Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Due to the concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;will be closed until further notice. All Sternberg Museum public events including,&nbsp;Pokémon Day&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Bug Whisperer, are postponed. 

Please check our website and our social media regularly for updates.

We understand our patrons will be disappointed with this news. 

However, we have come up with a bit of a solution. Starting this week, the staff at the Sternberg Museum will be hosting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>&nbsp;mini-series called the Dome from Home.

Get your natural history fix here as museum staff discusses topics from prehistoric monsters to modern-day marvels. See live feeding and care of the Sternberg animals or get a live tour of our collections. 

Tune in twice a day Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any updates to the hours of operations. 

We will keep you informed of any changes.

Sternberg Museum of Natural HistoryDue to the concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;will be closed until further notice. All Sternberg Museum public events including,&nbsp;Pokémon Day&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Bug Whisperer, are postponed. Please check our website and our social media regularly for updates.We understand our patrons will be disappointed with this news. However, we have come up with a bit of a solution. Starting this week, the staff at the Sternberg Museum will be hosting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>&nbsp;mini-series called the Dome from Home. Get your natural history fix here as museum staff discusses topics from prehistoric monsters to modern-day marvels. See live feeding and care of the Sternberg animals or get a live tour of our collections. Tune in twice a day Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST.Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any updates to the hours of operations. We will keep you informed of any changes.Stay healthy and safe!

Sternberg closed due to COVID-19 concerns

Topeka – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,&nbsp;KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will be taking actions to reduce contact and maintain social distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a media release from the agency.

KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will remain open, but with limited services to the public. Individuals should call (877) 509-6757 to ensure their local Workforce Center location is open to in-person visits prior to arriving. Previously scheduled appointments for essential services will still occur unless otherwise indicated. All non-essential services will be provided via telephone, email or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansasworks.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864925978&amp;sdata=VY7YftGL75ZtdSyDzhXJfGScdQCaizz6fRACVzbtvzo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansasworks.com</a>.

The Public Access Computer area will be closed to the public until further notice.&nbsp;All workshops, large meetings and job fairs through April 5, 2020, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date in accordance with direction from state and local officials.&nbsp;This includes testing and meetings for the Youth Employment Program, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Rapid Response.

Any Kansan needing employment or reemployment services can call (877) 509-6757 to schedule a time to speak to a representative. Messages should include the individual’s name, phone number and email address. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Services may also be accessed via the live chat function at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansasworks.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864925978&amp;sdata=VY7YftGL75ZtdSyDzhXJfGScdQCaizz6fRACVzbtvzo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansasworks.com</a>. &nbsp;

Individuals enrolled in the Dislocated Worker program will be contacted by a case manager by March 20 to arrange for paperwork to be completed and submitted via email.

Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)

Individuals participating in the RESEA program should contact (877) 509-6757.&nbsp;When leaving a voicemail message, individuals should be sure to include their full name and phone number for a return call. Individuals who have an assigned case manager should also include their case manager’s name in the message. RESEA staff will return calls as soon as possible.&nbsp;

TAA meetings scheduled for March 30-31 in the Wichita Community have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.&nbsp; Please contact Tonya Carlson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tonya.carlson@ks.gov">tonya.carlson@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;if you have questions.

All job fairs scheduled through April 5, 2020, including the Statewide Job Fair on April 2, have been canceled. Please call (877) 509-6757 with any questions.

Employers in need of Rapid Response Layoff Assistance should contact Shelly Thompson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Shelly.Thompson@ks.gov">Shelly.Thompson@ks.gov</a>.

Additional guidance from the Department of Labor on emergency Unemployment Insurance Filings related to COVID-19 can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2Fcovid19response&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864935889&amp;sdata=G2BkFeClXiJpmgYZhQ67he5uQQIDj4hN6WL8Eghcj0o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response</a>.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is working closely with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM) to complete the required steps for requesting an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration. Additional information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fabout-us%2Fsba-coronavirus-assistance-resources%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864935889&amp;sdata=u8WQehewNPFwKg4sU1T5DM7QO5iZgDhBQzt2OooLabM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/sba-coronavirus-assistance-resources/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584456916835.png" alt="Kansasworks" />
 <figcaption>Kansasworks</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,&nbsp;KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will be taking actions to reduce contact and maintain social distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a media release from the agency.KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will remain open, but with limited services to the public. Individuals should call (877) 509-6757 to ensure their local Workforce Center location is open to in-person visits prior to arriving. Previously scheduled appointments for essential services will still occur unless otherwise indicated. All non-essential services will be provided via telephone, email or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansasworks.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864925978&amp;sdata=VY7YftGL75ZtdSyDzhXJfGScdQCaizz6fRACVzbtvzo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansasworks.com</a>.The Public Access Computer area will be closed to the public until further notice.&nbsp;All workshops, large meetings and job fairs through April 5, 2020, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date in accordance with direction from state and local officials.&nbsp;This includes testing and meetings for the Youth Employment Program, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Rapid Response.Any Kansan needing employment or reemployment services can call (877) 509-6757 to schedule a time to speak to a representative. Messages should include the individual’s name, phone number and email address. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Services may also be accessed via the live chat function at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansasworks.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864925978&amp;sdata=VY7YftGL75ZtdSyDzhXJfGScdQCaizz6fRACVzbtvzo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansasworks.com</a>. &nbsp;Individual program updates are below.Dislocated WorkerIndividuals enrolled in the Dislocated Worker program will be contacted by a case manager by March 20 to arrange for paperwork to be completed and submitted via email.Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)Individuals participating in the RESEA program should contact (877) 509-6757.&nbsp;When leaving a voicemail message, individuals should be sure to include their full name and phone number for a return call. Individuals who have an assigned case manager should also include their case manager’s name in the message. RESEA staff will return calls as soon as possible.&nbsp;Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)TAA meetings scheduled for March 30-31 in the Wichita Community have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.&nbsp; Please contact Tonya Carlson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tonya.carlson@ks.gov">tonya.carlson@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;if you have questions.Employer Services<ol>
 <li>Job Fairs</li>
 </ol>All job fairs scheduled through April 5, 2020, including the Statewide Job Fair on April 2, have been canceled. Please call (877) 509-6757 with any questions.<ol>
 <li>Rapid Response</li>
 </ol>Employers in need of Rapid Response Layoff Assistance should contact Shelly Thompson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Shelly.Thompson@ks.gov">Shelly.Thompson@ks.gov</a>.Additional guidance from the Department of Labor on emergency Unemployment Insurance Filings related to COVID-19 can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2Fcovid19response&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864935889&amp;sdata=G2BkFeClXiJpmgYZhQ67he5uQQIDj4hN6WL8Eghcj0o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response</a>.<ol>
 <li>Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan</li>
 </ol>The Kansas Department of Commerce is working closely with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM) to complete the required steps for requesting an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration. Additional information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fabout-us%2Fsba-coronavirus-assistance-resources%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc174a471c0d4261d33d08d7ca7fdcd0%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637200522864935889&amp;sdata=u8WQehewNPFwKg4sU1T5DM7QO5iZgDhBQzt2OooLabM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/sba-coronavirus-assistance-resources/</a>.

Kansasworks makes changes at centers, cancels job fairs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Monday banned public gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months, but officials in the Kansas City area imposed a stricter rule and ordered some businesses to close over the next two weeks in hopes of limiting the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also blocked utilities in her state from cutting off services until mid-April and warned that the coronavirus pandemic may force additional statewide restrictions.

Kelly stopped short of ordering bars, restaurants, gyms or other businesses to close, as governors in other states have. Her executive orders also came the same day that President Donald Trump's administration said people should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 over the next 15 days.

Officials in the Kansas City area immediately took the new guidance from Trump's administration to heart. In Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri&nbsp;and Johnson and Wyandotte County, Kansas, they ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters from Tuesday through April 1, with the exception of drive-through, pickup and delivery services. They also banned public gatherings of more than 10 people, although they exempted government, religious and private business activities.

“I don't think that we are finished putting in place strategies to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus," Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference.

Kelly and Kansas' education commissioner recommended that schools remain closed this week, and state universities have started moving to online classes. The Kansas Supreme Court canceled oral arguments on cases it had scheduled for later this month.

Kansas has seen one COVID-19-related death, of a man in his 70s who was a resident of a Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home. Public health officials have confirmed 11 cases so far, and all but two of them have been in the state's portion of the Kansas City area.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The Legislature is pursuing measures to give public schools more flexibility to cancel in-person classes and to allow courts to extend deadlines for trials and filing lawsuits if they are forced to close.

State officials also announced new guidelines calling for nursing homes, to restrict visitors and cancel group activities and dining. The ban on utility disconnections runs through April 15 and includes electricity, water, natural gas and telecommunications companies.

Kelly's order on public gatherings is in line with guidance issued Sunday night by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But on Monday, Trump announced the stricter guidelines for the short-term.

“The smaller, the safer. I think we just need to follow that," said Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System. “Don't wait on the government to tell you to do it.”

Kelly said she did not order business closings because many Kansas enterprises already have taken steps to limit crowd sizes.

While the one death occurred in Wyandotte County, eight of the state's 11 coronavirus cases are from Johnson County, the state's most populous county, home to affluent and sprawling Kansas City suburbs. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment said the last three people infected there had contact with another infected person, demonstrating the need for social distancing.

But officials had some good news: 85 staff and other residents at the home linked to the state's one COVID-19 related death have all tested negative for coronavirus, said Dr. Allen Greiner, Wyandotte County's health officer. He said another 20 tests are pending, involving people who had contact with the deceased man.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584451007631.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN HANNA,&nbsp;Associated PressTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas on Monday banned public gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months, but officials in the Kansas City area imposed a stricter rule and ordered some businesses to close over the next two weeks in hopes of limiting the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also blocked utilities in her state from cutting off services until mid-April and warned that the coronavirus pandemic may force additional statewide restrictions.Kelly stopped short of ordering bars, restaurants, gyms or other businesses to close, as governors in other states have. Her executive orders also came the same day that President Donald Trump's administration said people should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 over the next 15 days.Officials in the Kansas City area immediately took the new guidance from Trump's administration to heart. In Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri&nbsp;and Johnson and Wyandotte County, Kansas, they ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters from Tuesday through April 1, with the exception of drive-through, pickup and delivery services. They also banned public gatherings of more than 10 people, although they exempted government, religious and private business activities.“I don't think that we are finished putting in place strategies to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus," Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference.Kelly and Kansas' education commissioner recommended that schools remain closed this week, and state universities have started moving to online classes. The Kansas Supreme Court canceled oral arguments on cases it had scheduled for later this month.Kansas has seen one COVID-19-related death, of a man in his 70s who was a resident of a Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home. Public health officials have confirmed 11 cases so far, and all but two of them have been in the state's portion of the Kansas City area.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The Legislature is pursuing measures to give public schools more flexibility to cancel in-person classes and to allow courts to extend deadlines for trials and filing lawsuits if they are forced to close.State officials also announced new guidelines calling for nursing homes, to restrict visitors and cancel group activities and dining. The ban on utility disconnections runs through April 15 and includes electricity, water, natural gas and telecommunications companies.Kelly's order on public gatherings is in line with guidance issued Sunday night by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But on Monday, Trump announced the stricter guidelines for the short-term.“The smaller, the safer. I think we just need to follow that," said Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System. “Don't wait on the government to tell you to do it.”Kelly said she did not order business closings because many Kansas enterprises already have taken steps to limit crowd sizes.While the one death occurred in Wyandotte County, eight of the state's 11 coronavirus cases are from Johnson County, the state's most populous county, home to affluent and sprawling Kansas City suburbs. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment said the last three people infected there had contact with another infected person, demonstrating the need for social distancing.But officials had some good news: 85 staff and other residents at the home linked to the state's one COVID-19 related death have all tested negative for coronavirus, said Dr. Allen Greiner, Wyandotte County's health officer. He said another 20 tests are pending, involving people who had contact with the deceased man.___

Kansas City restaurants, bars, theaters close until April 1 

WASHINGTON —The United States implemented dramatic new restrictions on Americans going out in public and 7 million people in the San Francisco area were put on a near-total lockdown to control the coronavirus emergency that has walloped the global economy.

Not everyone was adhering to the clampdowns, however.

On the same day that the Trump administration called on Americans to not gather in groups of more than 10 people and urged older people to stay home, Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead with plans to hold presidential primaries Tuesday. Ohio called off its primary just hours before polls were to open.

Beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast near Tampa stayed open, including one that was was flooded with spring breakers. Gov. Ron Desantis said he would leave it up to communities whether to restrict access to beaches.

“It’s not probably advisable to have spring break gatherings” but that people in small groups at the beach is probably OK, he said. “I think the communities can work that out.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, praised the federal government’s response as he took only limited action amid the outbreak. Unlike other governors of heavily populated states, Abbott has not made explicit calls for limiting mass gatherings.

“This is not a time to panic,” he said. “It’s not as if we have never been through this before. We’ve been through this many, many times.”

The comments came on the same day that the number of infections in the U.S. climbed to nearly 4,500, with at least 81 deaths, two-thirds of them in hard-hit Washington state. Worldwide, more than 7,100 have died.

With the U.S. economy shuddering to a near-halt, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted nearly 3,000 points, or 13%, its biggest one-day percentage loss since the Black Monday crash of 1987.

The rapid work stoppage had Americans fretting about their jobs and their savings, threatened to overwhelm unemployment benefit programs, and heightened fears the country could plunge into a recession.

The decision to move ahead with primaries ran counter to stern new guidelines put in place by the Trump administration.

Over the next half month, Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people, schooling should be at home and discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided.

The president for the first time acknowledged that the pandemic may send the economy into a recession and suggested that the nation may be dealing with the virus until “July or August.”

Elections officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois said they were taking precautions to make sure voters could safely cast their ballots, despite widening calls for people to avoid going in public. A handful of other states already postponed their elections.

Growing public unease over the coronavirus spread was causing disruptions to polling places in some states before they even opened.

In Pasco County, Florida, the number of poll workers dropping out surged from 20 last week to more than 150 by Monday after a case of coronavirus was confirmed in the county.

“It’s a skeleton crew at a lot of locations,” said Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux. “We are at the honest end of the rope in terms of who I can grab and who I can get trained and get deployed.”

In Illinois, counties were moving polling places out of nursing homes, offering ballot drop-off options for jittery voters and scrambling to find replacements for poll workers canceling at the last minute.

Chicago elections officials worked late Monday to find replacements for 168 polling sites.

And the city elections commission was begging healthy people to volunteer to work at the polls amid a “tsumani” of cancellations.

“Please, please heed our call and volunteer,” said Marisel Hernandez, the commission’s chair. “Help us.”

Meanwhile, millions of Americans were holed up at home, with many thrown out of work until further notice as the list of businesses forced to close across the U.S. extended to restaurants, bars, gyms and casinos.

Officials in six San Francisco Bay Area counties issued a “shelter in place” order affecting nearly 7 million people, requiring most residents to stay inside and venture out only for food, medicine or exercise for three weeks — the most drastic measure taken yet in the U.S. to curb the spread of the virus.

“I know today’s order is a radical step. It has to be. We need to act now, all of us,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Health Department.

Health officials, politicians and business leaders are talking about “social distancing” and “flattening the curve,” or encouraging people to avoid others to slow the spread of the virus and keep U.S. hospitals from being overwhelmed with a sudden deluge of patients.

Most people who come down with the disease have relatively mild symptoms, but it can be deadly for some, especially the elderly and those with underlying health problems. Most people infected with the virus recover in a matter of weeks.

The shutdowns touched every corner of the country: blackjack dealers in Las Vegas, theme park workers in Orlando, Florida, restaurant and bar employees nationwide, and winery workers in California. At least eight states called on all bars and restaurants to close at least part of the day.

The economy appears to be decelerating at a much faster pace than during the 2008 financial meltdown.

“This is like an avalanche. It’s all happening at once,” said Heidi Shierholz, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute. “And no one knows how long it’s going to last.”

On the other side of the ledger, Amazon announced it wants to add 100,000 workers to deliver packages amid a surge in online orders from people unable or unwilling to set foot in stores. And gun sales soared in many places as fear took hold.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Ed Turner, who owns Ed’s Public Safety in Stockbridge, Georgia. “This is self-preservation. This is panic. This is ‘I won’t be able to protect my family from the hordes and the walking dead.’”

With schools closed for tens of millions of children across the country, parents began using lesson plans that included flash cards, online learning, dog walks and creativity sessions. Many did this while juggling work conference calls, emails and memos. Others scrambled to find child care.

Nationwide, many restaurants were restricted to takeout or delivery only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584387309958.png" alt="President Trump with new CDC recommendations released during Monday's coronavirus task force media briefing- Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump with new CDC recommendations released during Monday's coronavirus task force media briefing- Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The United States implemented dramatic new restrictions on Americans going out in public and 7 million people in the San Francisco area were put on a near-total lockdown to control the coronavirus emergency that has walloped the global economy.Not everyone was adhering to the clampdowns, however.On the same day that the Trump administration called on Americans to not gather in groups of more than 10 people and urged older people to stay home, Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead with plans to hold presidential primaries Tuesday. Ohio called off its primary just hours before polls were to open.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584441861411.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast near Tampa stayed open, including one that was was flooded with spring breakers. Gov. Ron Desantis said he would leave it up to communities whether to restrict access to beaches.“It’s not probably advisable to have spring break gatherings” but that people in small groups at the beach is probably OK, he said. “I think the communities can work that out.”Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, praised the federal government’s response as he took only limited action amid the outbreak. Unlike other governors of heavily populated states, Abbott has not made explicit calls for limiting mass gatherings.“This is not a time to panic,” he said. “It’s not as if we have never been through this before. We’ve been through this many, many times.”The comments came on the same day that the number of infections in the U.S. climbed to nearly 4,500, with at least 81 deaths, two-thirds of them in hard-hit Washington state. Worldwide, more than 7,100 have died.With the U.S. economy shuddering to a near-halt, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted nearly 3,000 points, or 13%, its biggest one-day percentage loss since the Black Monday crash of 1987.The rapid work stoppage had Americans fretting about their jobs and their savings, threatened to overwhelm unemployment benefit programs, and heightened fears the country could plunge into a recession.The decision to move ahead with primaries ran counter to stern new guidelines put in place by the Trump administration.Over the next half month, Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people, schooling should be at home and discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584441724320.png" alt="CDC" />
 <figcaption>CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>The president for the first time acknowledged that the pandemic may send the economy into a recession and suggested that the nation may be dealing with the virus until “July or August.”Elections officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois said they were taking precautions to make sure voters could safely cast their ballots, despite widening calls for people to avoid going in public. A handful of other states already postponed their elections.Growing public unease over the coronavirus spread was causing disruptions to polling places in some states before they even opened.In Pasco County, Florida, the number of poll workers dropping out surged from 20 last week to more than 150 by Monday after a case of coronavirus was confirmed in the county.“It’s a skeleton crew at a lot of locations,” said Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux. “We are at the honest end of the rope in terms of who I can grab and who I can get trained and get deployed.”In Illinois, counties were moving polling places out of nursing homes, offering ballot drop-off options for jittery voters and scrambling to find replacements for poll workers canceling at the last minute.Chicago elections officials worked late Monday to find replacements for 168 polling sites.And the city elections commission was begging healthy people to volunteer to work at the polls amid a “tsumani” of cancellations.“Please, please heed our call and volunteer,” said Marisel Hernandez, the commission’s chair. “Help us.”Meanwhile, millions of Americans were holed up at home, with many thrown out of work until further notice as the list of businesses forced to close across the U.S. extended to restaurants, bars, gyms and casinos.Officials in six San Francisco Bay Area counties issued a “shelter in place” order affecting nearly 7 million people, requiring most residents to stay inside and venture out only for food, medicine or exercise for three weeks — the most drastic measure taken yet in the U.S. to curb the spread of the virus.“I know today’s order is a radical step. It has to be. We need to act now, all of us,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Health Department.Health officials, politicians and business leaders are talking about “social distancing” and “flattening the curve,” or encouraging people to avoid others to slow the spread of the virus and keep U.S. hospitals from being overwhelmed with a sudden deluge of patients.Most people who come down with the disease have relatively mild symptoms, but it can be deadly for some, especially the elderly and those with underlying health problems. Most people infected with the virus recover in a matter of weeks.The shutdowns touched every corner of the country: blackjack dealers in Las Vegas, theme park workers in Orlando, Florida, restaurant and bar employees nationwide, and winery workers in California. At least eight states called on all bars and restaurants to close at least part of the day.The economy appears to be decelerating at a much faster pace than during the 2008 financial meltdown.“This is like an avalanche. It’s all happening at once,” said Heidi Shierholz, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute. “And no one knows how long it’s going to last.”On the other side of the ledger, Amazon announced it wants to add 100,000 workers to deliver packages amid a surge in online orders from people unable or unwilling to set foot in stores. And gun sales soared in many places as fear took hold.“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Ed Turner, who owns Ed’s Public Safety in Stockbridge, Georgia. “This is self-preservation. This is panic. This is ‘I won’t be able to protect my family from the hordes and the walking dead.’”With schools closed for tens of millions of children across the country, parents began using lesson plans that included flash cards, online learning, dog walks and creativity sessions. Many did this while juggling work conference calls, emails and memos. Others scrambled to find child care.Nationwide, many restaurants were restricted to takeout or delivery only.

Government issues historic restrictions amid virus outbreak

The Ellis County Treasurer’s Office is focusing on the impact COVID-19 has on our office and how we will serve the public. As of March 16 the Ellis County Commissioners have declared that all County buildings are to remain open to the public. 

While we at the Treasury are still able to help you in our office, we strongly encourage you to use the mail, the drop boxes, or even the IKAN online service to process your vehicle and tax transactions.

· For vehicle renewals, you can use the iKan website with the PIN on the renewal form you received from the State. <a href="https://ikan.ks.gov/">https://ikan.ks.gov/</a>

· For tax payments, please contact our office for the amount due, and then visit https://www.officialpayments.com/index.jsp

· We have a drop box in the alley on the south side of our building for you to place your transactions in. We process all transactions as we receive them and will check the drop boxes multiple times daily. Expect 3-5 days for processing. Many vehicle and tax transactions can also be processed over the phone and we would be glad to help you to do so!

We ask that you call our office to schedule an appointment to process any vehicle title transaction at (785) 628-9465. 

Effective March 17 our office will not process title transactions without a scheduled appointment.

 If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email saugustine@ellisco.net or chammond@ellisco.net to schedule your title appointment. 

Please be cognizant of the deadline dates for your vehicle titles and understand that you may need to be in contact with us several days before your registration is due. 

Please do not wait until the last minute when we may be forced to limit public access to our office. 

If you have recently purchased a vehicle, you have 60 days from the purchase date to register it. 

Please do not come in unless you absolutely must! 

This new policy will continue through March 31 and is subject to change.

Please understand that these are simply precautionary measures, NOT REQUIREMENTS. 

We still welcome you to visit our office but would like you to be aware of the other options you have should you prefer the comfort of your home. 

We want to do our part in serving the community. 

Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If there is no answer, please be aware that we are likely fielding many phone calls currently. 

Our current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8-4. 

Lastly, please visit our website <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury">https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury</a> for additional updates as the situation may change.

I am very cognizant of your needs and will continue to serve you the very best I can. 

Trust we are doing our best in keeping staff and their families healthy, while serving taxpayers in the community.

SubmittedThe Ellis County Treasurer’s Office is focusing on the impact COVID-19 has on our office and how we will serve the public. As of March 16 the Ellis County Commissioners have declared that all County buildings are to remain open to the public. While we at the Treasury are still able to help you in our office, we strongly encourage you to use the mail, the drop boxes, or even the IKAN online service to process your vehicle and tax transactions.· For vehicle renewals, you can use the iKan website with the PIN on the renewal form you received from the State. <a href="https://ikan.ks.gov/">https://ikan.ks.gov/</a>· For tax payments, please contact our office for the amount due, and then visit https://www.officialpayments.com/index.jsp· We have a drop box in the alley on the south side of our building for you to place your transactions in. We process all transactions as we receive them and will check the drop boxes multiple times daily. Expect 3-5 days for processing. Many vehicle and tax transactions can also be processed over the phone and we would be glad to help you to do so!We ask that you call our office to schedule an appointment to process any vehicle title transaction at (785) 628-9465. Effective March 17 our office will not process title transactions without a scheduled appointment. If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email saugustine@ellisco.net or chammond@ellisco.net to schedule your title appointment. Please be cognizant of the deadline dates for your vehicle titles and understand that you may need to be in contact with us several days before your registration is due. Please do not wait until the last minute when we may be forced to limit public access to our office. If you have recently purchased a vehicle, you have 60 days from the purchase date to register it. Please do not come in unless you absolutely must! This new policy will continue through March 31 and is subject to change.Please understand that these are simply precautionary measures, NOT REQUIREMENTS. We still welcome you to visit our office but would like you to be aware of the other options you have should you prefer the comfort of your home. We want to do our part in serving the community. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If there is no answer, please be aware that we are likely fielding many phone calls currently. Our current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8-4. Lastly, please visit our website <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury">https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury</a> for additional updates as the situation may change.I am very cognizant of your needs and will continue to serve you the very best I can. Trust we are doing our best in keeping staff and their families healthy, while serving taxpayers in the community.Sincerely,Lisa Schlegel, Ellis County Treasurer

Ellis County Treasurer's office remains open; online payments encouraged

Due to recent Coronavirus concerns, Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director, along with Governor Laura Kelly, have decided to close all State-owned Travel Information Centers, effective today through March 27. 

The Hays Welcome Center will follow suite and close its doors to visitors Tuesday, March 17 – Friday March 27. 

Visitors are welcome to call 785-628-8202 to speak with staff, use the Welcome Center’s outdoor information kiosk, or go to VisitHays.com for community information.

SubmittedDue to recent Coronavirus concerns, Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director, along with Governor Laura Kelly, have decided to close all State-owned Travel Information Centers, effective today through March 27. The Hays Welcome Center will follow suite and close its doors to visitors Tuesday, March 17 – Friday March 27. Visitors are welcome to call 785-628-8202 to speak with staff, use the Welcome Center’s outdoor information kiosk, or go to VisitHays.com for community information.

HAYS CVB to close office in response to COVID-19

The Kansas Department of Health Environment has issued guidelines on extra precautions for child care centers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, but some centers in Hays are staying open.

Early Childhood Connections and the USD 489 preschool program closed when Hays USD 489 announced its temporary closure last week.

However, KDHE is not requiring closures of private child care facilities and homes if there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in the facility.

Ellis Baptist Church has opened its doors to accept a limited number of children from Ellis USD 388 who need child care over the next week.

Pastor Chad Pritchett said the church will offer free care for school-age children. The church will limit care to 10-12 children at a time.&nbsp;The church will provide meals if needed. 

Please call Pritchett at 785-259-6335 before bringing children to ensure the church can have enough adult supervision on had to handle the children needing care.&nbsp;

"We know there are single moms and dads who may not have the capability to find child care and have to make decisions about going to work and keeping their kids,"&nbsp; Pritchett said. "We want to be a blessing to our community."

Pritchett said the church will take all precautions prescribed by the KDHE that pertain to in-home child care centers. 

Church officials will continue to monitor KDHE and CDC advisories and will make changes as needed, Pritchett said.

Owner Andrea Felder said the center is encouraging children and staff to wash their hands frequently, is sanitizing surfaces and has hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the facility.

Felder said she and her staff will revisit the issue of closing if COVID-19 cases are reported in the community.

Felder said she has heard more concerns from parents about the center closing than the issue of the spread of the virus among the children, primarily because the illness thus far has had a lesser impact on children ages 0-9.

For parents who are left without child care because of school or other child care centers closings, Bright Minds had six 2-3-year-old drop in spots and eight preschool spots available as of Monday morning.

Happy Days Childcare in Hays is also taking more precautions. They are cleaning and sanitizing toys as well as food areas and areas the children touch more frequently,&nbsp;Brenna Stamper, child care worker, said.

The childcare plans to decide soon it will open more slots for children in light of the school cancelations.

Learning Cross Child Care Center in Hays remains open.

Brett Schmidt, owner, said the center, which is across the street from HaysMed, provides care for many parents who work in the medical field.

He said some parents have decided to voluntarily keep their children home, but he said the center intends to remain open normal hours for now.

Learning Cross has also implemented additional disinfecting routines in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

See the complete KDHE recommendations on child care facilities from the KDHE website below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578454346210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Kansas Department of Health Environment has issued guidelines on extra precautions for child care centers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, but some centers in Hays are staying open.Early Childhood Connections and the USD 489 preschool program closed when Hays USD 489 announced its temporary closure last week.However, KDHE is not requiring closures of private child care facilities and homes if there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in the facility.<h2>Ellis church opens doors to kids</h2>Ellis Baptist Church has opened its doors to accept a limited number of children from Ellis USD 388 who need child care over the next week.Pastor Chad Pritchett said the church will offer free care for school-age children. The church will limit care to 10-12 children at a time.&nbsp;The church will provide meals if needed. Please call Pritchett at 785-259-6335 before bringing children to ensure the church can have enough adult supervision on had to handle the children needing care.&nbsp;"We know there are single moms and dads who may not have the capability to find child care and have to make decisions about going to work and keeping their kids,"&nbsp; Pritchett said. "We want to be a blessing to our community."Pritchett said the church will take all precautions prescribed by the KDHE that pertain to in-home child care centers. Church officials will continue to monitor KDHE and CDC advisories and will make changes as needed, Pritchett said.<h2>Some private child care centers open</h2>Bright Minds Academy is open.&nbsp;Owner Andrea Felder said the center is encouraging children and staff to wash their hands frequently, is sanitizing surfaces and has hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the facility.Felder said she and her staff will revisit the issue of closing if COVID-19 cases are reported in the community.Felder said she has heard more concerns from parents about the center closing than the issue of the spread of the virus among the children, primarily because the illness thus far has had a lesser impact on children ages 0-9.For parents who are left without child care because of school or other child care centers closings, Bright Minds had six 2-3-year-old drop in spots and eight preschool spots available as of Monday morning.Happy Days Childcare in Hays is also taking more precautions. They are cleaning and sanitizing toys as well as food areas and areas the children touch more frequently,&nbsp;Brenna Stamper, child care worker, said.The childcare plans to decide soon it will open more slots for children in light of the school cancelations.Learning Cross Child Care Center in Hays remains open.Brett Schmidt, owner, said the center, which is across the street from HaysMed, provides care for many parents who work in the medical field.He said some parents have decided to voluntarily keep their children home, but he said the center intends to remain open normal hours for now.Learning Cross has also implemented additional disinfecting routines in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.<h2>KDHE child care COVID-19 guidelines</h2>See the complete KDHE recommendations on child care facilities from the KDHE website below.<figure>
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Private child care open, taking precautions in light of COVID-19

LENEXA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that
causes COVID-19. 

The list contains nearly 200 additional products—including 40 new products that went through the agency’s expedited review process. 

The agency also made key enhancements to the web-based list to improve its usefulness.

“During this pandemic, it’s important that people can easily find the information they’re looking for when choosing and using a surface disinfectant,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.&nbsp;

“With this expanded
list, EPA is making sure Americans have greater access to as many effective and approved surface disinfectant products as possible and that they have the information at their fingertips to use them effectively.”

While disinfectant products on this list have not been tested specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, they are expected to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 because they have been tested and proven effective
on either a harder-to-kill virus or against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2.

The product list has also been updated to include the product’s active ingredient and the amount of time the surface should remain wet to be effective against the given pathogen.

To make the list more consumer friendly, information in the table is now sortable, searchable and printable, and can be easily viewed on a mobile device.

These additions make it easier for consumers to find surface disinfectants and instructions for using them effectively against SARS-CoV-2.

&nbsp;View the list of EPA-registered<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2"> disinfectant products here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563804610898.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EPALENEXA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that
causes COVID-19. The list contains nearly 200 additional products—including 40 new products that went through the agency’s expedited review process. The agency also made key enhancements to the web-based list to improve its usefulness.“During this pandemic, it’s important that people can easily find the information they’re looking for when choosing and using a surface disinfectant,”&nbsp;said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.&nbsp;“With this expanded
list, EPA is making sure Americans have greater access to as many effective and approved surface disinfectant products as possible and that they have the information at their fingertips to use them effectively.”While disinfectant products on this list have not been tested specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, they are expected to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 because they have been tested and proven effective
on either a harder-to-kill virus or against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2.The product list has also been updated to include the product’s active ingredient and the amount of time the surface should remain wet to be effective against the given pathogen.To make the list more consumer friendly, information in the table is now sortable, searchable and printable, and can be easily viewed on a mobile device.These additions make it easier for consumers to find surface disinfectants and instructions for using them effectively against SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp;View the list of EPA-registered<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2"> disinfectant products here.</a>

EPA expands COVID-19 disinfectant list

SEATTLE (AP) — U.S. researchers gave the first shots in a first test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine Monday, leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges.

With careful jabs in the arms of four healthy volunteers, scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute in Seattle began an anxiously awaited first-stage study of a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed in record time after the new virus exploded out of China and fanned out across the globe.

“We’re team coronavirus now,” Kaiser Permanente study leader Dr. Lisa Jackson said on the eve of the experiment. “Everyone wants to do what they can in this emergency.”

The Associated Press observed as the study’s first participant, an operations manager at a small tech company, received the injection in an exam room.

“We all feel so helpless. This is an amazing opportunity for me to do something,” Jennifer Haller, 43, of Seattle said before getting vaccinated. Her two teenagers “think it's cool” that she's taking part in the study.

After the injection, she left the exam room with a big smile: “I'm feeling great."

Three others were next in line for a test that will ultimately give 45 volunteers two doses, a month apart.

Neal Browning, 46, of Bothell, Washington, is a Microsoft network engineer who says his young daughters are proud he volunteered.

“Every parent wants their children to look up to them,” he said. But he’s told them not to brag to their friends. “It’s other people, too. It’s not just Dad out there.”

Monday’s milestone marked just the beginning of a series of studies in people needed to prove whether the shots are safe and could work. Even if the research goes well, a vaccine would not be available for widespread use for 12 to 18 months, said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Still, finding a vaccine “is an urgent public health priority,” Fauci said in a statement Monday. The new study “is an important first step toward achieving that goal.”

This vaccine candidate, code-named mRNA-1273, was developed by the NIH and Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna Inc. There’s no chance participants could get infected because the shots do not contain the coronavirus itself.

It’s not the only potential vaccine in the pipeline. Dozens of research groups around the world are racing to create a vaccine against COVID-19. Another candidate, made by Inovio Pharmaceuticals, is expected to begin its own safety study next month in the U.S., China and South Korea.

The Seattle experiment got underway days after the World Health Organization declared the new virus outbreak a pandemic because of its rapid global spread, which has infected more than 169,000 people and killed more than 6,500.

COVID-19 has upended the world’s social and economic fabric since China first identified the virus in January, with broad regions shuttering schools and businesses, restricting travel, canceling entertainment and sporting events, and encouraging people to stay away from each other.

Starting what scientists call a first-in-humans study is a momentous occasion for scientists, but Jackson described her team’s mood as “subdued.” They’ve been working around-the-clock readying the research in a part of the U.S. struck early and hard by the virus.

Still, “going from not even knowing that this virus was out there ... to have any vaccine” in testing in about two months is unprecedented, Jackson told the AP.

Some of the study’s carefully chosen healthy volunteers, ages 18 to 55, will get higher dosages than others to test how strong the inoculations should be. Scientists will check for any side effects and draw blood samples to test if the vaccine is revving up the immune system, looking for encouraging clues like the NIH earlier found in vaccinated mice.

“We don’t know whether this vaccine will induce an immune response or whether it will be safe. That’s why we’re doing a trial,” Jackson stressed. “It’s not at the stage where it would be possible or prudent to give it to the general population.”

Most of the vaccine research under way globally targets a protein aptly named “spike” that studs the surface of the new coronavirus and lets it invade human cells. Block that protein and people cannot get infected.

Researchers at the NIH copied the section of the virus’ genetic code that contains the instructions for cells to create the spike protein. Moderna encased that “messenger RNA” into a vaccine.

The idea: The body will become a mini-factory, producing some harmless spike protein. When the immune system spots the foreign protein, it will make antibodies to attack — and be primed to react quickly if the person later encounters the real virus.

That’s a much faster way of producing a vaccine than the traditional approach of growing virus in the lab and preparing shots from either killed or weakened versions of it.

But because vaccines are given to millions of healthy people, it takes time to test them in large enough numbers to spot an uncommon side effect, cautioned Dr. Nelson Michael of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, which is developing a different vaccine candidate.

“The science can go very quickly but, first, do no harm, right?” he told reporters last week.

The Seattle research institute is part of a government network that tests all kinds of vaccines and was chosen for the coronavirus vaccine study before COVID-19 began spreading widely in Washington state.

Kaiser Permanente screened dozens of people, looking for those who have no chronic health problems and are not currently sick. Researchers are not checking whether would-be volunteers already had a mild case of COVID-19 before deciding if they are eligible.

If some did, scientists will be able to tell by the number of antibodies in their pre-vaccination blood test and account for that, Jackson said. Participants will be paid $100 for each clinic visit in the study.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A clinical trial evaluating a vaccine designed to protect against the new coronavirus will begin Monday, according to a government official.

The first participant in the trial will receive the experimental vaccine on Monday, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the trial has not been publicly announced yet. The National Institutes of Health is funding the trial, which is taking place at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, the official said.

Public health officials say it will take a year to 18 months to fully validate any potential vaccine.

Testing will begin with 45 young, healthy volunteers with different doses of shots co-developed by NIH and Moderna Inc. There’s no chance participants could get infected from the shots, because they don’t contain the virus itself. The goal is purely to check that the vaccines show no worrisome side effects, setting the stage for larger tests.

Dozens of research groups around the world are racing to create a vaccine as COVID-19 cases continue to grow. Importantly, they’re pursuing different types of vaccines — shots developed from new technologies that not only are faster to produce than traditional inoculations but might prove more potent. Some researchers even aim for temporary vaccines, such as shots that might guard people’s health a month or two at a time while longer-lasting protection is developed.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 156,000 people and left more than 5,800 dead. The death toll in the United States is more than 50, while infections neared 3,000 across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three weeks to six weeks to recover.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579661439404.jpeg" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — U.S. researchers gave the first shots in a first test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine Monday, leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges.With careful jabs in the arms of four healthy volunteers, scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute in Seattle began an anxiously awaited first-stage study of a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed in record time after the new virus exploded out of China and fanned out across the globe.“We’re team coronavirus now,” Kaiser Permanente study leader Dr. Lisa Jackson said on the eve of the experiment. “Everyone wants to do what they can in this emergency.”The Associated Press observed as the study’s first participant, an operations manager at a small tech company, received the injection in an exam room.“We all feel so helpless. This is an amazing opportunity for me to do something,” Jennifer Haller, 43, of Seattle said before getting vaccinated. Her two teenagers “think it's cool” that she's taking part in the study.After the injection, she left the exam room with a big smile: “I'm feeling great."Three others were next in line for a test that will ultimately give 45 volunteers two doses, a month apart.Neal Browning, 46, of Bothell, Washington, is a Microsoft network engineer who says his young daughters are proud he volunteered.“Every parent wants their children to look up to them,” he said. But he’s told them not to brag to their friends. “It’s other people, too. It’s not just Dad out there.”Monday’s milestone marked just the beginning of a series of studies in people needed to prove whether the shots are safe and could work. Even if the research goes well, a vaccine would not be available for widespread use for 12 to 18 months, said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.Still, finding a vaccine “is an urgent public health priority,” Fauci said in a statement Monday. The new study “is an important first step toward achieving that goal.”This vaccine candidate, code-named mRNA-1273, was developed by the NIH and Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna Inc. There’s no chance participants could get infected because the shots do not contain the coronavirus itself.It’s not the only potential vaccine in the pipeline. Dozens of research groups around the world are racing to create a vaccine against COVID-19. Another candidate, made by Inovio Pharmaceuticals, is expected to begin its own safety study next month in the U.S., China and South Korea.The Seattle experiment got underway days after the World Health Organization declared the new virus outbreak a pandemic because of its rapid global spread, which has infected more than 169,000 people and killed more than 6,500.COVID-19 has upended the world’s social and economic fabric since China first identified the virus in January, with broad regions shuttering schools and businesses, restricting travel, canceling entertainment and sporting events, and encouraging people to stay away from each other.Starting what scientists call a first-in-humans study is a momentous occasion for scientists, but Jackson described her team’s mood as “subdued.” They’ve been working around-the-clock readying the research in a part of the U.S. struck early and hard by the virus.Still, “going from not even knowing that this virus was out there ... to have any vaccine” in testing in about two months is unprecedented, Jackson told the AP.Some of the study’s carefully chosen healthy volunteers, ages 18 to 55, will get higher dosages than others to test how strong the inoculations should be. Scientists will check for any side effects and draw blood samples to test if the vaccine is revving up the immune system, looking for encouraging clues like the NIH earlier found in vaccinated mice.“We don’t know whether this vaccine will induce an immune response or whether it will be safe. That’s why we’re doing a trial,” Jackson stressed. “It’s not at the stage where it would be possible or prudent to give it to the general population.”Most of the vaccine research under way globally targets a protein aptly named “spike” that studs the surface of the new coronavirus and lets it invade human cells. Block that protein and people cannot get infected.Researchers at the NIH copied the section of the virus’ genetic code that contains the instructions for cells to create the spike protein. Moderna encased that “messenger RNA” into a vaccine.The idea: The body will become a mini-factory, producing some harmless spike protein. When the immune system spots the foreign protein, it will make antibodies to attack — and be primed to react quickly if the person later encounters the real virus.That’s a much faster way of producing a vaccine than the traditional approach of growing virus in the lab and preparing shots from either killed or weakened versions of it.But because vaccines are given to millions of healthy people, it takes time to test them in large enough numbers to spot an uncommon side effect, cautioned Dr. Nelson Michael of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, which is developing a different vaccine candidate.“The science can go very quickly but, first, do no harm, right?” he told reporters last week.The Seattle research institute is part of a government network that tests all kinds of vaccines and was chosen for the coronavirus vaccine study before COVID-19 began spreading widely in Washington state.Kaiser Permanente screened dozens of people, looking for those who have no chronic health problems and are not currently sick. Researchers are not checking whether would-be volunteers already had a mild case of COVID-19 before deciding if they are eligible.If some did, scientists will be able to tell by the number of antibodies in their pre-vaccination blood test and account for that, Jackson said. Participants will be paid $100 for each clinic visit in the study.--------WASHINGTON (AP) — A clinical trial evaluating a vaccine designed to protect against the new coronavirus will begin Monday, according to a government official.The first participant in the trial will receive the experimental vaccine on Monday, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the trial has not been publicly announced yet. The National Institutes of Health is funding the trial, which is taking place at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, the official said.Public health officials say it will take a year to 18 months to fully validate any potential vaccine.Testing will begin with 45 young, healthy volunteers with different doses of shots co-developed by NIH and Moderna Inc. There’s no chance participants could get infected from the shots, because they don’t contain the virus itself. The goal is purely to check that the vaccines show no worrisome side effects, setting the stage for larger tests.Dozens of research groups around the world are racing to create a vaccine as COVID-19 cases continue to grow. Importantly, they’re pursuing different types of vaccines — shots developed from new technologies that not only are faster to produce than traditional inoculations but might prove more potent. Some researchers even aim for temporary vaccines, such as shots that might guard people’s health a month or two at a time while longer-lasting protection is developed.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 156,000 people and left more than 5,800 dead. The death toll in the United States is more than 50, while infections neared 3,000 across 49 states and the District of Columbia.The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three weeks to six weeks to recover.___

 Coronavirus vaccine test opens with first doses

&nbsp;&nbsp; Midwest Energy announced today it will not disconnect residential and business customers for non-payment through May 1, 2020, while communities are facing challenges from Coronavirus. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; “This is an unprecedented situation, and we need to ensure that customers who rely us have uninterrupted electric and gas service while dealing with this,” said Pat Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO.&nbsp; “Our customers and their businesses may be facing financial strain right now, and we recognize that we’re all going to get through this together,” Parke added. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; This temporary moratorium from disconnection does not remove responsibilities for customers to pay bills, nor does it cancel any bills.&nbsp; Rather, it is intended to allow customers dealing with uncertainty to continue to receive service, while making partial payments or other payment arrangements.&nbsp; Automatic payments and bank drafts that customers have set up are unaffected.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Other things Midwest Energy is doing in response to Coronavirus include closure of walk-in customer service offices, effective Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; 

Customers are encouraged to complete transactions online at&nbsp; <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com">www.mwenergy.com</a>, by mail or by phone at 1-800-222-3121. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy&nbsp;&nbsp; Midwest Energy announced today it will not disconnect residential and business customers for non-payment through May 1, 2020, while communities are facing challenges from Coronavirus. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “This is an unprecedented situation, and we need to ensure that customers who rely us have uninterrupted electric and gas service while dealing with this,” said Pat Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO.&nbsp; “Our customers and their businesses may be facing financial strain right now, and we recognize that we’re all going to get through this together,” Parke added. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This temporary moratorium from disconnection does not remove responsibilities for customers to pay bills, nor does it cancel any bills.&nbsp; Rather, it is intended to allow customers dealing with uncertainty to continue to receive service, while making partial payments or other payment arrangements.&nbsp; Automatic payments and bank drafts that customers have set up are unaffected.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other things Midwest Energy is doing in response to Coronavirus include closure of walk-in customer service offices, effective Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; Customers are encouraged to complete transactions online at&nbsp; <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com">www.mwenergy.com</a>, by mail or by phone at 1-800-222-3121. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy suspends disconnections, closes offices

KDHE<figure>
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KDHE confirms 11 positive cases of coronavirus in Kansas

Fort Hays State University announced Monday following the end of the day, on-campus classes will be canceled, moving up the timeline that was presented last week that would have shifted courses online following the university's spring break next week.

Students that reside on campus have also been notified they should prepare to move out of the dorms by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

"We remain committed to the underlying goal of all our efforts and decision-making since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak:&nbsp;safeguarding the health of our students, faculty, and staff," FHSU president Tisa Mason said in an announcement to the university.&nbsp;"In striving to do so, we have also remained committed to our guiding principle that policies and decisions in response to COVID-19 should be informed by and aligned with, local, state, and national medical authorities and public health experts."

On-campus courses are still planned to transition to online-only beginning March 30, and they currently are anticipating they will remain online through the end of the semester.

"University housing, computing services, food service, health clinics, and counseling services, and all other aspects of the University will remain open at this time, subject to further decisions, social distancing measures, and any CDC, KDHE, or local health official guidance regarding self-isolation or self-quarantine requirements," the announcement said.

As students depart, they are asked to practice social distancing on or off of campus.

As the university is working through students leaving the university early, refunds will be issued for payments already made to cover housing.

"Residential Life and Student Fiscal Services will automatically process refunds for room and board for students checking out of on-campus housing," the announcement said. "All refunds will be based on the student’s official check-out date."

The university will remain open during this time, but services will be limited for those that are allowed to stay under special circumstances.

University staff will continue in their regular positions.

"The university is currently continuing normal daily operations and all employees should continue to report to work at their usual work location and scheduled time," the announcement said.

All FHSU events have been canceled, including testing services.

A decision about commencement is planned by March 27.

"As the University’s policy, planning, and actions move forward,&nbsp;we should continue to be grounded in our fundamental goal of safeguarding the health of our faculty, staff, and students, and we should continue to be guided by the recommendations provided by our public health officials," Mason said.&nbsp;

"I appreciate your patience and grace as we navigate the challenges before us. We are all called to respond to a once-unimaginable situation at a time when the world is changing and responding by the minute," she said.&nbsp;"I find comfort knowing that time and time again Fort Hays State and our people have demonstrated our innovation, resilience, and compassion to overcome obstacles and thrive. Throughout our Tiger community faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders are stepping up to the challenge and finding solutions to the challenges we now face."

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078167020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By James Bell Hays PostFort Hays State University announced Monday following the end of the day, on-campus classes will be canceled, moving up the timeline that was presented last week that would have shifted courses online following the university's spring break next week.Students that reside on campus have also been notified they should prepare to move out of the dorms by 5 p.m. Tuesday."We remain committed to the underlying goal of all our efforts and decision-making since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak:&nbsp;safeguarding the health of our students, faculty, and staff," FHSU president Tisa Mason said in an announcement to the university.&nbsp;"In striving to do so, we have also remained committed to our guiding principle that policies and decisions in response to COVID-19 should be informed by and aligned with, local, state, and national medical authorities and public health experts."On-campus courses are still planned to transition to online-only beginning March 30, and they currently are anticipating they will remain online through the end of the semester."University housing, computing services, food service, health clinics, and counseling services, and all other aspects of the University will remain open at this time, subject to further decisions, social distancing measures, and any CDC, KDHE, or local health official guidance regarding self-isolation or self-quarantine requirements," the announcement said.As students depart, they are asked to practice social distancing on or off of campus.As the university is working through students leaving the university early, refunds will be issued for payments already made to cover housing."Residential Life and Student Fiscal Services will automatically process refunds for room and board for students checking out of on-campus housing," the announcement said. "All refunds will be based on the student’s official check-out date."The university will remain open during this time, but services will be limited for those that are allowed to stay under special circumstances.University staff will continue in their regular positions."The university is currently continuing normal daily operations and all employees should continue to report to work at their usual work location and scheduled time," the announcement said.All FHSU events have been canceled, including testing services.A decision about commencement is planned by March 27."As the University’s policy, planning, and actions move forward,&nbsp;we should continue to be grounded in our fundamental goal of safeguarding the health of our faculty, staff, and students, and we should continue to be guided by the recommendations provided by our public health officials," Mason said.&nbsp;"I appreciate your patience and grace as we navigate the challenges before us. We are all called to respond to a once-unimaginable situation at a time when the world is changing and responding by the minute," she said.&nbsp;"I find comfort knowing that time and time again Fort Hays State and our people have demonstrated our innovation, resilience, and compassion to overcome obstacles and thrive. Throughout our Tiger community faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders are stepping up to the challenge and finding solutions to the challenges we now face."

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