State of Kansas Issues New Quarantine Mandates
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP and Kansas Public Radio) - The state of Kansas has issued strict quarantine mandates today (WED) for people who have traveled or had close contact with those with confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, part of an effort to limit community spread. But community spread was inevitable. Lee Norman, the state's health secretary, said today (WED) that five of 11 cases in Johnson County, a Kansas City suburb, are the result of community spread. Overall, the state's number of cases of the virus ticked up to 21. Health officials say Johnson County residents with mild symptoms will not be tested but instead advised to self-isolate. Elsewhere, the Douglas County Health Officer announced that public gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited in the county until April 1. The order restricts indoor and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people, with the exception of governmental and judicial functions, healthcare facilities, private business operations, religious and faith-based activities, and weddings and funerals. The order also closes restaurants, bars, taverns, night clubs and movie theatres...but restaurants can continue to provide drive-through or delivery services of food and beverages at this time.
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Governor Closes Kansas Schools; Asks Some State Workers to Stay Home
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has closed the state's public and private K-12 school buildings for the rest of the academic year, moving teaching online throughout the state to try to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus. Her action on Tuesday moves teaching online throughout the state to try to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus. Kelly also said that starting Monday, most of the 18,000 state workers under her supervision will be directed to stay at home for two weeks so agencies can plan for having some work from home and place others on paid administrative leave. Some Republican legislators objected to the school closings.
The Kansas News Service maintains this online resource about the pandemic: Updated Regularly: What Kansans Need to Know About COVID-19 and Coronavirus
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GOP Right Pushes Back on Kansas Governor for Closing Schools
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Conservative Republican legislators in Kansas are moving to limit Democratic Governor Laura Kelly's power to address the coronavirus pandemic. Their move Wednesday was a response to an order from her closing the state's K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester. They included language from GOP conservatives in a resolution that would extend a state of emergency declared by Kelly last week to prevent her from invoking a state law giving the governor broad powers to act to protect the state's population. Conservatives said Kelly's order Tuesday to close schools was an overreaction. The measure also would prohibit her from confiscating guns.
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Help Available for Kansas Workers Taking Hit Due to Pandemic
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — As thousands of workers across the U.S. are in danger of losing their jobs, President Trump is looking into making direct cash payments to Americans part of a federal emergency stimulus package. The aid package is designed to lessen the blow from the coronavirus pandemic. KWCH TV reports that the Kansas Department of Labor is now fielding a high volume of calls and questions. Thousands of Kansans are now working from home. Others expect pay cuts, layoffs and furloughs. The unprecedented situation brought on by the coronavirus raises many questions, but help is available.
Unemployment insurance benefits are available for anyone who is involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of benefits depends on a person's salary, but will be within a window of $122 to $488 per week. The average payout in Kansas is nearly $400 per week. Benefits apply to those who are not working and not being paid. Help is also available to workers who have seen their hours or wages reduced due to the virus.
Guide to File for Unemployment Benefits
This week, the Kansas Department of Labor will also consider benefits for parents who are forced to take a leave of absence from work to be home with children since schools have been closed through the end of the academic year.
On Tuesday Kansas lawmakers passed a bill that would increase the length of time you can collect unemployment insurance from 16 weeks to 26 weeks. The idea was originally proposed earlier this session to deal with aviation layoffs in Wichita. Now lawmakers are saying it can apply to everyone. Supporters say the bill is an important safety net if the crisis is longlasting.
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Kansas Governor Bans Home and Business Evictions Until May 1
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has banned home and business evictions until May 1 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly signed an executive order Tuesday that she says is designed to mitigate the financial fallout for many Kansans during the spread of the virus. The order, which the governor's office did not announce, requires financial institutions to suspend business and home evictions. Earlier Tuesday, the governor signed another executive order ordering the state's K-12 schools to close and to move all teaching online for the rest of the semester. The orders came after the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Kansas doubled to 18.
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Missouri Lab Says It Has Developed Test for Coronavirus
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — A clinical lab in Missouri says it has developed a test for the novel coronavirus that is more than 99% accurate. KCUR reports that Viracor Eurofins in Lee's Summit claims it is capable of performing more than 1,000 tests per day and returning results the same day. Officials say the test would allow for expanding testing to patients who don't currently meet the eligibility criteria for public laboratory testing established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has given the go-ahead for testing to begin.
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Kansas Lawmakers OK Coronavirus Responses, Hope to End Session Soon
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have wrapped up work on three measures responding to the coronavirus pandemic. They also tried Tuesday to resolve differences over the next state budget and a plan for funding transportation projects. Lawmakers approved a bill to would give jobless workers an additional 10 weeks of unemployment benefits and another measure aimed at making it easier for the state to waive its requirements for how many hours of in-person instruction public schools must provide. They also passed a bill to allow courts to extend trial deadlines and grant people more time to file lawsuits if the pandemic forces them to shut down temporarily. Lawmakers are trying to wrap up other loose ends so they can take a long spring break in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature were looking to pass a basic, annual state budget and a program for improving the state's highway system before the end of the week. Their goal is to start their annual spring break early and then reconvene April 27 to finish the year's business. They previously planned to work through April 3.
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Elective Surgeries Now on Hold at Kansas Hospitals
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) — Hospitals in Lawrence, Topeka and other Kansas communities have put all elective surgeries on hold, as coronavirus threatens to disrupt the delivery of health care to seriously ill patients. Doctors in virtually every field are scrambling to alter care as the virus spreads, with some cancer surgeries now delayed and stent procedures for clogged arteries pushed back. The U.S. government continues to rush protective equipment to states, packing planes and trucks with supplies like gloves and masks for medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.
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Kansas Bans Gatherings of 50 or More; Kansas City Area Goes Even Further
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state of emergency remains in effect across Kansas and the state has now banned public gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months. But officials in the Kansas City area on Monday 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 Governor Laura Kelly blocked utilities in her state from cutting off services until mid-April and warned that the coronavirus pandemic may force additional restrictions. But officials in the Kansas City area ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters Tuesday with the exception of drive-through, pickup and delivery services.
Meanwhile...
President Trump Urges Americans to Follow Virus Guidelines, Avoid Groups of 10+
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is urging all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants for at least the next few weeks as officials forecast a surge in the coronavirus outbreak. For the first time, Trump acknowledged that the pandemic may send the economy into a recession. He went on to suggest that Americans may be dealing with the virus until "July or August." The president's warnings came Monday as the White House released sweeping guidelines for the next 15 days. People are advised not to gather in groups of more than 10, and discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided.
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COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise in Kansas; Statewide Total Hits 21
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — Kansas health officials report today (WED) the statewide total of COVID-19 cases has risen to 21. At least six Kansas counties (Butler, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte) have reported one or more cases. Ford and Miami counties also reported COVID-19 cases but those involved out-of-state residents. ( Keep track of cases in Kansas.)
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Missouri Reports 15 Coronavirus Cases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's health department is reporting 15 positive cases of coronavirus. As of Tuesday the agency reported cases of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis. Meanwhile, Missouri's 13 casinos are closing through March 30 under orders of Governor Mike Parson as part of the effort to limit public gatherings in the public health battle against the coronavirus. Parson says the crisis could last for months. Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Mike Leara says the impact of the shutdown could mean up to $1 million a day in lost revenue to the state.
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No Dice for Casinos in Kansas and Missouri as Governors Shut Down Gambling
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — Unwilling to gamble with the health of customers, the governors of both Kansas and Missouri have closed casinos in both states, until at least March 30. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that all four state-owned casinos in Kansas would close at the end of business Tuesday. Jeff Morris, a spokesman for Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, said, "We are not aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our team members." Another statement from Hollywood and Argosy’s parent company, Penn National Gaming, said despite the shutdown, employees will be paid through the end of March.
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Hy-Vee Reserves One Hour of Shopping Time for High Risk Customers
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (KPR) — Hy-Vee has announced it will reserve one hour of shopping time prior to its new opening time each day for customers considered “high-risk” for becoming infected by coronavirus. “We are extremely concerned about the spread of this virus, and want to respond to our customers who are at higher risk of serious illness by offering them a time where they may feel a bit safer shopping in our stores,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. The reserved hour will be from 7 am to 8 am, seven days a week, and is designed for these customers:
Ages 60 and older
Expectant mothers
Customers with health conditions making them susceptible to serious illness
Pharmacies in most Hy-Vee locations will also be extending their hours so they can serve this group of customers from 7 am to 8 am.
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U.S. Census Bureau Suspends Field Operations on Virus Concerns
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Census Bureau has suspended field operations for two weeks, citing the health and safety of its workers and the U.S. public from the novel coronavirus. The Census Bureau made the announcement today (WED), a week after the start of the 2020 census count. Bureau officials said they were continuing to monitor all operations related to the 2020 census in the wake of the virus spread. As of Wednesday, 11 million households had answered the census questions. Most census workers won't head into the field until May, when they'll knock on the doors of homes that haven't turned in their questionnaires.
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Kansas Senator Pushes House to Pass Foster Report Cards Bill
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislator is urging the House to approve a bill that would require the state to develop annual academic report cards on all children in foster care. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that less than 40% of the state's 7,000 foster children who were seniors last year completed high school. Senator Molly Baumgardner told House legislators Monday that too many of the state's foster children ended up in correctional facilities when they should be going to college. The Senate has already approved the measure, which mandates for the collection of academic records on each child in foster care.
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Kansas Democrats Urging Voters to Mail Ballots Amid Pandemic
TOPEKA, Kan. (The Kansas City Star) — Kansas Democratic Party officials are encouraging voters to cast their ballots by mail for the presidential primary amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Kansas City Star reports that the party still plans to hold its primary on May 2. Primaries in some other states have been postponed. The party said in a statement issued Tuesday that mail-in ballots will be sent to registered Democrats in late March. Voters will have until April 24 to postmark and return them. Political parties run presidential primaries in Kansas, allowing Democrats to make any necessary changes.
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Widespread Discrimination Alleged at Kansas City VA Hospital
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Black employees at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center say they have faced years of discrimination from supervisors and retaliation if they report the problems. Their complaints include being subjected to jokes about lynchings and being compared to monkeys, being secretly monitored by white co-workers, lack of promotions and being fired without cause. The workers say complaints they filed have been ignored. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas is asking the hospital for documentation about the complaints and what steps were taken to address the concerns. A hospital spokesman says the medical center doesn't tolerate discrimination.
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Florida Pilot Killed in Western Kansas Plane Crash
LA CROSSE, Kan. (KAKE) — A pilot was killed when his small plane crash landed in western Kansas. KAKE TV reports that emergency crews were called to the scene in Rush County around 9:20 am Tuesday. Kansas Highway Patrol troopers said the Cessna fixed wing plane crash landed in a field and the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as 56-year-old Anthony Thompson, of Apopka, Florida. The crash remains under investigation.
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Anonymous $100,000 Gift to Move Topeka's Tent City Homeless Indoors
TOPEKA, Kan (AP) — An anonymous $100,000 donation might allow all the residents of a tent city for Topeka homeless residents to move to indoor housing if they want it. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the donation was made last week to the non-profit Valeo Behavioral Health Care. Valeo is among several city, state and private organizations that make up Topeka's Homeless Task Force. A representative from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services said the donation is enough to fund 28 vouchers for six months. The voucher program comes as tent city residents must vacate the land by March 23.
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Kansas Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Taking Lewd Photos of Children
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Wichita State University student has been sentenced to close to five years in prison for taking lewd photos of children and up-the-skirt videos of women. The Sedgwick County prosecutor on Monday announced 30-year-old Wichita resident James Dayvault was sentenced to four years and eight months behind bars. He was found guilty of one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of lewd and lascivious behavior, one count of breach of privacy and one count of attempted breach of privacy. An Associated Press call to Dayvault's attorney wasn't immediately returned Monday.
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Missouri Police: No Clear Motive for Fatal Shooting in Springfield; Four People Killed
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Police in Springfield, Missouri, are still searching for the motive of the gunman who killed four people, including a police officer, before fatally shooting himself. The shooting happened Sunday night at a Kum & Go convenience store in the southwestern Missouri town. Police told the Springfield News-Leader that they had no prior contact with the gunman, Joaquin Roman, before the crime. Investigators also were not aware of any prior arrests or history of violent crime for Roman. Detectives believe Roman acted alone. The shooting was among the deadliest in recent southwestern Missouri history.
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Kansas Finishes No. 1 in Final AP Poll; Gonzaga, Dayton Next
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has finished the season No. 1 in The Associated Press college basketball poll, receiving 63 of 65 first-place votes from a national media panel. Gonzaga was second and Dayton third with Florida State and Baylor rounding out the top five. It's the fourth time since the inception of the men's poll for the 1946-47 season that the Jayhawks finished on top. The AP poll is typically released before the NCAA Tournament settles the national champion. The tournament was canceled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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KPR's daily headlines are generally posted by 10 am weekdays and updated throughout the day. KPR's weekend summary is usually published by 1 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
