medical facilities to serve them, said Mayor Jerome Antone.The town’s older residents, he said, are “aggressively upset” even though no one there has been diagnosed yet.In Alaska’s Point Hope, an Inupiat whaling village at the edge of the Arctic Ocean nearly 700 miles&nbsp; north of Anchorage, tribal leaders have been preparing and discussing potential issues such as air travel into town. The state’s limited road system doesn’t reach the community of 900 people, which relies on planes for much of its connection to the outside world.This week, one of the two airlines that serve Point Hope will begin restricting flights to cargo and passengers with medical or other essential needs.Still, residents worry the recent deaths of two elders will bring out-of-town mourners for the funerals.“We have all kinds of different people who come into our village,” said acting Mayor Daisy Sage. “This coronavirus is serious.”Thousands of miles away, in South Dakota, falling prices for beef are generating as much — or more — worry than the virus.Sam Stoddard, a cattle rancher near the small community of Kadoka, population 650, said futures markets for beef have dropped up to 30% because of the coronavirus. He’s worried about longtime ranchers being able to hang on.If the market remains terrible, he said, ranchers can put off selling their calves until later in the year — but no one knows how long the economy will be in upheaval, leaving everyone stressed.At the same time, the state has not shuttered businesses, leaving residents wondering what to expect next. South Dakota has 30 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.“Normally this time of year we’re more worried about a big blizzard coming in and killing 10% of our calves. You know it’s coming, and you can prepare for it,” said Stoddard, who lives 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the nearest town of any size.“With this, you don’t know what’s coming or what you should be doing.”___

Rural America watches pandemic erupt in cities as fear grows

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package, calling the bill much-needed relief for American workers reeling from the economic tumult caused by the coronavirus.

Trump signed the bill in Oval Office ceremony surrounded by Republican lawmakers and members of his administration shortly after the Democratic-controlled House approved the massive spending package. Under the plan, many single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child.

The signing came the after the U.S. government on Thursday reported nearly 3.3 million new weekly jobless claims. The U.S. death toll has surpassed 1,200 from the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585342982232.png" alt="President Trump signed the bill Friday afternoon -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the bill Friday afternoon -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package, calling the bill much-needed relief for American workers reeling from the economic tumult caused by the coronavirus.Trump signed the bill in Oval Office ceremony surrounded by Republican lawmakers and members of his administration shortly after the Democratic-controlled House approved the massive spending package. Under the plan, many single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child.The signing came the after the U.S. government on Thursday reported nearly 3.3 million new weekly jobless claims. The U.S. death toll has surpassed 1,200 from the virus.___

Trump signs $2.2 Trillion virus relief package

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🎤Post Podcast: Hays leaders share COVID-19 information

On Friday, Rooks County joined the list of counties in Kansas that has issued a stay at home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The order goes into effect at 1 p.m. Saturday, will last 30 days and restricts residents to essential activities.

The full order from the Rooks County Health Officer can be seen below.

On Friday, Rooks County joined the list of counties in Kansas that has issued a stay at home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;The order goes into effect at 1 p.m. Saturday, will last 30 days and restricts residents to essential activities.The full order from the Rooks County Health Officer can be seen below.<figure>
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Rooks County issues 30-day stay-at-home order

Salina Regional Health Center was informed Thursday night that one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, commissioners in Saline County issued a 30-day stay-at-home order that is scheduled to begin 12:01 a.m. Monday.

A full investigation of the positive coronavirus case, as outlined by CDC and KDHE, is underway to determine previous contacts with the employee, according to the health department. Any patient, visitor or employee that is deemed at risk for potential exposure will be notified by Infection Control with further instructions.&nbsp;

"While it's unknown how or when our staff member gained exposure to COVID-19, it's not a surprise to anyone. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in nearby communities throughout our region. We anticipate that COVID-19 also is present in Saline County, however, without the ability to test everyone, many cases cannot be laboratory confirmed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Salina Regional Health Center makes the health and well-being of our staff and our patients a top priority.&nbsp; We continue to screen all patients and visitors to our facilities.&nbsp; Our staff members self-screen daily before reporting to work following CDC and KDHE guidelines. Those who do not pass the screening questions are asked not to report to work.

Proper social distancing, hand hygiene and recognition of the symptoms of COVID-19 remain our best defense against the spread of the virus. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or suspect you've gained exposure to COVID-19, contact your medical provider or one of our clinics for the best way to proceed with care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Regional Health Center was informed Thursday night that one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;On Friday afternoon, commissioners in Saline County issued a 30-day stay-at-home order that is scheduled to begin 12:01 a.m. Monday.A full investigation of the positive coronavirus case, as outlined by CDC and KDHE, is underway to determine previous contacts with the employee, according to the health department. Any patient, visitor or employee that is deemed at risk for potential exposure will be notified by Infection Control with further instructions.&nbsp;"While it's unknown how or when our staff member gained exposure to COVID-19, it's not a surprise to anyone. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in nearby communities throughout our region. We anticipate that COVID-19 also is present in Saline County, however, without the ability to test everyone, many cases cannot be laboratory confirmed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center makes the health and well-being of our staff and our patients a top priority.&nbsp; We continue to screen all patients and visitors to our facilities.&nbsp; Our staff members self-screen daily before reporting to work following CDC and KDHE guidelines. Those who do not pass the screening questions are asked not to report to work.Proper social distancing, hand hygiene and recognition of the symptoms of COVID-19 remain our best defense against the spread of the virus. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or suspect you've gained exposure to COVID-19, contact your medical provider or one of our clinics for the best way to proceed with care.

Salina confirms positive coronavirus test; County issues stay-at-home order

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City-area man in his 80s with underlying health concerns is the fourth person in Kansas to die of the coronavirus, state health officials said Friday. He was diagnosed Monday and died Thursday, according to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City health department.

The University of Kansas Health System reported Friday that it is treating 18 confirmed cases, including 10 in intensive care.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The other three people who died also lived in the Kansas City area.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City-area man in his 80s with underlying health concerns is the fourth person in Kansas to die of the coronavirus, state health officials said Friday. He was diagnosed Monday and died Thursday, according to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City health department.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F2275555782749312%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="512" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The University of Kansas Health System reported Friday that it is treating 18 confirmed cases, including 10 in intensive care.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585342862461.jpeg" alt="COVID-19 March 27 2020_.jpg" />
 <figcaption>COVID-19 March 27 2020_.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The other three people who died also lived in the Kansas City area.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

🎥  The Latest Kansas coronavirus numbers; death toll grows to 4

SEDGWICK COUNTY— The spread of the coronavirus across Kansas prompted officials to set some inmates free.

Sedgwick County announced Thursday it had released about 200 inmates from the county jail to free space to isolate inmates who become ill with the virus in the coming weeks.

 According to Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett.

"On March 12, the jail provided my office a list of everyone in the jail (including those housed at the annex or out-of-county). 

 We started with 1,645 inmates involving 1,689 district court cases; From there we whittled out defendants being held of cases with SL4 and above which got us down to 1307 cases involving 1038 defendants.

From that group 154 are awaiting sentencing (according to a list provided by a the district court); 

There had been approximately 95 cases awaiting a hearing for a probation violation according to information from the jail earlier this week. (that number changed by Friday)


 
We went through the list and identified 150 people last week that could be released on bond without posing a community safety risk – namely, traffic cases; property crimes; drug cases.  Efforts are under way currently to go through the remaining cases again to look for additional cases that may be viable for release without posing a community safety risk. 


 
We started the process of handling probation violation hearings Wednesday.&nbsp; More probation violation hearings and sentencing hearings are being scheduled.  We continue to work with the defense counsel to provide the court with lists of cases ready for hearing while complying with victim notification requirements."

The state reported Thursday that it has at least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c043c295047975299ee4e582efcb8964">168 confirmed cases</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>, an increase of 42 from Wednesday. Three corornavirus-related deaths have been reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583595393760.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— The spread of the coronavirus across Kansas prompted officials to set some inmates free.Sedgwick County announced Thursday it had released about 200 inmates from the county jail to free space to isolate inmates who become ill with the virus in the coming weeks. According to Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett."On March 12, the jail provided my office a list of everyone in the jail (including those housed at the annex or out-of-county). We started with 1,645 inmates involving 1,689 district court cases; From there we whittled out defendants being held of cases with SL4 and above which got us down to 1307 cases involving 1038 defendants.From that group 154 are awaiting sentencing (according to a list provided by a the district court); There had been approximately 95 cases awaiting a hearing for a probation violation according to information from the jail earlier this week. (that number changed by Friday)
 
We went through the list and identified 150 people last week that could be released on bond without posing a community safety risk – namely, traffic cases; property crimes; drug cases. Efforts are under way currently to go through the remaining cases again to look for additional cases that may be viable for release without posing a community safety risk. 
 
We started the process of handling probation violation hearings Wednesday.&nbsp; More probation violation hearings and sentencing hearings are being scheduled. We continue to work with the defense counsel to provide the court with lists of cases ready for hearing while complying with victim notification requirements."The state reported Thursday that it has at least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c043c295047975299ee4e582efcb8964">168 confirmed cases</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>, an increase of 42 from Wednesday. Three corornavirus-related deaths have been reported.

Some Kansas inmates set free amid coronavirus outbreak

QUNITER—Gove County Health Department is announcing the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Gove County.

The case involves a young, healthy female with out-of-state travel. 

Gove County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible. 

We will be monitoring these contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. 

No further information about the patient will be released.

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2FCOVID-19_Resource_Center.htm%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1ObII8jE143JjI3haf0LRV6zQreJR08zyuL7Mfus8HnzSu10vwldATl4Y&amp;h=AT1W2yksjM6WdPQe97BSy5tb2i-ANpvjlwxkcA5PKMgEBDChoZf0KcrfkF5pMUgECcI_YH4c-d0he7MIB8kFRPZj2B_2IwdjA2J1s1F77ccUlc6RQ5ZpyXu3JcQ-i4VqEj8QtYJxMSX9mKPoh4VRHpE12V_bGoSVw2_oPMQh4fXqyHR6wezP5BZO4JuXebObOp9vb3v2HvfElL91SI6pvWomPD6x80LyiGpnnWhHHJI1UWso8dxH74C7w-4teKwxW8LH9Oh1emjfIrugBfHO1uZj8GppnERvfUqRLETxleGZIY4yt0nffAwZNuqx5RFf7HSWPFlvNIWghHwcH8pvf2wMpcQUis1A8ZxH8fTMu1sz5DHXhQP7IVEIefQlbtdoLU3ELyTuH-6n7c4Qo56Leit7zJPdZ_jfl7E9PKBBVYukOD-fPxBN8qmOniUtAmEn5qMt0aPX26ObrZU9iGtQ81RgKQv_ioZcZfOukahPMlkmui7PmRSouSRSVvv8tlcbCl86QmUYjru-QCfHFl7Zc5OtCEFz9Sp4jgR5KvA9x1bDeIUkaCk-HL7JzYHp_tcJfYFILvOSB3k-SAl8P4waLNVPLsQk0Q1Xx-hEG-QsvKx8kqCD25CD_OeU2zvf">KDHE has released guidelines for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease.</a>

Gove County will have in place Friday, March 27 at 8 a.m. an Emergency Order of Local Health Officer to Stay at Home. 

This order will be in place for 30 days. 

<a href="http://govecountyks.org/health/">Please check the Gove County Health Department website for more details on this emergency order.</a>

The Gove County Health Officer is still recommending the following:

• People avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent they can.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.

• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet from other people.

Gove County Health Department has worked closely on these decisions with numerous community partners, including Gove County Government, Gove County Emergency Management, Gove County Medical Center and Bluestem Medical.

Gove County residents can stay informed by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgovecountyks.org%2Fhealth%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0n0T7nYQrD8m3JSZyC9NUh4llz-7dCei2Y0tKRK0PM1FU3A56kRnEMxXU&amp;h=AT0VuMPpK8BFQi106H7xAKS6Cko5HBk0YWSdcV9Nj2JUV0DzQF5X85tFpNK6jECv5lbqSwLUejygYvyHdaxUR4Su4_4Nco-eLKo4BwISrIbvTPDPuxynfshX8DOZxZ9LtU-hFoIdbVsoLQZ7VyzXLAi24RSL9N5TzizoploxVxPZZx9gTFYkv6YBiDlQfdId6hwEnVMVtFp1yhh7CAedg60PC4R3dVxCh-0kV6JKOSvVJhYSr9pIfEZ-NIOL5HkIy76PxHV1TniujKJrLz8gntuFHaOX2NIZh4Lf0ZWhtnVswfxuGk4F57IT-qGj6ZXc3b8060SNLEuq4rswCcCKdbENeFRx35yRcKpYFxSWJyx4fqKwQ7q1I3PGmV7CxFaVE9zp-caA1mOeFdGslcDiSzhvXBqT7PE94XjLjkFLapGDIso70MKN52fhzqOUnRD--l-z-i01wJytPxBHI_CEnSeb0fKah7Yl__q6z26eXTH-LrcnZR7wS-5cUUS1dYuKuDvdjZVHIaSGHHJIEMkSi9t25tOrVVQygbRfiO5f9zQIx71QWYI4R7loIIWn_xubuj2abObXkGYsbEuiw8j7DTupZLvAmEQ8EIzXJHvp7PTeaZPur3Y4hxMYpWR4" target="_blank">govecountyks.org/health</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR39sv0x4QXsy59hcOyiNpE5yNV_4nU1Vu93fomJ1xojs1XOP7HJrHVQ9Ys&amp;h=AT1NyV7uYR2IJMHmfDrOuMJB7zIt-rt7S-2l-3rkhG5tYEuXTHYHErmY5PwJF8ad4naZZqUXyK8GwLMMQaHlveilTARgQBArglpIXMrya276ouCI4M1nFETd30u8hZ4o1Sz02sHPTFzN1swyXxv2gnuAYwF1Ocl9kqgbOnXJ_zLp073dbBEXyTVlZhn3N2bW95iTAcgTj7HuPXRon2RujSNKIGY6ce2Xe7bIccvpIPcBcd-kJWlhoTpGZT5jXly2wLI0vTNmO8PeX9FR2Na98_MWsqIJsyp9mHw0Y5r3_79IvcFq3WQARhBn752tIXIWaKZghuRlxAjyfB2yJm9DmpmIQvzB4jH1KeLFXxgpdGHyx4Pg1YpnSlg6XzZwVbttWbacsxn3eQq_oQxARrUxrm7Vbx_X-xS6ea5QZqQSSxScaqV2j-7BxWxxwhyn-VPM_QEKbT6MrBujSIMQx0dkQ0wuUliY9vhqPTy59DeEU1WK9o3bbdB4AzwVKTWigco7UnpIyqkscL_3zKjkbGWUV8xJ9j4YDvWGyri4e1MQln26GnZ5JZHDev4b0KAZrJ6n4Vh1tARg24rha3dFDWn5qbUTka108LTEtBaXzDAzFXcrdRmnS2_SkrZTESUo" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR2mNoNrJYybuBy5CdySDTuRamz8-efQkOgdP9s55TcSkOwEB1J9TKf-ayQ" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.

For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email COVID-19@ks.gov. 

You may also contact the Gove County phone bank at 785-754-2311 or email: c.goetz@gchd.onmicrosoft.com. 

Gove County Medical Center is available by phone at 785-754-5155.

For Questions or concerns related to the Gove County Covid-19 please call 833-877-0146 or 785-754-2311.

Gove County Health DepartmentQUNITER—Gove County Health Department is announcing the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Gove County.The case involves a young, healthy female with out-of-state travel. Gove County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible. We will be monitoring these contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2FCOVID-19_Resource_Center.htm%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1ObII8jE143JjI3haf0LRV6zQreJR08zyuL7Mfus8HnzSu10vwldATl4Y&amp;h=AT1W2yksjM6WdPQe97BSy5tb2i-ANpvjlwxkcA5PKMgEBDChoZf0KcrfkF5pMUgECcI_YH4c-d0he7MIB8kFRPZj2B_2IwdjA2J1s1F77ccUlc6RQ5ZpyXu3JcQ-i4VqEj8QtYJxMSX9mKPoh4VRHpE12V_bGoSVw2_oPMQh4fXqyHR6wezP5BZO4JuXebObOp9vb3v2HvfElL91SI6pvWomPD6x80LyiGpnnWhHHJI1UWso8dxH74C7w-4teKwxW8LH9Oh1emjfIrugBfHO1uZj8GppnERvfUqRLETxleGZIY4yt0nffAwZNuqx5RFf7HSWPFlvNIWghHwcH8pvf2wMpcQUis1A8ZxH8fTMu1sz5DHXhQP7IVEIefQlbtdoLU3ELyTuH-6n7c4Qo56Leit7zJPdZ_jfl7E9PKBBVYukOD-fPxBN8qmOniUtAmEn5qMt0aPX26ObrZU9iGtQ81RgKQv_ioZcZfOukahPMlkmui7PmRSouSRSVvv8tlcbCl86QmUYjru-QCfHFl7Zc5OtCEFz9Sp4jgR5KvA9x1bDeIUkaCk-HL7JzYHp_tcJfYFILvOSB3k-SAl8P4waLNVPLsQk0Q1Xx-hEG-QsvKx8kqCD25CD_OeU2zvf">KDHE has released guidelines for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease.</a>Gove County will have in place Friday, March 27 at 8 a.m. an Emergency Order of Local Health Officer to Stay at Home. This order will be in place for 30 days. <a href="http://govecountyks.org/health/">Please check the Gove County Health Department website for more details on this emergency order.</a>The Gove County Health Officer is still recommending the following:• People avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent they can.• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet from other people.Gove County Health Department has worked closely on these decisions with numerous community partners, including Gove County Government, Gove County Emergency Management, Gove County Medical Center and Bluestem Medical.Gove County residents can stay informed by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgovecountyks.org%2Fhealth%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0n0T7nYQrD8m3JSZyC9NUh4llz-7dCei2Y0tKRK0PM1FU3A56kRnEMxXU&amp;h=AT0VuMPpK8BFQi106H7xAKS6Cko5HBk0YWSdcV9Nj2JUV0DzQF5X85tFpNK6jECv5lbqSwLUejygYvyHdaxUR4Su4_4Nco-eLKo4BwISrIbvTPDPuxynfshX8DOZxZ9LtU-hFoIdbVsoLQZ7VyzXLAi24RSL9N5TzizoploxVxPZZx9gTFYkv6YBiDlQfdId6hwEnVMVtFp1yhh7CAedg60PC4R3dVxCh-0kV6JKOSvVJhYSr9pIfEZ-NIOL5HkIy76PxHV1TniujKJrLz8gntuFHaOX2NIZh4Lf0ZWhtnVswfxuGk4F57IT-qGj6ZXc3b8060SNLEuq4rswCcCKdbENeFRx35yRcKpYFxSWJyx4fqKwQ7q1I3PGmV7CxFaVE9zp-caA1mOeFdGslcDiSzhvXBqT7PE94XjLjkFLapGDIso70MKN52fhzqOUnRD--l-z-i01wJytPxBHI_CEnSeb0fKah7Yl__q6z26eXTH-LrcnZR7wS-5cUUS1dYuKuDvdjZVHIaSGHHJIEMkSi9t25tOrVVQygbRfiO5f9zQIx71QWYI4R7loIIWn_xubuj2abObXkGYsbEuiw8j7DTupZLvAmEQ8EIzXJHvp7PTeaZPur3Y4hxMYpWR4" target="_blank">govecountyks.org/health</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR39sv0x4QXsy59hcOyiNpE5yNV_4nU1Vu93fomJ1xojs1XOP7HJrHVQ9Ys&amp;h=AT1NyV7uYR2IJMHmfDrOuMJB7zIt-rt7S-2l-3rkhG5tYEuXTHYHErmY5PwJF8ad4naZZqUXyK8GwLMMQaHlveilTARgQBArglpIXMrya276ouCI4M1nFETd30u8hZ4o1Sz02sHPTFzN1swyXxv2gnuAYwF1Ocl9kqgbOnXJ_zLp073dbBEXyTVlZhn3N2bW95iTAcgTj7HuPXRon2RujSNKIGY6ce2Xe7bIccvpIPcBcd-kJWlhoTpGZT5jXly2wLI0vTNmO8PeX9FR2Na98_MWsqIJsyp9mHw0Y5r3_79IvcFq3WQARhBn752tIXIWaKZghuRlxAjyfB2yJm9DmpmIQvzB4jH1KeLFXxgpdGHyx4Pg1YpnSlg6XzZwVbttWbacsxn3eQq_oQxARrUxrm7Vbx_X-xS6ea5QZqQSSxScaqV2j-7BxWxxwhyn-VPM_QEKbT6MrBujSIMQx0dkQ0wuUliY9vhqPTy59DeEU1WK9o3bbdB4AzwVKTWigco7UnpIyqkscL_3zKjkbGWUV8xJ9j4YDvWGyri4e1MQln26GnZ5JZHDev4b0KAZrJ6n4Vh1tARg24rha3dFDWn5qbUTka108LTEtBaXzDAzFXcrdRmnS2_SkrZTESUo" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR2mNoNrJYybuBy5CdySDTuRamz8-efQkOgdP9s55TcSkOwEB1J9TKf-ayQ" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email COVID-19@ks.gov. You may also contact the Gove County phone bank at 785-754-2311 or email: c.goetz@gchd.onmicrosoft.com. Gove County Medical Center is available by phone at 785-754-5155.For Questions or concerns related to the Gove County Covid-19 please call 833-877-0146 or 785-754-2311.

First case of coronavirus reported in NW Kansas

<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">Click here </a>to see the worldwide map of confirmed cases

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. coronavirus infections surged to top the world amid warnings that the pandemic is accelerating in cities like New York, Chicago and Detroit, while a record $2.2 trillion emergency package neared final approval Friday by Congress to help millions of newly unemployed Americans and struggling companies.

The situation in countries with even more fragile health care systems grew more dire on Friday. Russia, Indonesia and South Africa all passed the 1,000-infection mark and South Africa began a three-week lockdown. India launched a massive program to help feed hungry day laborers after a lockdown of the country's 1.3 billion people put them out of work.

In France, a 16-year-old student became the youngest person in the country to die from the virus. Her sister, Manon, spoke out in the French media, saying that Julie was hospitalized Monday after developing a “slight cough” last week, then died Tuesday at the Necker children's hospital in Paris.

“We must stop believing that this only affects the elderly,” said Manon, who did not reveal her surname. "No one is invincible against this mutant virus.”

France has reported more than 1,600 deaths so far amid 29,000 infections.

The U.S. now has more than 85,000 confirmed cases, and Italy was set to pass China's 81,782 infections later Friday. The three countries account for 46% of the world's nearly 540,000 infections and more than half of its acknowledged virus deaths.

Analysts, however warned that all those infection figures could be low for reasons that varied in each nation.

“China numbers can't be trusted because the government lies,” American political scientist Ian Bremmer, president of the Euraisa Group think-tank, said Friday in a tweet. “U.S. numbers can't be trusted because the government can't produce enough tests.”

Italian epidemiologists warn that the country's numbers are likely much higher than reported — perhaps five times as higher — although two weeks into a nationwide lockdown the daily increase seems to be slowing, at least in northern Italy.

“It’s a horrible sensation, not being able to breathe,” said Fausto Russo, a 38-year-old fitness trainer who is one of 10,000 Italians whose infection has been cured. “Imagine putting your head under water.”

Health care workers grew increasingly angry at the lack of protective equipment.

"Our emergency room was like a petri dish,” said Benny Mathew, a nurse at New York's Montefiore Medical Center who heard Thursday he had COVID-19 and is now worried he may infect his wife and two daughters.

“I’m angry. We could have secured enough personal protective equipment months ago. It was happening in China since December,” he said. “But we thought it was never going to happen here.”

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The worldwide death toll climbed to over 24,000, according to Johns Hopkins University but more than 124,000 people have recovered, about half in China.

New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak., reported 100 more deaths in one day, accounting for almost 30% of the 1,300 fatalities nationwide. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the number of deaths will increase soon as critically ill patients who have been on ventilators for days succumb.

“That is a situation where people just deteriorate over time,” Cuomo said.

The White House's coronavirus response coordinator, Deborah Birx, said counties in the Midwest around Chicago and Detroit are seeing a rapid increase in cases.

Washington, D.C., confirmed 36 new cases, raising its total to 267. The district is under a state of emergency, its major attractions like the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo closed and White House and Capitol tours cancelled. Police have blocked off streets, bridges and traffic circles to prevent crowds from coming to see Washington’s blooming cherry blossom trees.

Russian authorities ramped up testing this week after widespread criticism of insufficient screening.

The stay-home order for India's 1.3 billion people threw out of work the backbone of the nation’s economy — rickshaw drivers, fruit peddlers, cleaners and others who buy food with their daily earnings. The government announced a $22 billion stimulus to deliver monthly rations to 800 million people.

India's massive train system was also halted to stop the spread of the virus but that might not work. Jobless workers are now attempting to walk hundreds of miles to their home villages from India's major cities.

In China, where the virus was first believed to have started, the National Health Commission on Friday reported 55 new cases, 54 of them imported infections. Once again, there were no new cases reported in Wuhan, the provincial capital where the coronavirus first emerged in December. China is barring most foreigners from entering.

In a phone call Friday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump that China "understands the United States' current predicament over the COVID-19 outbreak and stands ready to provide support within its capacity."

The two countries should “work together to boost cooperation in epidemic control and other fields, and develop a relationship of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation," the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

The pandemic appears to have peaked in China, even while the government remains on guard against imported cases. Beijing is sending medical teams and equipment abroad, especially to Europe. But it has strongly protested U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's repeated references to the outbreak as the "Wuhan Flu," saying that promotes bias against China and Chinese Americans.

The economic damage of the pandemic was growing. Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — nearly five times the old record set in 1982. Companies in Europe are laying off workers at the fastest pace since 2009, according to surveys of business managers.

Despite that, Wall Street rallied for the third straight day after an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package to help businesses, hospitals and ordinary Americans passed the Senate. The rescue plan, which is expected to be voted on in the House later Friday, would dispense checks of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child.

NEW YORK — The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

According to a running count by Johns Hopkins University, the number of people infected in the U.S. topped 82,000 on Thursday. That’s just ahead of the 81,000 cases in China and 80,000 in Italy.

Italy has the most confirmed deaths of any country with more than 8,000. More than 1,000 people have died in the U.S including 281 in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585262392479.png" alt="Map courtesy John Hopkins <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">Coronavirus Resource Center</a>" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy John Hopkins <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">Coronavirus Resource Center</a></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">Click here </a>to see the worldwide map of confirmed casesNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. coronavirus infections surged to top the world amid warnings that the pandemic is accelerating in cities like New York, Chicago and Detroit, while a record $2.2 trillion emergency package neared final approval Friday by Congress to help millions of newly unemployed Americans and struggling companies.The situation in countries with even more fragile health care systems grew more dire on Friday. Russia, Indonesia and South Africa all passed the 1,000-infection mark and South Africa began a three-week lockdown. India launched a massive program to help feed hungry day laborers after a lockdown of the country's 1.3 billion people put them out of work.In France, a 16-year-old student became the youngest person in the country to die from the virus. Her sister, Manon, spoke out in the French media, saying that Julie was hospitalized Monday after developing a “slight cough” last week, then died Tuesday at the Necker children's hospital in Paris.“We must stop believing that this only affects the elderly,” said Manon, who did not reveal her surname. "No one is invincible against this mutant virus.”France has reported more than 1,600 deaths so far amid 29,000 infections.The U.S. now has more than 85,000 confirmed cases, and Italy was set to pass China's 81,782 infections later Friday. The three countries account for 46% of the world's nearly 540,000 infections and more than half of its acknowledged virus deaths.Analysts, however warned that all those infection figures could be low for reasons that varied in each nation.“China numbers can't be trusted because the government lies,” American political scientist Ian Bremmer, president of the Euraisa Group think-tank, said Friday in a tweet. “U.S. numbers can't be trusted because the government can't produce enough tests.”Italian epidemiologists warn that the country's numbers are likely much higher than reported — perhaps five times as higher — although two weeks into a nationwide lockdown the daily increase seems to be slowing, at least in northern Italy.“It’s a horrible sensation, not being able to breathe,” said Fausto Russo, a 38-year-old fitness trainer who is one of 10,000 Italians whose infection has been cured. “Imagine putting your head under water.”Health care workers grew increasingly angry at the lack of protective equipment."Our emergency room was like a petri dish,” said Benny Mathew, a nurse at New York's Montefiore Medical Center who heard Thursday he had COVID-19 and is now worried he may infect his wife and two daughters.“I’m angry. We could have secured enough personal protective equipment months ago. It was happening in China since December,” he said. “But we thought it was never going to happen here.”For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.The worldwide death toll climbed to over 24,000, according to Johns Hopkins University but more than 124,000 people have recovered, about half in China.New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak., reported 100 more deaths in one day, accounting for almost 30% of the 1,300 fatalities nationwide. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the number of deaths will increase soon as critically ill patients who have been on ventilators for days succumb.“That is a situation where people just deteriorate over time,” Cuomo said.The White House's coronavirus response coordinator, Deborah Birx, said counties in the Midwest around Chicago and Detroit are seeing a rapid increase in cases.Washington, D.C., confirmed 36 new cases, raising its total to 267. The district is under a state of emergency, its major attractions like the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo closed and White House and Capitol tours cancelled. Police have blocked off streets, bridges and traffic circles to prevent crowds from coming to see Washington’s blooming cherry blossom trees.Russian authorities ramped up testing this week after widespread criticism of insufficient screening.The stay-home order for India's 1.3 billion people threw out of work the backbone of the nation’s economy — rickshaw drivers, fruit peddlers, cleaners and others who buy food with their daily earnings. The government announced a $22 billion stimulus to deliver monthly rations to 800 million people.India's massive train system was also halted to stop the spread of the virus but that might not work. Jobless workers are now attempting to walk hundreds of miles to their home villages from India's major cities.In China, where the virus was first believed to have started, the National Health Commission on Friday reported 55 new cases, 54 of them imported infections. Once again, there were no new cases reported in Wuhan, the provincial capital where the coronavirus first emerged in December. China is barring most foreigners from entering.In a phone call Friday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump that China "understands the United States' current predicament over the COVID-19 outbreak and stands ready to provide support within its capacity."The two countries should “work together to boost cooperation in epidemic control and other fields, and develop a relationship of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation," the official Xinhua News Agency reported.The pandemic appears to have peaked in China, even while the government remains on guard against imported cases. Beijing is sending medical teams and equipment abroad, especially to Europe. But it has strongly protested U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's repeated references to the outbreak as the "Wuhan Flu," saying that promotes bias against China and Chinese Americans.The economic damage of the pandemic was growing. Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — nearly five times the old record set in 1982. Companies in Europe are laying off workers at the fastest pace since 2009, according to surveys of business managers.Despite that, Wall Street rallied for the third straight day after an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package to help businesses, hospitals and ordinary Americans passed the Senate. The rescue plan, which is expected to be voted on in the House later Friday, would dispense checks of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child.———NEW YORK — The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases.According to a running count by Johns Hopkins University, the number of people infected in the U.S. topped 82,000 on Thursday. That’s just ahead of the 81,000 cases in China and 80,000 in Italy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585263243550.png" alt="Numbers as of 5p.m. CDT March 26, 2020" />
 <figcaption>Numbers as of 5p.m. CDT March 26, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>Italy has the most confirmed deaths of any country with more than 8,000. More than 1,000 people have died in the U.S including 281 in New York City.___

The Latest: US has most infections as virus tightens grip on the world

After all school buildings in Kansas were closed unexpectedly in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, many parents and teachers had questions about how the year would proceed.

While plans continue to be finalized for USD 489 elementary schools, Lincoln Elementary principal Kerri Lacy said the most important thing right now is to understand that everyone is working to make sure the student's educational experience will be the best it can be under the circumstances and parents should not feel pressured to launch into learning programs with their children.

"It is uncharted waters for sure," Lacy said. "Our staff, our teachers, as well as our parents and aides are working really hard to find out what is best for your student as far as keeping their educational experiences going through all of this."

This week was spring break on the school calendar, and she said the teachers were asked to take it, but will be in full swing Monday to begin working with students and parents to make sure families&nbsp;are feeling supported and getting what they need.

"If you haven't heard from your student's teacher, don't worry. You will in the very near future," Lacy said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7a77d3afae0f4d5f5e0c72">While Hays High has already released a learning plan for the rest of the year,</a>&nbsp;Lacy said for elementary schools each teacher will coordinate the individual student learning but some elements will go across the classes.

In the elementary schools, Seesaw — a tool already used by many teachers — will continue to be utilized for home-based learning.

"We don't know exactly what that will look like, it may be different for every classroom," Lacy said.

The online group video chat platform Zoom will be used by the students and parents.

"Zoom has become my best friend in the last couple of weeks," Lacy said.

Zoom will help bridge the imposed physical distance for students, she said, and can be used for learning and for social activities, like group homework sessions or even just to have social interactions.

"It's a fun way to move through this process," Lacy said.

The imposed distancing is not just difficult on the students, she said. Teachers are also feeling the stress caused by being pulled away from their students so suddenly.

"I don't know if parents and families really understand the impact this is having on our teachers and our staff," Lacy said. "We need people in our lives, we need our little ones. We thrive on those hugs, we thrive on those smiles and, right now, we are all feeling a little bit lonely."

Meanwhile, Lacy said while the rest of the year will be significantly different than ever before, parents should not feel pressured to spend their days teaching their children.

"Don't worry," she said. "USD 489 is working hard to make it an easy transition."

She also recommends not getting overwhelmed by online services promoting teaching tools.

"Don't worry about that. You don't have to click on those. You don't have to make sure that your children are spending that screen time right now," she said. "Your student's teachers are going to give you everything you need."

This is a good time for parents to get creative with their children and look around for educational opportunities that present themselves all around.

"Educational opportunities look different, and they are going to look different," Lacy said.

She suggested getting outside and talking about things outside can be wrapped into learning, noting parents should not push their children into a full day in front of a computer working on learning.

"Think about your child's day at school. They are not sitting at a desk for eight hours," Lacy said, adding students participate daily in music, art, library, recess and play-based learning.

Lacy said overall, if elementary students work on reading and math facts, they should stay on track for next year.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 gearing up to shift learing online" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/d4769-d739d4?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585265497365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAfter all school buildings in Kansas were closed unexpectedly in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, many parents and teachers had questions about how the year would proceed.While plans continue to be finalized for USD 489 elementary schools, Lincoln Elementary principal Kerri Lacy said the most important thing right now is to understand that everyone is working to make sure the student's educational experience will be the best it can be under the circumstances and parents should not feel pressured to launch into learning programs with their children."It is uncharted waters for sure," Lacy said. "Our staff, our teachers, as well as our parents and aides are working really hard to find out what is best for your student as far as keeping their educational experiences going through all of this."This week was spring break on the school calendar, and she said the teachers were asked to take it, but will be in full swing Monday to begin working with students and parents to make sure families&nbsp;are feeling supported and getting what they need."If you haven't heard from your student's teacher, don't worry. You will in the very near future," Lacy said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7a77d3afae0f4d5f5e0c72">While Hays High has already released a learning plan for the rest of the year,</a>&nbsp;Lacy said for elementary schools each teacher will coordinate the individual student learning but some elements will go across the classes.In the elementary schools, Seesaw — a tool already used by many teachers — will continue to be utilized for home-based learning."We don't know exactly what that will look like, it may be different for every classroom," Lacy said.The online group video chat platform Zoom will be used by the students and parents."Zoom has become my best friend in the last couple of weeks," Lacy said.Zoom will help bridge the imposed physical distance for students, she said, and can be used for learning and for social activities, like group homework sessions or even just to have social interactions."It's a fun way to move through this process," Lacy said.The imposed distancing is not just difficult on the students, she said. Teachers are also feeling the stress caused by being pulled away from their students so suddenly."I don't know if parents and families really understand the impact this is having on our teachers and our staff," Lacy said. "We need people in our lives, we need our little ones. We thrive on those hugs, we thrive on those smiles and, right now, we are all feeling a little bit lonely."Meanwhile, Lacy said while the rest of the year will be significantly different than ever before, parents should not feel pressured to spend their days teaching their children."Don't worry," she said. "USD 489 is working hard to make it an easy transition."She also recommends not getting overwhelmed by online services promoting teaching tools."Don't worry about that. You don't have to click on those. You don't have to make sure that your children are spending that screen time right now," she said. "Your student's teachers are going to give you everything you need."This is a good time for parents to get creative with their children and look around for educational opportunities that present themselves all around."Educational opportunities look different, and they are going to look different," Lacy said.She suggested getting outside and talking about things outside can be wrapped into learning, noting parents should not push their children into a full day in front of a computer working on learning."Think about your child's day at school. They are not sitting at a desk for eight hours," Lacy said, adding students participate daily in music, art, library, recess and play-based learning.Lacy said overall, if elementary students work on reading and math facts, they should stay on track for next year.

🎤Elementary school parents shouldn't worry, says USD 489 principal

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The number of jobless workers in Kansas who filed initial unemployment claims last week was 12 times as high as it was the week before as measures to control the spread of the new coronavirus took their toll on the economy.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that Kansas had almost 23,700 initial claims for unemployment for the seven-day period ending Saturday. The department said the figure for the previous week was less than 1,800, making the increase 1,250%.

The state reported slightly higher numbers of claims for both weeks, but the effect was the same: Last week’s number was 12 times as high as the previous week’s figure.

t was by far the largest percentage jump in at least 20 years, according to the federal data. The previous high mark for the past two decades was 242% in June 2003.

More than 1.8 million of the state’s 2.9 million residents are covered by local stay-at-home orders. Gov. Laura Kelly has banned public gatherings of more than 10 people, and restaurants in the state’s most populous counties have closed their dining rooms to move only to curbside, drive-through and take-out service.

In Topeka, 36-year-old Amanda Derby was laid off last week from her job as a bartender and server at the Old Chicago restaurant. She filed an unemployment claim with the state but, despite a new Kansas law and federal guidelines waving the previously standard week wait, she hasn’t received her first check.

Derby, the mother of a 7-year-old autistic son,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200326/kansas-coronavirus-update-kdhe-asks-for-reduced-prairie-burns-170-positive-tests" target="_blank">told The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;that she’s concerned about bills for rent, student loans, her car, insurance, internet and utilities. She has plenty of food for now, thanks to a parting gift of perishables from her former employer, she said.

“Bills are piling up,” Derby said. “I literally have $20 right now.”

Kansas has seen its confirmed coronavirus cases nearly quadruple over the past week, to 168, according to the state health department, and there have been three COVID-19-related deaths since early March.

The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people but can cause a severe illness for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

The state Department of Labor is encouraging people to file their claims online because its telephone claims center has seen calls spike. It reported receiving about 8,100 calls during the seven-day period ending Saturday — about 7,000 more calls than during the previous week.

But the state also reported receiving nearly 15,800 initial claims last week online, or 22 times as many as the 712 it received the week before.

Department of Labor spokeswoman Julie Menghini said the agency is in the process of making the changes needed to waive the traditional waiting week for unemployment benefits.

“We are dealing with an unprecedented number of claims and limited staff,” Menghini said, “so there are challenges for impacted workers in getting their claims filed at this time.”

It was by far the largest percentage jump in at least 20 years. The previous high mark for the past two decades was 242% in June 2003, according to federal data.

More than 1.7 million of the state’s 2.9 million residents are covered by local stay-at-home orders. Gov. Laura Kelly has banned public gatherings of more than 10 people.

Kansas has seen its confirmed coronavirus cases grow more than four times over the past seven days to more than 120, according to the state health department, and there have been three COVID-19-related deaths since early March.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The number of jobless workers in Kansas who filed initial unemployment claims last week was 12 times as high as it was the week before as measures to control the spread of the new coronavirus took their toll on the economy.The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that Kansas had almost 23,700 initial claims for unemployment for the seven-day period ending Saturday. The department said the figure for the previous week was less than 1,800, making the increase 1,250%.The state reported slightly higher numbers of claims for both weeks, but the effect was the same: Last week’s number was 12 times as high as the previous week’s figure.t was by far the largest percentage jump in at least 20 years, according to the federal data. The previous high mark for the past two decades was 242% in June 2003.More than 1.8 million of the state’s 2.9 million residents are covered by local stay-at-home orders. Gov. Laura Kelly has banned public gatherings of more than 10 people, and restaurants in the state’s most populous counties have closed their dining rooms to move only to curbside, drive-through and take-out service.In Topeka, 36-year-old Amanda Derby was laid off last week from her job as a bartender and server at the Old Chicago restaurant. She filed an unemployment claim with the state but, despite a new Kansas law and federal guidelines waving the previously standard week wait, she hasn’t received her first check.Derby, the mother of a 7-year-old autistic son,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200326/kansas-coronavirus-update-kdhe-asks-for-reduced-prairie-burns-170-positive-tests" target="_blank">told The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;that she’s concerned about bills for rent, student loans, her car, insurance, internet and utilities. She has plenty of food for now, thanks to a parting gift of perishables from her former employer, she said.“Bills are piling up,” Derby said. “I literally have $20 right now.”Kansas has seen its confirmed coronavirus cases nearly quadruple over the past week, to 168, according to the state health department, and there have been three COVID-19-related deaths since early March.The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people but can cause a severe illness for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.The state Department of Labor is encouraging people to file their claims online because its telephone claims center has seen calls spike. It reported receiving about 8,100 calls during the seven-day period ending Saturday — about 7,000 more calls than during the previous week.But the state also reported receiving nearly 15,800 initial claims last week online, or 22 times as many as the 712 it received the week before.Department of Labor spokeswoman Julie Menghini said the agency is in the process of making the changes needed to waive the traditional waiting week for unemployment benefits.“We are dealing with an unprecedented number of claims and limited staff,” Menghini said, “so there are challenges for impacted workers in getting their claims filed at this time.”---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The number of jobless workers in Kansas who filed initial unemployment claims last week was 12 times as high as it was the week before as measures to control the spread of the new coronavirus took their toll on the economy.The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that Kansas had almost 23,700 initial claims for unemployment for the seven-day period ending Saturday. The department said the figure for the previous week was less than 1,800, making the increase 1,250%.It was by far the largest percentage jump in at least 20 years. The previous high mark for the past two decades was 242% in June 2003, according to federal data.More than 1.7 million of the state’s 2.9 million residents are covered by local stay-at-home orders. Gov. Laura Kelly has banned public gatherings of more than 10 people.Kansas has seen its confirmed coronavirus cases grow more than four times over the past seven days to more than 120, according to the state health department, and there have been three COVID-19-related deaths since early March.The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people but can cause a severe illness for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

The Latest: Kan. has 12 times as many weekly claims for unemployment

RILEY COUNTY —Fort Riley and Riley County leaders confirmed Thursday that a Fort Riley Soldier has tested positive for COVID-19. 

The individual resides in Manhattan. The individual currently does not require hospitalization and remains on isolation at home, where he has been self-quarantined in accordance with Kansas Department of Public Health and Environment (KDHE) guidelines. This is considered to be an imported case of COVID 19 based on travel outside Kansas.

The US Air Force Medical Service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base conducted the COVID-19 test. Upon receiving the confirmed test results, Fort Riley Public Health officials notified the Service Member, then notified the KDHE in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kansas reporting guidelines.

In accordance with KDHE quarantine recommendations, Fort Riley requires a 14-day quarantine for service members who have traveled outside the region, have been in close contact with confirmed cases, and those being tested.

Fort Riley medical professionals continue to work closely with KDHE, the CDC, the Military Health System (MHS, the Riley County Health Department, and the U.S. Army public health center subject matter experts to assess current detection efforts and to implement effective prevention measures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Fort Riley and Riley County leaders confirmed Thursday that a Fort Riley Soldier has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual resides in Manhattan. The individual currently does not require hospitalization and remains on isolation at home, where he has been self-quarantined in accordance with Kansas Department of Public Health and Environment (KDHE) guidelines. This is considered to be an imported case of COVID 19 based on travel outside Kansas.The US Air Force Medical Service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base conducted the COVID-19 test. Upon receiving the confirmed test results, Fort Riley Public Health officials notified the Service Member, then notified the KDHE in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kansas reporting guidelines.In accordance with KDHE quarantine recommendations, Fort Riley requires a 14-day quarantine for service members who have traveled outside the region, have been in close contact with confirmed cases, and those being tested.Fort Riley medical professionals continue to work closely with KDHE, the CDC, the Military Health System (MHS, the Riley County Health Department, and the U.S. Army public health center subject matter experts to assess current detection efforts and to implement effective prevention measures.

Fort Riley service member tests positive for coronavirus

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly and the state's top health official are expressing growing frustration as Kansas grapples with an continuing increase in coronavirus cases.

Kelly, a Democrat, on Wednesday said President Donald Trump's suggestion that restrictions on people's movements could be loosened by Easter to help the economy is “ wishful thinking ” and argued that the federal government should invoke the national Defense Production Act to address shortages of ventilators, protective masks and testing kits, a move Trump has said isn't necessary.

“We, along with all of the other states, are really kind of begging the federal government to get their act together,” Kelly said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment, said people should stay home as much as possible, even if they don't live in a county that has issued a stay-at-home order. He said some residents are trying to exploit exceptions in the orders.

The state reported 126 confirmed cases Wednesday but that didn't include three cases reported later in the day in Topeka. Norman said he expects Kansas to have around 400 cases by the end of the month.

Among the sickened are two people who attended a March 5 magician group’s meeting with a 74-year-old retired school superintendent who was Johnson County’s first coronavirus death. The man and his wife are quarantined at home, said David Sandy, president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 129.

“It is pretty heart-wrenching," Sandy told The Kansas City Star. “We’re like a family.”

In the Wichita area, about 200 inmates have been released from the Sedgwick County Jail since mid-March over concerns about the coronavirus. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said told The Wichita Eagle that the goal is to give the Sedgwick County Jail “breathing room” so it has enough space to isolate inmates who might fall ill in the coming weeks.

City officials also have converted the Wichita’s Century II event center from a convention and performing arts center into an impromptu drive-thru decontamination station for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, said Mayor Brandon Whipple and Assistant City Manager Donte Martin.

Stay-at-home orders also continue to cause economic fallout. With 600 movie theaters across the country closed, Leawood-based AMC Theatres has furloughed its entire corporate staff, The Kansas City Star reported. AMC employs some 400 people at its Leawood offices, according to the Kansas City Area Development Council.

“As we all know, these are unprecedented times,” spokesman Ryan Noonan said in a statement. “AMC is doing everything possible to ensure that we can welcome back both our associates and our guests as our theaters reopen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585235697337.png" alt="Kansas Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman spoke to reporters Monday -image courtesy KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman spoke to reporters Monday -image courtesy KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly and the state's top health official are expressing growing frustration as Kansas grapples with an continuing increase in coronavirus cases.Kelly, a Democrat, on Wednesday said President Donald Trump's suggestion that restrictions on people's movements could be loosened by Easter to help the economy is “ wishful thinking ” and argued that the federal government should invoke the national Defense Production Act to address shortages of ventilators, protective masks and testing kits, a move Trump has said isn't necessary.“We, along with all of the other states, are really kind of begging the federal government to get their act together,” Kelly said in an interview.Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment, said people should stay home as much as possible, even if they don't live in a county that has issued a stay-at-home order. He said some residents are trying to exploit exceptions in the orders.The state reported 126 confirmed cases Wednesday but that didn't include three cases reported later in the day in Topeka. Norman said he expects Kansas to have around 400 cases by the end of the month.Among the sickened are two people who attended a March 5 magician group’s meeting with a 74-year-old retired school superintendent who was Johnson County’s first coronavirus death. The man and his wife are quarantined at home, said David Sandy, president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 129.“It is pretty heart-wrenching," Sandy told The Kansas City Star. “We’re like a family.”For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.In the Wichita area, about 200 inmates have been released from the Sedgwick County Jail since mid-March over concerns about the coronavirus. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said told The Wichita Eagle that the goal is to give the Sedgwick County Jail “breathing room” so it has enough space to isolate inmates who might fall ill in the coming weeks.City officials also have converted the Wichita’s Century II event center from a convention and performing arts center into an impromptu drive-thru decontamination station for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, said Mayor Brandon Whipple and Assistant City Manager Donte Martin.Stay-at-home orders also continue to cause economic fallout. With 600 movie theaters across the country closed, Leawood-based AMC Theatres has furloughed its entire corporate staff, The Kansas City Star reported. AMC employs some 400 people at its Leawood offices, according to the Kansas City Area Development Council.“As we all know, these are unprecedented times,” spokesman Ryan Noonan said in a statement. “AMC is doing everything possible to ensure that we can welcome back both our associates and our guests as our theaters reopen.”

Kansas officials express frustration amid coronavirus surge

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays High School released a letter Tuesday with a framework for how continuous learning will look when school goes back into session virtually on April 1.

Plans for middle school and elementary school students are still in the works and will likely be released Monday, Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays High School released a letter Tuesday with a framework for how continuous learning will look when school goes back into session virtually on April 1.Plans for middle school and elementary school students are still in the works and will likely be released Monday, Superintendent Ron Wilson said.HHS Principal Martin Straub said teaching will vary greatly from class to class.&nbsp;Teaching and learning may be a combination of live and/or recorded virtual instruction and communication, project-based learning, physical activities, video sharing, reflective activities or packet completion, the letter said.<h2>Class schedule</h2>The Kansas Department of Education has recommended students in grades six through 12 only engage in online classes for three hours per day.The graphic below shows the students' class schedule. April 1 will be a maroon day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585087642290.jpeg" alt="HHS schedule" />
 <figcaption>HHS schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>Straub said online lectures or instruction with teachers may only last 10 minutes with students working on self study or project-based learning the rest of their class period.<h2>Hands-on classes go virtual</h2>Straub said some classes will be more difficult to move to online learning than others. Students in Pathways classes, such as welding or woodworking, will be watching instructional videos and may be asked by their instructors to offer feedback on what they have learned from those videos.Students in some art classes will be able to pick up kits to continue working on projects at home."We know it is therapeutic for kids to work on art," Straub said. "Kids enjoy working on art when they are stressed."Students in music classes may be able at some point to sing during a Zoom class. Culinary students might develop a menu and shopping list instead of making a dish in a lab.<h2>Pared-down curriculum</h2>Straub acknowledged teachers will not be able to cover all of the curriculum they normally would if they were teaching students in person."When you think about what they recommend for high school age — three hours of class or less — we cannot do as much as we did in the past," Straub said.<h2>Accountability</h2>Accountability will also be a challenge, Straub said."How do you keep kids from cheating?" Straub said. "Our situation is so different than it was two weeks ago. We want to be there for kids and support kids. We want to identify what they need and what skills and&nbsp;outcomes are essential. We want to focus on that and hope kids can be successful."Grades will be assigned at the end of the semester. This will be based on the first two-thirds of the semester and work completed in the coming weeks.Straub said assigning those grades will be important to establish GPAs for students who will be returning to school next school year.However, Straub said he anticipated little graded homework would be assigned in the coming weeks.<h2>Seniors</h2>Seniors have asked if their last day of classes will remain the same. Straub said probably, but staff has been working so hard on getting everyone back to learning, that detail has yet to be worked out.The Kansas Department of Education has also suggested school districts, which require more than the state's required 21 credits for graduation, could lower those requirements to the state standard.HHS requires 25 credits to graduate. Straub said HHS staff had not discussed changing that requirement. He said this would be a decision left up to the school board.However, Straub said 99 percent of the district's currently enrolled seniors are on track for graduation.Straub admitted what the learning plan may look like when it launches may be very different than what it looks like in a couple of weeks or in May."We need to make sure our kids are OK," Straub said. "These are emotional times for adults. I can't imagine how it is for kids."<h2>Teachers take the lead</h2>Teachers are trying to be flexible to meet the needs of students, Straub said.Teachers have been very involved in the planning process for continuous learning. Hays High staff started working on plans to teach remotely two weeks ago when the NCAA first started talking about canceling its basketball tournament.All teachers were able to give input on the plan, Straub said.Straub admitted he is feeling stressed — as are HHS teachers. Some teachers are facing trying to teach and communicate online with as many as 150 students."We love our kids," he said. "We want to let them know how much we miss them and we hate that they are not in the building.&nbsp; We also know we are all in this boat together."<h2>How to get your questions answered</h2>Straub encouraged students and parents to contnue to ask questions about the new learning model.&nbsp; The school has posted a frequently asked questions page that is accessible through the <a href="http://www.hayshighindians.com/">HHS webpage</a>.Straub said the FAQ page will be continuously updated. You can email questions to <a href="mailto:info@usd489.com">info@usd489.com</a>.<h2>School lunches</h2>Any child age 1 to 18 can pick up a lunch and breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at HHS (teacher’s parking lot, HMS (parking lot, or Lincoln Elementary (front of school). Choose any location any school day.<h2>Internet access for families without</h2>The district conducted a survey of families, which included questions about internet access. Straub said the survey indicated most families in the district have access to internet.The technology department is working with local internet providers on low or no-cost options for families without the service.<h2>Special education</h2>According to the HHS FAQ page, there will be a plan that is yet to be announced in place for paraeducators to provide assistance for students and teachers. Teachers will continue to provide the accommodations as best they can to meet the needs of our students.<h2>Picking up personal items at school</h2>See information below about procedures for picking up personal items and class projects from the school. This will take place March 31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585148826525.jpeg" alt="HHS pick up sched.jpg" />
 <figcaption>HHS pick up sched.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>A complete copy of the letter sent to families can be found below.&nbsp;Date: March 24, 2020&nbsp;Good Morning Hays High Students,&nbsp;The purpose of today’s communication is to share details about your education for the remainder of the year. Your teachers, counselors, and administrators are working hard preparing.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>• HHS teaching and learning will begin on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Pay daily attention to your email and Canvas for specific details from each of your teachers; they will use a variety of approaches to educate you. While your experience will vary from class to class, teaching and learning may be a combination of live and/or recorded virtual instruction and communication, project-based learning, physical activities, video sharing, reflective activities, packet completion, etc. We DO NOT want to stress you out, but we also want to be sure to complete your learning of essential outcomes. We will do our best, but we also realize it is not possible to accomplish everything with limited preparation time and direct access to you! We will have to cut back some of our curriculum. Trust us, we will do our best; please join us in doing the same.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• Teacher Availability: All of our teachers, counselors, and administrators will be available, beginning April 1, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Obviously, the best time to contact your teacher is during your scheduled class with him/her but remember, they will also be available at the end of the day from 1:45-3:00 p.m. Thank you, in advance, for your patience while you wait for replies to emails… remember, some of our teachers instruct over 150 students. If you worry that the teacher did not receive your question, please call HHS at 785-623-2600 and we’ll help you make contact.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• How to contact your teacher: Contact your teacher through school email, phone calls to HHS, and during online (“live”) teaching sessions. Teachers will “be available”, virtually, from 8:30-3:00 p.m. More information from your teachers will follow when we begin instruction on April 1. Some teachers will use apps/programs like “Remind”, Zoom, Canvas Conferences, and YouTube to communicate. Be flexible and stay connected by paying attention!&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• Hays High Office Hours: Beginning Wednesday, April 1, office hours will be from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (623-2600).&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• Schedule/Structure: Beginning April 1, 2020 we will implement the schedule below. We know it can work because it avoids conflicts in your class schedules. Although the times are different, it is like our HHS “master schedule” this semester. The schedule will alternate Maroon/Gold days, just like normal. April 1 is a Maroon day.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• Things to notice about this schedule: later start time, shorter classes, 65-minute lunch break (no classes are offered during this time, all teachers have “office hours” for the last 75 minutes of the school day so you can ask questions and get help outside of class time when you need it&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>• Lunch: ALL STUDENTS (really, any child ages 1-18) can pick up a lunch &amp; breakfast from 11:30-12:30 at HHS (teacher’s parking lot, HMS (parking lot, or Lincoln Elementary (front of school). Choose any location any school day. Come take advantage of this offering! We’re glad we can do this for you!&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585149140013.png" alt="HHS schedule" />
 <figcaption>HHS schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>Below is the HHS Calendar for the remainder of the year. NOTE… we will share more detailed information regarding the end of the school year when it is finalized. When we know details about end-of-year check-in and other information, you will know.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585149278689.png" alt="HHS calendar" />
 <figcaption>HHS calendar</figcaption>
 </figure>•	Access to our HHS building is not allowed at this time. I am sorry about this; we absolutely miss not having you around.
•	IMPORTANT: On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, we will have a “PICK-UP / DROP-OFF” day at HHS. You will not be allowed to enter the building, unfortunately, so we will use specific separate entrances for each item being picked up, to keep numbers of people in one area low. We will send a map identifying entrances being used for this day, prior to 3/31. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE WITH YOUR COOPERATION!
*	We hope to have information regarding homes needing Wi-Fi by this day also… we’re working on this.
•	REQUIRED Pick-up times to keep numbers of people low:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585149359926.png" alt="HHS pickup schedule" />
 <figcaption>HHS pickup schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>Stay connected with us through your email account and don’t hesitate to call if we can help you with anything.We sincerely miss having YOU, OUR STUDENTS in our hallways and classrooms! 
Hang in there, WE CAN DO THIS… Go Indians! 
Sincerely and “All-In”! 
Your Hays High School Staff&nbsp;

Coronavirus Update