BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties that have mask mandates in place have seen a rapid drop in cases, while counties that only recommend their use have seen no decrease in cases, the state’s top health official said Wednesday.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s top administrator, said Wednesday that overall statewide the numbers of new cases is favorable, but that the reduction of new cases is entirely in the counties that require masks be worn in public spaces.

After Gov. Laura Kelly put a mask mandate in place last month, 15 counties stayed with the mandate while 90 counties abandoned it, Norman said at a news conference Wednesday.

Norman pointed to a graph showing the seven-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 people comparing counties with the mask mandates with those counties that abandoned it. The favorable trend line down was entirely in the counties that required the use of masks, while the trend line for those without one was flat, he said.

“Do masks work? Here in this natural experiment called Kansas where we have essentially — not due to any great design, but it has worked out that way — some counties have been the control group with a no mask mandate and some have been the experimental group with masks,” Norman said. “The experimental group is winning the battle. All improvements in case development comes from those counties wearing masks.”

It is important to understand, he noted, that the 15 counties with mask mandates represent two-thirds of the state’s population and include the more urban cities with greater population densities. People in those counties rely more on mass transit there and tend to have more racial and ethnic minority populations that are more likely to be infected by COVID-19.

The declining coronavirus cases per capita in those more urban counties suggest the improvement in the trend lines could be even steeper in rural counties if they had mask mandates in place, he said.

The state health department on Wednesday reported that Kansas has confirmed 29,717 cases since the outbreak began, a 841 increase since the last update on Monday. The state reported 368 deaths, up three from Monday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified on its website Wednesday 370 outbreaks which have infected 7,853 people and led to 247 of the state’s 368 deaths.

Of particular concern was the 63 coronavirus cases tied to nine sports clusters because there have been a lot fewer sports this summer than there will be in the fall and winter when schools reopen, Norman said.

“Interestingly, we thought there would be a natural protection, if you will, in softball and baseball because you are out in the wide, open air for the most part, but we have had them essentially in all ... sports,” Norman said.

Other large clusters reported Wednesday include 136 at private businesses, 98 at long-term care facilities. Another 55 outbreaks were from gatherings, nine outbreaks tied to restaurants and bars that resulted in 221 coronavirus infections.

On Wednesday, the Shawnee County Health Department said they have multiple cases linked to Jeremiah Bullfrog Bar and Grille in Topeka, and warned people who were at the establishment July 24-25 and July 27-28 were at risk of exposure.

In Chanute, Kansas, 11 school administrators who attended a leadership retreat last week in Branson are in quarantine after six of them tested positive for the virus, the Kansas City-Star reported. Superintendent Kellen Adams said their symptoms range from minor to severe, with one being treated in a hospital ICU.

He defended the retreat, saying it was necessary to discuss details of how to operate schools during a global pandemic.

Chanute schools are scheduled to open to teachers on Aug. 10 and to students on Aug. 24. Adams said the outbreak among administrators has not, so far, changed that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545924801.png" alt="Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press conference in April." />
 <figcaption>Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press conference in April.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties that have mask mandates in place have seen a rapid drop in cases, while counties that only recommend their use have seen no decrease in cases, the state’s top health official said Wednesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F3181624445282231%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s top administrator, said Wednesday that overall statewide the numbers of new cases is favorable, but that the reduction of new cases is entirely in the counties that require masks be worn in public spaces.After Gov. Laura Kelly put a mask mandate in place last month, 15 counties stayed with the mandate while 90 counties abandoned it, Norman said at a news conference Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596718264258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman pointed to a graph showing the seven-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 people comparing counties with the mask mandates with those counties that abandoned it. The favorable trend line down was entirely in the counties that required the use of masks, while the trend line for those without one was flat, he said.“Do masks work? Here in this natural experiment called Kansas where we have essentially — not due to any great design, but it has worked out that way — some counties have been the control group with a no mask mandate and some have been the experimental group with masks,” Norman said. “The experimental group is winning the battle. All improvements in case development comes from those counties wearing masks.”It is important to understand, he noted, that the 15 counties with mask mandates represent two-thirds of the state’s population and include the more urban cities with greater population densities. People in those counties rely more on mass transit there and tend to have more racial and ethnic minority populations that are more likely to be infected by COVID-19.The declining coronavirus cases per capita in those more urban counties suggest the improvement in the trend lines could be even steeper in rural counties if they had mask mandates in place, he said.The state health department on Wednesday reported that Kansas has confirmed 29,717 cases since the outbreak began, a 841 increase since the last update on Monday. The state reported 368 deaths, up three from Monday.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified on its website Wednesday 370 outbreaks which have infected 7,853 people and led to 247 of the state’s 368 deaths.Of particular concern was the 63 coronavirus cases tied to nine sports clusters because there have been a lot fewer sports this summer than there will be in the fall and winter when schools reopen, Norman said.“Interestingly, we thought there would be a natural protection, if you will, in softball and baseball because you are out in the wide, open air for the most part, but we have had them essentially in all ... sports,” Norman said.Other large clusters reported Wednesday include 136 at private businesses, 98 at long-term care facilities. Another 55 outbreaks were from gatherings, nine outbreaks tied to restaurants and bars that resulted in 221 coronavirus infections.On Wednesday, the Shawnee County Health Department said they have multiple cases linked to Jeremiah Bullfrog Bar and Grille in Topeka, and warned people who were at the establishment July 24-25 and July 27-28 were at risk of exposure.In Chanute, Kansas, 11 school administrators who attended a leadership retreat last week in Branson are in quarantine after six of them tested positive for the virus, the Kansas City-Star reported. Superintendent Kellen Adams said their symptoms range from minor to severe, with one being treated in a hospital ICU.He defended the retreat, saying it was necessary to discuss details of how to operate schools during a global pandemic.Chanute schools are scheduled to open to teachers on Aug. 10 and to students on Aug. 24. Adams said the outbreak among administrators has not, so far, changed that.

Kansas counties with mask mandate show steep COVID-19 drop

By MATTHEW PERRONE, NICKY FORSTER and MICHELLE LIU

U.S. testing for the coronavirus is dropping even as infections remain high and the death toll rises by more than 1,000 a day, a worrisome trend that officials attribute largely to Americans getting discouraged over having to wait hours to get a test and days or weeks to learn the results.

An Associated Press analysis found that the number of tests per day slid 3.6% over the past two weeks to 750,000, with the count falling in 22 states. That includes places like Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and Iowa where the percentage of positive tests is high and continuing to climb, an indicator that the virus is still spreading uncontrolled.

Amid the crisis, some health experts are calling for the introduction of a different type of test that would yield results in a matter of minutes and would be cheap and simple enough for millions of Americans to test themselves — but would also be less accurate.

“There’s a sense of desperation that we need to do something else,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute.

Widespread testing is considered essential to managing the outbreak as the U.S. approaches a mammoth 5 million confirmed infections and more than 157,000 deaths out of over 700,000 worldwide.

Testing demand is expected to surge again this fall, when schools reopen and flu season hits, most likely outstripping supplies and leading to new delays and bottlenecks.

Some of the decline in testing over the past few weeks was expected after backlogged commercial labs urged doctors to concentrate on their highest-risk patients. But some health and government officials are seeing growing public frustration and waning demand.

In Iowa, state officials are reporting less interest in testing, despite ample supplies. The state’s daily testing rate peaked in mid-July but has declined 20% in the last two weeks.

“We have the capacity. Iowans just need to test,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said last week.

Jessica Moore of rural Newberry, South Carolina, said that after a private lab lost her COVID-19 test results in mid-July, she had to get re-tested at a pop-up site organized by the state.

Moore and her husband arrived early on a Saturday morning at the site, a community center, where they waited for two hours for her test. Moore watched in the rear-view mirror as people drove up, saw the long line of cars, and then turned around and left.

“If people have something to do on a Saturday and they want to get tested, they’re not going to wait for two hours in the South Carolina heat for a test, especially if they’re not symptomatic,” Moore said.

Before traveling from Florida to Delaware last month, Laura DuBose Schumacher signed up to go to a drive-up testing site in Orlando with her husband. They were given a one-hour window in which to arrive.

They got there at the start of the window, but after 50 minutes it looked as if the wait would be another hour. Others who had gone through the line told them that they wouldn’t get their results until five days later, a Monday, at the earliest. They were planning to travel the next day, so they gave up.

“Monday would have been pointless, so we left the line,” Schumacher said.

The number of confirmed infections in the U.S. has topped 4.7 million, with new cases running at nearly 60,000 a day on average, down from more than 70,000 in the second half of July.

U.S. testing is built primarily on highly sensitive molecular tests that detect the genetic code of the coronavirus. Although the test is considered the gold standard for accuracy, experts increasingly say the country’s overburdened lab system is incapable of keeping pace with the outbreak and producing results within two or three days, the time frame crucial to isolating patients and containing the virus.

“They’re doing as good a job as they possibly can do, but the current system will not allow them to keep up with the demand,” said Mara Aspinall of Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions.

Testing delays have led researchers at Harvard and elsewhere to propose a new approach using so-called antigen tests — rapid technology already used to screen for flu, strep throat and other common infections. Instead of detecting the virus itself, such tests look for viral proteins, or antigens, which are generally considered a less accurate measure of infection.

A number of companies are studying COVID-19 antigen tests in which you spit on a specially coated strip of paper, and if you are infected, it changes color. Experts say the speed and widespread availability of such tests would more than make up for their lower precision.

While no such tests for the coronavirus are on the U.S. market, experts say the technology is simple and the hurdles are more regulatory than technical. The Harvard researchers say production could quickly be scaled into the millions.

A proposal from the Harvard researchers calls for the federal government to distribute $1 saliva-based antigen tests to all Americans so that they can test themselves regularly, perhaps even daily.

Even with accuracy as low as 50%, researchers estimate the paper strip tests would uncover five times more COVID-19 cases than the current laboratory-based approach, which federal officials estimate catches just 1 in 10 infections.

But the approach faces resistance in Washington, where federal regulators have required at least 80% accuracy for new COVID-19 tests.

To date, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed only two COVID-19 antigen tests to enter the market. Those tests require a nasal swab supervised by a health professional and can only be run on specialized machines found at hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and clinics.

Also, because of the risk of false negatives, doctors may need to confirm a negative result with a genetic test when patients have possible symptoms of COVID-19.

On Tuesday, the governors of Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana and three other states announced an agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation to purchase more than 3 million of the FDA-cleared antigen tests, underscoring the growing interest in the technology.

When asked about introducing cheaper, paper-based tests, the government’s “testing czar,” Adm. Brett Giroir, warned that their accuracy could fall as low as 20% to 30%.

“I don’t think that would do a service to the American public of having something that is wrong seven out of 10 times,” Giroir said last week. “I think that could be catastrophic.”

By MATTHEW PERRONE, NICKY FORSTER and MICHELLE LIUAssociated PressU.S. testing for the coronavirus is dropping even as infections remain high and the death toll rises by more than 1,000 a day, a worrisome trend that officials attribute largely to Americans getting discouraged over having to wait hours to get a test and days or weeks to learn the results.An Associated Press analysis found that the number of tests per day slid 3.6% over the past two weeks to 750,000, with the count falling in 22 states. That includes places like Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and Iowa where the percentage of positive tests is high and continuing to climb, an indicator that the virus is still spreading uncontrolled.Amid the crisis, some health experts are calling for the introduction of a different type of test that would yield results in a matter of minutes and would be cheap and simple enough for millions of Americans to test themselves — but would also be less accurate.“There’s a sense of desperation that we need to do something else,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute.Widespread testing is considered essential to managing the outbreak as the U.S. approaches a mammoth 5 million confirmed infections and more than 157,000 deaths out of over 700,000 worldwide.Testing demand is expected to surge again this fall, when schools reopen and flu season hits, most likely outstripping supplies and leading to new delays and bottlenecks.Some of the decline in testing over the past few weeks was expected after backlogged commercial labs urged doctors to concentrate on their highest-risk patients. But some health and government officials are seeing growing public frustration and waning demand.In Iowa, state officials are reporting less interest in testing, despite ample supplies. The state’s daily testing rate peaked in mid-July but has declined 20% in the last two weeks.“We have the capacity. Iowans just need to test,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said last week.Jessica Moore of rural Newberry, South Carolina, said that after a private lab lost her COVID-19 test results in mid-July, she had to get re-tested at a pop-up site organized by the state.Moore and her husband arrived early on a Saturday morning at the site, a community center, where they waited for two hours for her test. Moore watched in the rear-view mirror as people drove up, saw the long line of cars, and then turned around and left.“If people have something to do on a Saturday and they want to get tested, they’re not going to wait for two hours in the South Carolina heat for a test, especially if they’re not symptomatic,” Moore said.Before traveling from Florida to Delaware last month, Laura DuBose Schumacher signed up to go to a drive-up testing site in Orlando with her husband. They were given a one-hour window in which to arrive.They got there at the start of the window, but after 50 minutes it looked as if the wait would be another hour. Others who had gone through the line told them that they wouldn’t get their results until five days later, a Monday, at the earliest. They were planning to travel the next day, so they gave up.“Monday would have been pointless, so we left the line,” Schumacher said.The number of confirmed infections in the U.S. has topped 4.7 million, with new cases running at nearly 60,000 a day on average, down from more than 70,000 in the second half of July.U.S. testing is built primarily on highly sensitive molecular tests that detect the genetic code of the coronavirus. Although the test is considered the gold standard for accuracy, experts increasingly say the country’s overburdened lab system is incapable of keeping pace with the outbreak and producing results within two or three days, the time frame crucial to isolating patients and containing the virus.“They’re doing as good a job as they possibly can do, but the current system will not allow them to keep up with the demand,” said Mara Aspinall of Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions.Testing delays have led researchers at Harvard and elsewhere to propose a new approach using so-called antigen tests — rapid technology already used to screen for flu, strep throat and other common infections. Instead of detecting the virus itself, such tests look for viral proteins, or antigens, which are generally considered a less accurate measure of infection.A number of companies are studying COVID-19 antigen tests in which you spit on a specially coated strip of paper, and if you are infected, it changes color. Experts say the speed and widespread availability of such tests would more than make up for their lower precision.While no such tests for the coronavirus are on the U.S. market, experts say the technology is simple and the hurdles are more regulatory than technical. The Harvard researchers say production could quickly be scaled into the millions.A proposal from the Harvard researchers calls for the federal government to distribute $1 saliva-based antigen tests to all Americans so that they can test themselves regularly, perhaps even daily.Even with accuracy as low as 50%, researchers estimate the paper strip tests would uncover five times more COVID-19 cases than the current laboratory-based approach, which federal officials estimate catches just 1 in 10 infections.But the approach faces resistance in Washington, where federal regulators have required at least 80% accuracy for new COVID-19 tests.To date, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed only two COVID-19 antigen tests to enter the market. Those tests require a nasal swab supervised by a health professional and can only be run on specialized machines found at hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and clinics.Also, because of the risk of false negatives, doctors may need to confirm a negative result with a genetic test when patients have possible symptoms of COVID-19.On Tuesday, the governors of Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana and three other states announced an agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation to purchase more than 3 million of the FDA-cleared antigen tests, underscoring the growing interest in the technology.When asked about introducing cheaper, paper-based tests, the government’s “testing czar,” Adm. Brett Giroir, warned that their accuracy could fall as low as 20% to 30%.“I don’t think that would do a service to the American public of having something that is wrong seven out of 10 times,” Giroir said last week. “I think that could be catastrophic.”___

Virus testing in the US is dropping, even as deaths mount

Riley County has 13 new positive cases since yesterday’s report. The totals are now 116 active, 336 recovered, and 5 deaths. Yesterday, the Riley County Health Department incorrectly reported 351 recoveries to date. Staff are working diligently to maintain accuracy and will continue to share data. Written updates will now be released on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in an effort to incorporate the latest information from KDHE. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one positive patient and zero PUI* patients. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but is not on a ventilator at this time. &nbsp; RCHD will begin tracking probable cases of COVID-19 starting today. A probable case includes those who received a positive serology test (antibody positive), and those who developed symptoms as a close contact but were never tested. Riley County currently has eight people who qualify to be listed as probable positive patients. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) includes both probable and laboratory-confirmed cases in statewide totals. Guidelines have also changed regarding antigen or antibody testing; those test results will now be counted in Riley County and in Kansas. These tests are considered valid and highly specific; a positive antigen test is a true positive, and a negative antigen test is a true negative, unless clinically indicated otherwise.&nbsp; The traditional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests measure the presence of the virus. PCR testing remains the gold standard for diagnostic testing for COVID, but data supports antigen testing and the validity of antigen test results. “We’re making this change locally after speaking with the providers in town who are using the antigen tests,” said RCHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We’re all confident in the validity of those results.” There are a few offices in Riley County that offer antigen testing. Anyone interested in being tested should contact their health care provider or call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, August 5, 2020:

Riley County has 13 new positive cases since yesterday’s report. The totals are now 116 active, 336 recovered, and 5 deaths. Yesterday, the Riley County Health Department incorrectly reported 351 recoveries to date. Staff are working diligently to maintain accuracy and will continue to share data. Written updates will now be released on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in an effort to incorporate the latest information from KDHE. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one positive patient and zero PUI* patients. The patient has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but is not on a ventilator at this time. &nbsp; RCHD will begin tracking probable cases of COVID-19 starting today. A probable case includes those who received a positive serology test (antibody positive), and those who developed symptoms as a close contact but were never tested. Riley County currently has eight people who qualify to be listed as probable positive patients. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) includes both probable and laboratory-confirmed cases in statewide totals. Guidelines have also changed regarding antigen or antibody testing; those test results will now be counted in Riley County and in Kansas. These tests are considered valid and highly specific; a positive antigen test is a true positive, and a negative antigen test is a true negative, unless clinically indicated otherwise.&nbsp; The traditional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests measure the presence of the virus. PCR testing remains the gold standard for diagnostic testing for COVID, but data supports antigen testing and the validity of antigen test results. “We’re making this change locally after speaking with the providers in town who are using the antigen tests,” said RCHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We’re all confident in the validity of those results.” There are a few offices in Riley County that offer antigen testing. Anyone interested in being tested should contact their health care provider or call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, August 5, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 465**</li><li>Total Active: 116</li><li>Total Recovered: 336</li><li>Total deaths: 5</li><li>Pending test results: 154</li><li>Negative test results: 4,661</li><li>Average age: 31.5 years old</li><li>Gender: Female: 48.8% (227), Male 51.2% (238)</li>
 </ul>

Thirteen new positive COVID-19 cases are reported in Riley County

&nbsp; Riley County has 2 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 37 more recoveries. The totals are now 96 active, 351 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for three positive patients and zero&nbsp;PUI* patients. None of these patients are on ventilators at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, August 4, 2020:

&nbsp; Riley County has 2 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 37 more recoveries. The totals are now 96 active, 351 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for three positive patients and zero&nbsp;PUI* patients. None of these patients are on ventilators at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, August 4, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;452**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;96</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;351</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;5</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;248</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;4,538</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31.5 years old</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;47.8% (216), Male 52.2% (236)</li>
 </ul>

Riley County health officials report two new cases of COVID-19 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/01/food-insecurity-rates-rising-amid-covid-19-kansas-advocates-call-for-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Haley Kottler 
sees firsthand desperation of young families struggling to put food on 
the table as the economy wilts under the COVID-19 pandemic.

She understands the lifeline offered by the federally funded <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that delivers food benefits nationwide.

“Families often depend on 
school lunches, and SNAP picks up the slack without them,” Kottler said.
 “I know a single mother who was able to continue to pay her utilities 
and keep the internet on so her daughter could continue her schoolwork 
because of the flexibility provided.”

Kotter works for Kansas 
Appleseed, a statewide advocacy group working to provide access to 
affordable food and housing. She said when Gov. Laura Kelly closed 
schools to slow the spread of COVID-19, it left many families requiring 
extra assistance from programs like SNAP.

SNAP affords qualifying 
low-income families targeted and temporary food benefits to get them 
through difficult periods. It is also known as the Food Assistance 
Program in Kansas.

Amid the pandemic, food 
insecurity rates are rising and the number of SNAP recipients in Kansas 
has skyrocketed from just under 190,000 in February to over 213,000 in 
June, a more than 12% increase. Expenditures rose to nearly $40 million 
in the month of June, a 95% increase.

Numbers nationwide have followed suit, with more than 54 million people expected to<a href="https://www.feedingamericaaction.org/the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-food-insecurity/"> experience food insecurity due to COVID-19</a>.

“We’ve seen millions of 
people across the county struggling to put food on the table, as 
unemployment rises and food prices increase, turning to SNAP,” said Luis
 Guardia, president of the Food Research and Action Center, during a 
panel discussion Wednesday on the importance of increasing SNAP program 
boosts.

Last month, 2,500 organizations from every state <a href="https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Senate-Letter_18June2020.pdf">signed a letter</a>
 asking Congress to boost the maximum snap benefit by 15% and to 
increase the minimum monthly benefit from $16 to $30. Kottler joined 
Guardia and several other advocates from across the United States to 
voice displeasure for a lack of such action in the US. Senate Majority 
Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest proposed COVID-19 relief package.

“With the uncertainty 
surrounding school scheduling, unemployment payments set to drop from 
$600 back to $200, this crisis will only continue to worsen, and more 
families will turn to SNAP,” Kottler said. “We need deep investment and 
care in the program as the situation potentially worsens.”

According to the Feeding America study<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/coronavirus-hunger-research"> “The Impact of Coronavirus on Food Insecurity,”</a> Kansas’ projected overall food insecurity rate for 2020 is 17.7%. That marks a 5% increase since 2018.

Karen Siebert, public 
policy and advocacy adviser for Harvester’s — The Community Food 
Network, a food bank serving 16 counties in Kansas, said these numbers 
are troubling for organizations like hers.

“Our agencies have seen an
 average 40% increase in those coming in for help since the pandemic 
began,” Siebert said. “The problem isn’t going away for these people, 
and these supports, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/31/14000-attempts-balky-technology-expiring-benefits-worry-workers-state-leaders/">like unemployment</a>, are all falling away. We’re worried we’ll see another influx of people.”

From the 2019 fiscal year 
to fiscal year 2020, Harvesters saw a 20% increase in the amount of food
 distributed. In addition, as food donations plummeted, Harvesters spent
 $1.8 million during the 2020 fiscal year, as opposed to just $100,000 
in 2019, Siebert said.

Harvesters’ was prepared 
for the initial rush of pandemic food need, but for food banks who rely 
on donations and volunteers, continued demand at this rate is not a 
viable business model.

“We need our volunteers to
 help repackage foods so we can send them out to families, but many of 
them are at-risk, or we just can’t use them in the same way,” Siebert 
said. “Our entire business model has been upended.”

That is why Siebert and 
Harvester’s, a private charity, are staunch advocates for public 
programs like SNAP. Siebert said for every meal they provide, SNAP can 
provide nine.

“SNAP is a lifeline for so
 many Kansans,” Kottler said. “We need to do more because it’s the best 
way we can mitigate hunger in Kansas.”

Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596481208709.jpeg" alt="Harvesters, a private food bank, saw the amount of food distributed increase from 54 million pounds in 2019 to 65 million in 2020. In this picture, food is distributed at a drive-in in Kansas City, Kansas. (Harvesters — The Community Food Network)" />
 <figcaption>Harvesters, a private food bank, saw the amount of food distributed increase from 54 million pounds in 2019 to 65 million in 2020. In this picture, food is distributed at a drive-in in Kansas City, Kansas. (Harvesters — The Community Food Network)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/01/food-insecurity-rates-rising-amid-covid-19-kansas-advocates-call-for-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Haley Kottler 
sees firsthand desperation of young families struggling to put food on 
the table as the economy wilts under the COVID-19 pandemic.She understands the lifeline offered by the federally funded <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that delivers food benefits nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596481276548.png" alt="Haley Kottler during a panel on the need for SNAP boosts from Congress, June 28, 2020 (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Haley Kottler during a panel on the need for SNAP boosts from Congress, June 28, 2020 (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Families often depend on 
school lunches, and SNAP picks up the slack without them,” Kottler said.
 “I know a single mother who was able to continue to pay her utilities 
and keep the internet on so her daughter could continue her schoolwork 
because of the flexibility provided.”Kotter works for Kansas 
Appleseed, a statewide advocacy group working to provide access to 
affordable food and housing. She said when Gov. Laura Kelly closed 
schools to slow the spread of COVID-19, it left many families requiring 
extra assistance from programs like SNAP.SNAP affords qualifying 
low-income families targeted and temporary food benefits to get them 
through difficult periods. It is also known as the Food Assistance 
Program in Kansas.Amid the pandemic, food 
insecurity rates are rising and the number of SNAP recipients in Kansas 
has skyrocketed from just under 190,000 in February to over 213,000 in 
June, a more than 12% increase. Expenditures rose to nearly $40 million 
in the month of June, a 95% increase.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596481308150.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Numbers nationwide have followed suit, with more than 54 million people expected to<a href="https://www.feedingamericaaction.org/the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-food-insecurity/"> experience food insecurity due to COVID-19</a>.“We’ve seen millions of 
people across the county struggling to put food on the table, as 
unemployment rises and food prices increase, turning to SNAP,” said Luis
 Guardia, president of the Food Research and Action Center, during a 
panel discussion Wednesday on the importance of increasing SNAP program 
boosts.Last month, 2,500 organizations from every state <a href="https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Senate-Letter_18June2020.pdf">signed a letter</a>
 asking Congress to boost the maximum snap benefit by 15% and to 
increase the minimum monthly benefit from $16 to $30. Kottler joined 
Guardia and several other advocates from across the United States to 
voice displeasure for a lack of such action in the US. Senate Majority 
Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest proposed COVID-19 relief package.“With the uncertainty 
surrounding school scheduling, unemployment payments set to drop from 
$600 back to $200, this crisis will only continue to worsen, and more 
families will turn to SNAP,” Kottler said. “We need deep investment and 
care in the program as the situation potentially worsens.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596481328931.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Feeding America study<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/coronavirus-hunger-research"> “The Impact of Coronavirus on Food Insecurity,”</a> Kansas’ projected overall food insecurity rate for 2020 is 17.7%. That marks a 5% increase since 2018.Karen Siebert, public 
policy and advocacy adviser for Harvester’s — The Community Food 
Network, a food bank serving 16 counties in Kansas, said these numbers 
are troubling for organizations like hers.“Our agencies have seen an
 average 40% increase in those coming in for help since the pandemic 
began,” Siebert said. “The problem isn’t going away for these people, 
and these supports, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/31/14000-attempts-balky-technology-expiring-benefits-worry-workers-state-leaders/">like unemployment</a>, are all falling away. We’re worried we’ll see another influx of people.”From the 2019 fiscal year 
to fiscal year 2020, Harvesters saw a 20% increase in the amount of food
 distributed. In addition, as food donations plummeted, Harvesters spent
 $1.8 million during the 2020 fiscal year, as opposed to just $100,000 
in 2019, Siebert said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596481366813.jpeg" alt="Karen Siebert, a public policy and advocacy adviser for Harvester’s, said while Harvesters was prepared for the initial surge at the beginning of the pandemic, a continued demand for food at this rate is unsustainable. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Siebert, a public policy and advocacy adviser for Harvester’s, said while Harvesters was prepared for the initial surge at the beginning of the pandemic, a continued demand for food at this rate is unsustainable. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Harvesters’ was prepared 
for the initial rush of pandemic food need, but for food banks who rely 
on donations and volunteers, continued demand at this rate is not a 
viable business model.“We need our volunteers to
 help repackage foods so we can send them out to families, but many of 
them are at-risk, or we just can’t use them in the same way,” Siebert 
said. “Our entire business model has been upended.”That is why Siebert and 
Harvester’s, a private charity, are staunch advocates for public 
programs like SNAP. Siebert said for every meal they provide, SNAP can 
provide nine.“SNAP is a lifeline for so
 many Kansans,” Kottler said. “We need to do more because it’s the best 
way we can mitigate hunger in Kansas.”Noah Taborda started his journalism career in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri, covering local government and producing an episode of the podcast Show Me The State while earning his bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Noah then made a short move to Kansas City, Missouri, to work at KCUR as an intern on the talk show Central Standard and then in the newsroom, reporting on daily news and feature stories.

As food insecurity rates rise, Kansas advocates call for assistance

&nbsp; Riley County has 1 new positive case since Friday’s report, and 1 more recovery. The totals are now 107 active, 338 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 4 positive patients and 2 PUI* patients. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Riley County has 1 new positive case since Friday’s report, and 1 more recovery. The totals are now 107 active, 338 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 4 positive patients and 2 PUI* patients. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Health Department provides daily COVID-19 update for Riley County

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain has become the latest player to opt out of the 2020 season. The Brewers announced the two-time All-Star’s decision Saturday hours after news broke that their scheduled home opener would be postponed for a second straight day because members of the St. Louis Cardinals had tested positive for COVID-19. 

 The whole series at Miller Park was later called off. Cain’s announcement comes on the same day that Miami Marlins second baseman Isan Diaz announced he was opting out. At least 21 members of the Marlins’ traveling party have tested positive for the disease.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain has become the latest player to opt out of the 2020 season. The Brewers announced the two-time All-Star’s decision Saturday hours after news broke that their scheduled home opener would be postponed for a second straight day because members of the St. Louis Cardinals had tested positive for COVID-19. The whole series at Miller Park was later called off. Cain’s announcement comes on the same day that Miami Marlins second baseman Isan Diaz announced he was opting out. At least 21 members of the Marlins’ traveling party have tested positive for the disease.

Brewers Cain opts out for rest of 2020 season

There are still plenty of funds available for&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L2Z1bmRpbmctcHJvZ3JhbXMvbG9hbnMvY29yb25hdmlydXMtcmVsaWVmLW9wdGlvbnMvcGF5Y2hlY2stcHJvdGVjdGlvbi1wcm9ncmFtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hYKxcny7u8ww475FdkRl1pcpph-rXMHiI3e2M7dwFWQ/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">PPP Loans</a>&nbsp;that can be fully forgiven if borrowers use at least 60% or more of the loan on payroll costs within the 24 week period after you receive the funds in your account.&nbsp;

This coming Saturday, August 8, is the&nbsp;last day&nbsp;PPP loan applications submitted by lenders will be authorized by the SBA.&nbsp;

Contact your lender to apply as soon possible to ensure your application is approved before the August 8th deadline.&nbsp;Need to find a PPP lender? Click this website and type in your zip code:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BheWNoZWNrcHJvdGVjdGlvbi9maW5kP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.eQkHpScYpvYh9oL_jIrXue44GC_6qQKRY3aPd2Lz6J8/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find</a>

Curious about the details? Check-out the recent webinar on&nbsp;PPP Loan Forgiveness and EIDL Update&nbsp;that was recorded on July 28th:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNzYmRjLm5ldC9rc2JkYy13ZWJpbmFycy12aW1lbz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.1lo2_ds6ErSnpxcDDFqcO2VQj-S2hB2JteZz7qXfUJg/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansassbdc.net/ksbdc-webinars-vimeo</a>

There are still plenty of funds available for&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L2Z1bmRpbmctcHJvZ3JhbXMvbG9hbnMvY29yb25hdmlydXMtcmVsaWVmLW9wdGlvbnMvcGF5Y2hlY2stcHJvdGVjdGlvbi1wcm9ncmFtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hYKxcny7u8ww475FdkRl1pcpph-rXMHiI3e2M7dwFWQ/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">PPP Loans</a>&nbsp;that can be fully forgiven if borrowers use at least 60% or more of the loan on payroll costs within the 24 week period after you receive the funds in your account.&nbsp;This coming Saturday, August 8, is the&nbsp;last day&nbsp;PPP loan applications submitted by lenders will be authorized by the SBA.&nbsp;Contact your lender to apply as soon possible to ensure your application is approved before the August 8th deadline.&nbsp;Need to find a PPP lender? Click this website and type in your zip code:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BheWNoZWNrcHJvdGVjdGlvbi9maW5kP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.eQkHpScYpvYh9oL_jIrXue44GC_6qQKRY3aPd2Lz6J8/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find</a>Curious about the details? Check-out the recent webinar on&nbsp;PPP Loan Forgiveness and EIDL Update&nbsp;that was recorded on July 28th:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MDEuMjUxNjQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNzYmRjLm5ldC9rc2JkYy13ZWJpbmFycy12aW1lbz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.1lo2_ds6ErSnpxcDDFqcO2VQj-S2hB2JteZz7qXfUJg/s/1045497141/br/81790814575-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansassbdc.net/ksbdc-webinars-vimeo</a>

Small Business Administration provides information on PPP Loans

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus has forced another change in Major League Baseball’s schedule. That brings the league’s total to eight teams affected in the first nine days of the 60-game season. 

Friday’s game between St. Louis and Milwaukee was postponed after two Cardinals employees tested positive for the coronavirus. The league says the postponement in Milwaukee is “consistent with protocols to allow enough time for additional testing and contact tracing to be conducted.” The teams plan to resume their schedule tomorrow night at Miller Park, pending test results. 

Two other games scheduled for today involving the Marlins, Nationals, Blue Jays and Phillies had already been postponed because of an outbreak among Miami players and two positive tests on Philadelphia’s coaching staff.

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus has forced another change in Major League Baseball’s schedule. That brings the league’s total to eight teams affected in the first nine days of the 60-game season. Friday’s game between St. Louis and Milwaukee was postponed after two Cardinals employees tested positive for the coronavirus. The league says the postponement in Milwaukee is “consistent with protocols to allow enough time for additional testing and contact tracing to be conducted.” The teams plan to resume their schedule tomorrow night at Miller Park, pending test results. Two other games scheduled for today involving the Marlins, Nationals, Blue Jays and Phillies had already been postponed because of an outbreak among Miami players and two positive tests on Philadelphia’s coaching staff.

Cards - Brewers postponed after two positive tests

Riley County has 4 new positive cases since yesterday’s report. The totals are now 107 (+4) active, 337 (-) recovered, and 5 deaths. &nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is continuing care for 3 positive patients and now 1 PUI* patient. The other hospitalized positive patient was released yesterday to continue recovery at home.&nbsp; “We’ve been receiving a lot of messages asking where in the county people have been travelling. In response to those inquires, we have worked with Riley County IT/GIS to update the COVID-19 response hub on the County’s website with a new dataset showing foot traffic patterns and points of interest throughout Riley County,” said&nbsp;Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;“Tracking this type of data allows the health department to quickly and efficiently identify potential areas of exposure and provides data to guide public health decision-making.” This interactive feature can be found by clicking the Data &amp; Information link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=0178ae18b8&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a> Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, KStat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 31, 2020:

Riley County has 4 new positive cases since yesterday’s report. The totals are now 107 (+4) active, 337 (-) recovered, and 5 deaths. &nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is continuing care for 3 positive patients and now 1 PUI* patient. The other hospitalized positive patient was released yesterday to continue recovery at home.&nbsp; “We’ve been receiving a lot of messages asking where in the county people have been travelling. In response to those inquires, we have worked with Riley County IT/GIS to update the COVID-19 response hub on the County’s website with a new dataset showing foot traffic patterns and points of interest throughout Riley County,” said&nbsp;Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;“Tracking this type of data allows the health department to quickly and efficiently identify potential areas of exposure and provides data to guide public health decision-making.” This interactive feature can be found by clicking the Data &amp; Information link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=0178ae18b8&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a> Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, KStat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 31, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;449**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;107</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;337</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;5</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;147</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;4,393</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31.5 years old</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;47.9% (215), Male 52.1% (234)</li>
 </ul>

Travel patterns of COVID-19 patients are identified

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 942 to a total of 27,812 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 358, an increase of 9 since the last report.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 942 to a total of 27,812 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 358, an increase of 9 since the last report.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596214992689.png" alt="July 31, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 31, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the world races to find a vaccine and a treatment for COVID-19, there is seemingly no antidote in sight for the burgeoning outbreak of coronavirus conspiracy theories, hoaxes, anti-mask myths and sham cures.

The phenomenon, unfolding largely on social media, escalated this week when President Donald Trump retweeted a false video about an anti-malaria drug being a cure for the virus and it was revealed that Russian intelligence is spreading disinformation about the crisis through English-language websites.

Experts worry the torrent of bad information is dangerously undermining efforts to slow the virus, whose death toll in the U.S. hit 150,000 Wednesday, by far the highest in the world, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Over a half-million people have died in the rest of the world.

Hard-hit Florida reported 216 deaths, breaking the single-day record it set a day earlier. Texas confirmed 313 additional deaths, pushing its total to 6,190, while South Carolina’s death toll passed 1,500 this week, more than doubling over the past month. In Georgia, hospitalizations have more than doubled since July 1.

“It is a real challenge in terms of trying to get the message to the public about what they can really do to protect themselves and what the facts are behind the problem,” said Michael Osterholm, head of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

He said the fear is that “people are putting themselves in harm’s way because they don’t believe the virus is something they have to deal with.”

Rather than fade away in the face of new evidence, the claims have flourished, fed by mixed messages from officials, transmitted by social media, amplified by leaders like Trump and mutating when confronted with contradictory facts.

“You don’t need masks. There is a cure,” Dr. Stella Immanuel promised in a video that promoted hydroxychloroquine. “You don’t need people to be locked down.”

The truth: Federal regulators last month revoked their authorization of the drug as an emergency treatment amid growing evidence it doesn’t work and can have deadly side effects. Even if it were effective, it wouldn’t negate the need for masks and other measures to contain the outbreak.

None of that stopped Trump, who has repeatedly praised the drug, from retweeting the video. Twitter and Facebook began removing the video Monday for violating policies on COVID-19 misinformation, but it had already been seen more than 20 million times.

Many of the claims in Immanuel’s video are widely disputed by medical experts. She has made even more bizarre pronouncements in the past, saying that cysts, fibroids and some other conditions can be caused by having sex with demons, that McDonald’s and Pokemon promote witchcraft, that alien DNA is used in medical treatments, and that half-human “reptilians” work in the government.

Other baseless theories and hoaxes have alleged that the virus isn’t real or that it’s a bioweapon created by the U.S. or its adversaries. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ac3679b6f39e8bd2561c1c8eeafd855">hoax&nbsp;</a>from the outbreak’s early months claimed new 5G towers were spreading the virus through microwaves. Another popular story held that Microsoft founder Bill Gates plans to use COVID-19 vaccines to implant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3287934e9316b008e2a6c7735b7b01df">microchips&nbsp;</a>in all 7 billion people on the planet.

Then there are the political theories — that doctors, journalists and federal officials are conspiring to lie about the threat of the virus to hurt Trump politically.

Social media has amplified the claims and helped believers find each other. The flood of misinformation has posed a challenge for Facebook, Twitter and other platforms, which have found themselves accused of censorship for taking down virus misinformation.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was questioned about Immanuel’s video during an often-contentious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/25a4d18ae3989402f0ad23f38d8cfa23">congressional hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.

“We did take it down because it violates our policies,” Zuckerberg said.

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat leading the hearing, responded by noting that 20 million people saw the video before Facebook acted.

“Doesn’t that suggest that your platform is so big, that even with the right policies in place, you can’t contain deadly content?” Cicilline asked Zuckerberg.

It wasn’t the first video containing misinformation about the virus, and experts say it’s not likely to be the last.

A professionally made 26-minute video that alleges the government’s top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, manufactured the virus and shipped it to China was watched more than 8 million times before the platforms took action. The video, titled “Plandemic,” also warned that masks could make you sick — the false claim Facebook cited when it removed the video down from its site.

Judy Mikovits, the discredited doctor behind “Plandemic,” had been set to appear on the show “America This Week” on the Sinclair Broadcast Group. But the company, which operates TV stations in 81 U.S. markets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36c9e59603c007df13702c0dc4095c7d">canned&nbsp;</a>the segment, saying it was “not appropriate” to air.

This week, U.S. government officials speaking on condition of anonymity cited what they said was a clear link between Russian intelligence and websites with stories designed to spread disinformation on the coronavirus in the West. Russian officials rejected the accusations.

Of all the bizarre and myriad claims about the virus, those regarding masks are proving to be among the most stubborn.

New York City resident Carlos Lopez said he wears a mask when required to do so but doesn’t believe it is necessary.

“They’re politicizing it as a tool,” he said. “I think it’s more to try to get Trump to lose. It’s more a scare tactic.”

He is in the minority. A recent AP/NORC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9126a38ef22c244f9ca18f9584061f8d">poll</a>&nbsp;said 3 in 4 Americans — Democrats and Republicans alike — support a national mask mandate.

Still, mask skeptics are a vocal minority and have come together to create social media pages where many false claims about mask safety are shared. Facebook has removed some of the pages — such as the group Unmasking America!, which had nearly 10,000 members — but others remain.

Early in the pandemic, medical authorities themselves were the source of much confusion regarding masks. In February, officials like the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160" target="_blank">U.S. surgeon general</a>&nbsp;urged Americans not to stockpile masks because they were needed by medical personnel and might not be effective in everyday situations.

Public health officials changed their tune when it became apparent that the virus could spread among people showing no symptoms.

Yet Trump remained reluctant to use a mask, mocked his rival Joe Biden for wearing one and suggested people might be covering their faces just to hurt him politically. He did an abrupt about-face this month, claiming that he had always supported masks — then later retweeted Immanuel’s video against masks.

The mixed signals hurt, Fauci acknowledged in an interview with NPR this month.

“The message early on became confusing,” he said.

Many of the claims around masks allege harmful effects, such as blocked oxygen flow or even a greater chance of infection. The claims have been widely debunked by doctors.

Dr. Maitiu O Tuathail of Ireland grew so concerned about mask misinformation he posted an online video of himself comfortably wearing a mask while measuring his oxygen levels. The video has been viewed more than 20 million times.

“While face masks don’t lower your oxygen levels. COVID definitely does,” he warned.

Yet trusted medical authorities are often being dismissed by those who say requiring people to wear masks is a step toward authoritarianism.

“Unless you make a stand, you will be wearing a mask for the rest of your life,” tweeted Simon Dolan, a British businessman who has sued the government over its COVID-19 restrictions.

Trump’s reluctant, ambivalent and late embrace of masks hasn’t convinced some of his strongest supporters, who have concocted ever more elaborate theories to explain his change of heart. Some say he was actually speaking in code and doesn’t really support masks.

O Tuathail witnessed just how unshakable COVID-19 misinformation can be when, after broadcasting his video, he received emails from people who said he cheated or didn’t wear the mask long enough to feel the negative effects.

That’s not surprising, according to University of Central Florida psychology professor Chrysalis Wright, who studies misinformation. She said conspiracy theory believers often engage in mental gymnastics to make their beliefs conform with reality.

“People only want to hear what they already think they know,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596107178939.png" alt="Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his testimony before a congressional committee Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his testimony before a congressional committee Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — As the world races to find a vaccine and a treatment for COVID-19, there is seemingly no antidote in sight for the burgeoning outbreak of coronavirus conspiracy theories, hoaxes, anti-mask myths and sham cures.The phenomenon, unfolding largely on social media, escalated this week when President Donald Trump retweeted a false video about an anti-malaria drug being a cure for the virus and it was revealed that Russian intelligence is spreading disinformation about the crisis through English-language websites.Experts worry the torrent of bad information is dangerously undermining efforts to slow the virus, whose death toll in the U.S. hit 150,000 Wednesday, by far the highest in the world, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Over a half-million people have died in the rest of the world.Hard-hit Florida reported 216 deaths, breaking the single-day record it set a day earlier. Texas confirmed 313 additional deaths, pushing its total to 6,190, while South Carolina’s death toll passed 1,500 this week, more than doubling over the past month. In Georgia, hospitalizations have more than doubled since July 1.“It is a real challenge in terms of trying to get the message to the public about what they can really do to protect themselves and what the facts are behind the problem,” said Michael Osterholm, head of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.He said the fear is that “people are putting themselves in harm’s way because they don’t believe the virus is something they have to deal with.”Rather than fade away in the face of new evidence, the claims have flourished, fed by mixed messages from officials, transmitted by social media, amplified by leaders like Trump and mutating when confronted with contradictory facts.“You don’t need masks. There is a cure,” Dr. Stella Immanuel promised in a video that promoted hydroxychloroquine. “You don’t need people to be locked down.”The truth: Federal regulators last month revoked their authorization of the drug as an emergency treatment amid growing evidence it doesn’t work and can have deadly side effects. Even if it were effective, it wouldn’t negate the need for masks and other measures to contain the outbreak.None of that stopped Trump, who has repeatedly praised the drug, from retweeting the video. Twitter and Facebook began removing the video Monday for violating policies on COVID-19 misinformation, but it had already been seen more than 20 million times.Many of the claims in Immanuel’s video are widely disputed by medical experts. She has made even more bizarre pronouncements in the past, saying that cysts, fibroids and some other conditions can be caused by having sex with demons, that McDonald’s and Pokemon promote witchcraft, that alien DNA is used in medical treatments, and that half-human “reptilians” work in the government.Other baseless theories and hoaxes have alleged that the virus isn’t real or that it’s a bioweapon created by the U.S. or its adversaries. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ac3679b6f39e8bd2561c1c8eeafd855">hoax&nbsp;</a>from the outbreak’s early months claimed new 5G towers were spreading the virus through microwaves. Another popular story held that Microsoft founder Bill Gates plans to use COVID-19 vaccines to implant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3287934e9316b008e2a6c7735b7b01df">microchips&nbsp;</a>in all 7 billion people on the planet.Then there are the political theories — that doctors, journalists and federal officials are conspiring to lie about the threat of the virus to hurt Trump politically.Social media has amplified the claims and helped believers find each other. The flood of misinformation has posed a challenge for Facebook, Twitter and other platforms, which have found themselves accused of censorship for taking down virus misinformation.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was questioned about Immanuel’s video during an often-contentious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/25a4d18ae3989402f0ad23f38d8cfa23">congressional hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.“We did take it down because it violates our policies,” Zuckerberg said.U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat leading the hearing, responded by noting that 20 million people saw the video before Facebook acted.“Doesn’t that suggest that your platform is so big, that even with the right policies in place, you can’t contain deadly content?” Cicilline asked Zuckerberg.It wasn’t the first video containing misinformation about the virus, and experts say it’s not likely to be the last.A professionally made 26-minute video that alleges the government’s top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, manufactured the virus and shipped it to China was watched more than 8 million times before the platforms took action. The video, titled “Plandemic,” also warned that masks could make you sick — the false claim Facebook cited when it removed the video down from its site.Judy Mikovits, the discredited doctor behind “Plandemic,” had been set to appear on the show “America This Week” on the Sinclair Broadcast Group. But the company, which operates TV stations in 81 U.S. markets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36c9e59603c007df13702c0dc4095c7d">canned&nbsp;</a>the segment, saying it was “not appropriate” to air.This week, U.S. government officials speaking on condition of anonymity cited what they said was a clear link between Russian intelligence and websites with stories designed to spread disinformation on the coronavirus in the West. Russian officials rejected the accusations.Of all the bizarre and myriad claims about the virus, those regarding masks are proving to be among the most stubborn.New York City resident Carlos Lopez said he wears a mask when required to do so but doesn’t believe it is necessary.“They’re politicizing it as a tool,” he said. “I think it’s more to try to get Trump to lose. It’s more a scare tactic.”He is in the minority. A recent AP/NORC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9126a38ef22c244f9ca18f9584061f8d">poll</a>&nbsp;said 3 in 4 Americans — Democrats and Republicans alike — support a national mask mandate.Still, mask skeptics are a vocal minority and have come together to create social media pages where many false claims about mask safety are shared. Facebook has removed some of the pages — such as the group Unmasking America!, which had nearly 10,000 members — but others remain.Early in the pandemic, medical authorities themselves were the source of much confusion regarding masks. In February, officials like the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160" target="_blank">U.S. surgeon general</a>&nbsp;urged Americans not to stockpile masks because they were needed by medical personnel and might not be effective in everyday situations.Public health officials changed their tune when it became apparent that the virus could spread among people showing no symptoms.Yet Trump remained reluctant to use a mask, mocked his rival Joe Biden for wearing one and suggested people might be covering their faces just to hurt him politically. He did an abrupt about-face this month, claiming that he had always supported masks — then later retweeted Immanuel’s video against masks.The mixed signals hurt, Fauci acknowledged in an interview with NPR this month.“The message early on became confusing,” he said.Many of the claims around masks allege harmful effects, such as blocked oxygen flow or even a greater chance of infection. The claims have been widely debunked by doctors.Dr. Maitiu O Tuathail of Ireland grew so concerned about mask misinformation he posted an online video of himself comfortably wearing a mask while measuring his oxygen levels. The video has been viewed more than 20 million times.“While face masks don’t lower your oxygen levels. COVID definitely does,” he warned.Yet trusted medical authorities are often being dismissed by those who say requiring people to wear masks is a step toward authoritarianism.“Unless you make a stand, you will be wearing a mask for the rest of your life,” tweeted Simon Dolan, a British businessman who has sued the government over its COVID-19 restrictions.Trump’s reluctant, ambivalent and late embrace of masks hasn’t convinced some of his strongest supporters, who have concocted ever more elaborate theories to explain his change of heart. Some say he was actually speaking in code and doesn’t really support masks.O Tuathail witnessed just how unshakable COVID-19 misinformation can be when, after broadcasting his video, he received emails from people who said he cheated or didn’t wear the mask long enough to feel the negative effects.That’s not surprising, according to University of Central Florida psychology professor Chrysalis Wright, who studies misinformation. She said conspiracy theory believers often engage in mental gymnastics to make their beliefs conform with reality.“People only want to hear what they already think they know,” she said.___

Misinformation on coronavirus is proving highly contagious

The Riley County Health Department was notified today that an 80 year old man has died after testing positive for COVID-19 as part of the Meadowlark Hills outbreak in Manhattan. &nbsp;

A total of 8 positive patients are associated with the July 17 outbreak within a unit at Meadowlark Hills. This is the first death associated with the outbreak. The other individuals who were positive have since tested negative. A total of 80 residents and staff were tested in response to the outbreak and there were no additional positives.

Riley County has 4 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 1 more recovery. The totals are now 103 active, 337 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is now caring for 4 positive patients. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time.

The Riley County Health Department was notified today that an 80 year old man has died after testing positive for COVID-19 as part of the Meadowlark Hills outbreak in Manhattan. &nbsp;A total of 8 positive patients are associated with the July 17 outbreak within a unit at Meadowlark Hills. This is the first death associated with the outbreak. The other individuals who were positive have since tested negative. A total of 80 residents and staff were tested in response to the outbreak and there were no additional positives.Riley County has 4 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 1 more recovery. The totals are now 103 active, 337 recovered, and 5 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is now caring for 4 positive patients. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time.

Health authorities are reporting a fifth death in Riley County

By Crystal Malchose, PIO, Pottawatomie County

This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.

When discussing mitigation techniques, we hear “people at increased risk” or “high-risk individuals” should take extra precautions. Who qualifies as a “high-risk” individual? The CDC, the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins Medicine, and others provide information on people at increased risk of contagious diseases, severe illnesses, and viruses such as COVID-19. This information, updated on the CDC website July 17, 2020, includes recent data on conditions that “might” increase risk.

Older adults: The older a person is, the higher the risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. The greatest risk is among those 85 and up.

Underlying Medical Conditions: People of any age with certain conditions are at increased risk:

*Compromised Immune System (due to solid organ transplant)

People with the following conditions may be at increased risk:

*Neurologic conditions (such as dementia)

*Compromised Immune System (due to blood or bone marrow transplant, or other immune deficiency)

According to the CDC, the best advice for high-risk individuals includes 1. Education, know how the virus spreads. The best way to prevent getting COVID-19, is to avoid being exposed to it. 2. Personal hygiene. Wash your hands, and frequently touched items, often. 3. Avoid close contact with others. Avoid those in your home who are sick; and maintain at least 6’ physical distance from others. 4. Cover your mouth and nose with a face cover when around others. Also, always cover your mouth with a tissue, or your elbow if a tissue is not available, when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues promptly, and wash your hands. 5. Monitor your health daily. Watch for symptoms, take your temperature, and follow CDC guidelines or contact your primary care physician if you develop symptoms or have questions.

By Crystal Malchose, PIO, Pottawatomie CountyThis is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.When discussing mitigation techniques, we hear “people at increased risk” or “high-risk individuals” should take extra precautions. Who qualifies as a “high-risk” individual? The CDC, the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins Medicine, and others provide information on people at increased risk of contagious diseases, severe illnesses, and viruses such as COVID-19. This information, updated on the CDC website July 17, 2020, includes recent data on conditions that “might” increase risk.Older adults: The older a person is, the higher the risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. The greatest risk is among those 85 and up.Underlying Medical Conditions: People of any age with certain conditions are at increased risk:*COPD*Cancer*Heart Disease*Chronic Kidney Disease*Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus*Sickle Cell Disease*Compromised Immune System (due to solid organ transplant)People with the following conditions may be at increased risk:*Asthma*Cystic Fibrosis*Hypertension*Liver Disease*Pregnancy*Pulmonary Fibrosis*Smoking*Thalassemia*Pregnancy*Cerebrovascular Disease*Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus*Neurologic conditions (such as dementia)*Compromised Immune System (due to blood or bone marrow transplant, or other immune deficiency)According to the CDC, the best advice for high-risk individuals includes 1. Education, know how the virus spreads. The best way to prevent getting COVID-19, is to avoid being exposed to it. 2. Personal hygiene. Wash your hands, and frequently touched items, often. 3. Avoid close contact with others. Avoid those in your home who are sick; and maintain at least 6’ physical distance from others. 4. Cover your mouth and nose with a face cover when around others. Also, always cover your mouth with a tissue, or your elbow if a tissue is not available, when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues promptly, and wash your hands. 5. Monitor your health daily. Watch for symptoms, take your temperature, and follow CDC guidelines or contact your primary care physician if you develop symptoms or have questions.

Covid Corner

Safe &amp; Open Campaign Empowers Businesses, Organizations, and Individuals

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can now take an online pledge to promote safety in the community by following recommended health safety practices. Anyone who takes the pledge will receive a verification badge and other marketing materials that they can display to signal their participation. Businesses and organizations that pledge will be added to a list on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=4eacc30534&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.mhksafeandopen.org</a>&nbsp;website in Manhattan and&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=34d96d7a2f&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.flinthillssafeandopen.org</a>&nbsp;in the Flint Hills Region. Safe &amp; Open represents a promise that businesses, organizations, and individuals can make to show their commitment to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Manhattan and the Flint Hills Region. It can also be used as a tool to guide residents and visitors to businesses that are following best practices. When people see the Safe &amp; Open logo, they will know those businesses and organizations have made a commitment to help protect the community. “The goal is to promote safety and keep Manhattan Safe and Open by doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus,” said City of Manhattan Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall. “By sharing information about safety practices, the campaign also empowers consumers to make informed choices about where to do business.” The pledge for businesses and organizations includes a commitment to do the following:

Taking the individual pledge means that you promise to:

The campaign officially launches today ( Thursday ), and eight organizations have already signed up: Arrow Coffee, In Motion Dance Company, Loving Arms Child Care and Preschool, Manhattan Fit Body Boot Camp, New Boston Creative Group, Pool House Kitchen &amp; Bar, Sunflower Pet Supplies, and The Well. Business categories on the website to make it easy for people to search for safe places. “We are happy to share the campaign with any local communities,” said Marstall. “The more participants, the better.”

<h2>Safe &amp; Open Campaign Empowers Businesses, Organizations, and Individuals</h2>Businesses, organizations, and individuals can now take an online pledge to promote safety in the community by following recommended health safety practices. Anyone who takes the pledge will receive a verification badge and other marketing materials that they can display to signal their participation. Businesses and organizations that pledge will be added to a list on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=4eacc30534&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.mhksafeandopen.org</a>&nbsp;website in Manhattan and&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=34d96d7a2f&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.flinthillssafeandopen.org</a>&nbsp;in the Flint Hills Region. Safe &amp; Open represents a promise that businesses, organizations, and individuals can make to show their commitment to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Manhattan and the Flint Hills Region. It can also be used as a tool to guide residents and visitors to businesses that are following best practices. When people see the Safe &amp; Open logo, they will know those businesses and organizations have made a commitment to help protect the community. “The goal is to promote safety and keep Manhattan Safe and Open by doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus,” said City of Manhattan Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall. “By sharing information about safety practices, the campaign also empowers consumers to make informed choices about where to do business.” The pledge for businesses and organizations includes a commitment to do the following:<ul>
 <li>Encourage physical distancing</li><li>Limit the number of people allowed inside to make it possible to maintain 6-ft of distance</li><li>Arrange workspaces so employees can stay at least 6-ft apart</li><li>Limit staff contact with customers</li><li>Adopt and implement enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures specifically designed to combat the transmission of COVID-19</li>
 </ul> Taking the individual pledge means that you promise to:<ul>
 <li>Stay home if sick</li><li>Maintain at least 6-ft of distance in public</li><li>Cover nose and mouth with a cloth mask in public situations, both indoors and outdoors, if it is difficult to maintain 6-ft of distance</li><li>Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available</li>
 </ul>The campaign officially launches today ( Thursday ), and eight organizations have already signed up: Arrow Coffee, In Motion Dance Company, Loving Arms Child Care and Preschool, Manhattan Fit Body Boot Camp, New Boston Creative Group, Pool House Kitchen &amp; Bar, Sunflower Pet Supplies, and The Well. Business categories on the website to make it easy for people to search for safe places. “We are happy to share the campaign with any local communities,” said Marstall. “The more participants, the better.”

Safe & Open campaign empowers businesses, organizations and individuals

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that two residents at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) have tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier in the month, a staff member at ECF was identified as positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing occurred and mass testing took place of the living unit that had been exposed to the identified staff member. In total, 163 residents were tested, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The residents at ECF are both males over the ages of 40 and 50. Both men are asymptomatic.

 Mandatory mask protocol for staff was implemented on May 6 and for residents on July 6.

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

“We are so thankful for the continued support of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Their staff respond quickly to ensure that we are helping keep these men healthy and safe,” Zmuda said. “We are glad to report that both men are asymptomatic and are hopeful they’ll be able to return to Ellsworth soon.”

The Ellsworth Correctional Facility opened in 1988. Serving only males, the Central Unit provides housing for 820 multi-custody residents and the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody residents.

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that two residents at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) have tested positive for COVID-19.Earlier in the month, a staff member at ECF was identified as positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing occurred and mass testing took place of the living unit that had been exposed to the identified staff member. In total, 163 residents were tested, according to a media release from the KDOC.The residents at ECF are both males over the ages of 40 and 50. Both men are asymptomatic. Mandatory mask protocol for staff was implemented on May 6 and for residents on July 6.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ul>
 <li>Both men and two additional men, who were roommates of those who tested positive, were moved to Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) to be in a more modern facility that is better equipped to control the spread of the virus</li><li>Additional testing will take place at ECF as we continue to work to control the spread</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ul>“We are so thankful for the continued support of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Their staff respond quickly to ensure that we are helping keep these men healthy and safe,” Zmuda said. “We are glad to report that both men are asymptomatic and are hopeful they’ll be able to return to Ellsworth soon.”The Ellsworth Correctional Facility opened in 1988. Serving only males, the Central Unit provides housing for 820 multi-custody residents and the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody residents.

New COVID-19 cases reported at Ellsworth Correctional Facility

Riley County has 13 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 22 more recoveries. The totals are now 101 (-9) active, 336 (+22) recovered, and 4 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, July 29, 2020:

Riley County has 13 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 22 more recoveries. The totals are now 101 (-9) active, 336 (+22) recovered, and 4 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, July 29, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;441**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;101</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;336</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;4</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;182</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;4,239</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31.7 years old</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;46.6% (210), Male 52.4% (231)</li>
 </ul>

Riley County Health reports 13 new cases of positive COVID-19

Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs has issued Local Health Order No. 16. It will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and will remain in effect until amended, superseded, or rescinded. With full community cooperation this proactive public health order may minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the Riley County community. &nbsp; One of the biggest changes will be the time frame for the new order. Local Order 16 does not have an expiration date. It will remain in place until the data indicates that a change is needed. The safety measures are designed to be long-term solutions. &nbsp; The new order provides opportunity for mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals, but less than 2,000, through a permit process. Anyone who wishes to host an event or gathering of more than 50 people must fill out a request form at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=78f262635a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/FormCenter/Health-Department-Forms-7/Request-for-an-Event-Larger-than-50-Peop-195</a>&nbsp;at least 14 days prior to the event. Strict safety measures will need to be in place for a gathering to be approved. &nbsp; For the purpose of this order, regularly held church services are not considered to be events and are therefore exempt from this requirement. &nbsp; Safety precautions for gatherings or events will include mandated social distancing, face coverings, and at least 1 person assigned to maintain enforcement of safety measures per every 50 participants. A committee including medical personnel, public officials, and representatives from the business community will evaluate the request and make recommendations for approval. Emergency Operations Center Command Staff will provide final approval of requests. No events or gatherings of more than 50 people will be allowed in Riley County without a mass gathering permit. &nbsp; Large venues of more than 2,000 person capacity shall remain closed. This includes both indoor and outdoor venues. &nbsp; Under Local Order 16, all restaurants and bars are limited to seated areas only. This includes patios. Service or consumption of food or drinks at a counter/bar or in standing-only areas is prohibited. Patrons who are waiting for tables may not sit at counter tops or wait inside the establishment. &nbsp; All seated parties at bars and restaurants must be placed at least 6 feet apart from other seated parties. When that is not feasible, a barrier, such as plexiglass or other partition shall divide booths or tables. Buffet-style restaurants are still allowed to operate, but customers must sit at tables or booths to consume food or drinks. Dance floors, including but not limited to temporary spaces obtained by removing tables or other objects for the purpose to allow people to dance, shall be closed. &nbsp; Bars and restaurants are still required to stop service by midnight and customers must clear the premises by 12:30 a.m. They are also required to continue screening each employee for symptoms prior to the start of each shift and be able to produce screening logs if asked by health department staff. &nbsp; “Business requirements focus on bars and restaurants because those establishments are high-risk and are still a source of virus spread in the community,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “We want to make it possible to functionally and practically social distance in a business that is designed to have people congregate close together, rather than be forced to shut those businesses down. We want to give them the opportunity to continue providing service in a way that also protects public health.” &nbsp; RCHD staff will begin visually inspecting bars and restaurants for proper table spacing and compliance with other aspects of the order when they visit to check employee screening logs. The Riley County Police Department is available to assist if needed. &nbsp; “We are planning to have conversations with business owners as they adjust to the new requirements,” said Riley County Police Department Assistant Director Kurt Moldrup. “Education will be the best tool for enforcement at this time.” &nbsp; Order 16 requires all businesses and locations to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019” at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=047fd5e35c&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html</a>&nbsp;as well as industry-specific guidance from trade groups. &nbsp; Read Local Health Order No. 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=ff0e91a40f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2758</a> &nbsp; Social distancing practices are strongly recommended:

Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs has issued Local Health Order No. 16. It will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and will remain in effect until amended, superseded, or rescinded. With full community cooperation this proactive public health order may minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the Riley County community. &nbsp; One of the biggest changes will be the time frame for the new order. Local Order 16 does not have an expiration date. It will remain in place until the data indicates that a change is needed. The safety measures are designed to be long-term solutions. &nbsp; The new order provides opportunity for mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals, but less than 2,000, through a permit process. Anyone who wishes to host an event or gathering of more than 50 people must fill out a request form at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=78f262635a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/FormCenter/Health-Department-Forms-7/Request-for-an-Event-Larger-than-50-Peop-195</a>&nbsp;at least 14 days prior to the event. Strict safety measures will need to be in place for a gathering to be approved. &nbsp; For the purpose of this order, regularly held church services are not considered to be events and are therefore exempt from this requirement. &nbsp; Safety precautions for gatherings or events will include mandated social distancing, face coverings, and at least 1 person assigned to maintain enforcement of safety measures per every 50 participants. A committee including medical personnel, public officials, and representatives from the business community will evaluate the request and make recommendations for approval. Emergency Operations Center Command Staff will provide final approval of requests. No events or gatherings of more than 50 people will be allowed in Riley County without a mass gathering permit. &nbsp; Large venues of more than 2,000 person capacity shall remain closed. This includes both indoor and outdoor venues. &nbsp; Under Local Order 16, all restaurants and bars are limited to seated areas only. This includes patios. Service or consumption of food or drinks at a counter/bar or in standing-only areas is prohibited. Patrons who are waiting for tables may not sit at counter tops or wait inside the establishment. &nbsp; All seated parties at bars and restaurants must be placed at least 6 feet apart from other seated parties. When that is not feasible, a barrier, such as plexiglass or other partition shall divide booths or tables. Buffet-style restaurants are still allowed to operate, but customers must sit at tables or booths to consume food or drinks. Dance floors, including but not limited to temporary spaces obtained by removing tables or other objects for the purpose to allow people to dance, shall be closed. &nbsp; Bars and restaurants are still required to stop service by midnight and customers must clear the premises by 12:30 a.m. They are also required to continue screening each employee for symptoms prior to the start of each shift and be able to produce screening logs if asked by health department staff. &nbsp; “Business requirements focus on bars and restaurants because those establishments are high-risk and are still a source of virus spread in the community,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “We want to make it possible to functionally and practically social distance in a business that is designed to have people congregate close together, rather than be forced to shut those businesses down. We want to give them the opportunity to continue providing service in a way that also protects public health.” &nbsp; RCHD staff will begin visually inspecting bars and restaurants for proper table spacing and compliance with other aspects of the order when they visit to check employee screening logs. The Riley County Police Department is available to assist if needed. &nbsp; “We are planning to have conversations with business owners as they adjust to the new requirements,” said Riley County Police Department Assistant Director Kurt Moldrup. “Education will be the best tool for enforcement at this time.” &nbsp; Order 16 requires all businesses and locations to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019” at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=047fd5e35c&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html</a>&nbsp;as well as industry-specific guidance from trade groups. &nbsp; Read Local Health Order No. 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=ff0e91a40f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2758</a> &nbsp; Social distancing practices are strongly recommended:<ul>
 <li>Stay home if you are sick.</li><li>Maintain at least 6-ft of distance.</li><li>Cover nose and mouth with a cloth mask in public situations, both indoors and outdoors, if it is difficult to maintain at least 6-ft of distance.</li><li>Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.</li><li>Avoid touching your face.</li><li>People in high-risk categories are advised to continue taking extra precautions and to limit their contact with the public.</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;

New Riley County Health Order goes into effect Thursday morning

&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today that the 2020 Powercat Auction, slated for August 29, will remain as scheduled but will move to a virtual format. “We know K-Staters look forward to this event each and every year and wanted to be able to provide an opportunity for them to bid on unique items all while getting together virtually to celebrate the beginning of the 2020-21 year,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “As much as we wanted to host the annual event in person, it was in the best interest and safety of our fans and donors to shift this year’s event to the virtual format. The Powercat Auction annually is a major fundraising event for K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund that traditionally brings hundreds of our terrific donors together for one special evening, and we look forward to reuniting in person for the Auction next spring.” The virtual program will be held at 6 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29, and fans can participate by visiting k-statesports.com. More information surrounding the auction, including a list of all items available, as well as bidding&nbsp;<a href="https://one.bidpal.net/powercat2020/welcome" target="_blank">details can be found here</a>. Bidding will go live at 8 a.m. CDT, Monday, August 24, and close at 8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29. For any inquiries or questions, please contact Casey Taylor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ctaylor@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">ctaylor@kstatesports.com</a>. Both the ticket office (1.800.221.CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1.888.232.9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. CDT, to 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at kstatesports.com.

KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today that the 2020 Powercat Auction, slated for August 29, will remain as scheduled but will move to a virtual format. “We know K-Staters look forward to this event each and every year and wanted to be able to provide an opportunity for them to bid on unique items all while getting together virtually to celebrate the beginning of the 2020-21 year,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “As much as we wanted to host the annual event in person, it was in the best interest and safety of our fans and donors to shift this year’s event to the virtual format. The Powercat Auction annually is a major fundraising event for K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund that traditionally brings hundreds of our terrific donors together for one special evening, and we look forward to reuniting in person for the Auction next spring.” The virtual program will be held at 6 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29, and fans can participate by visiting k-statesports.com. More information surrounding the auction, including a list of all items available, as well as bidding&nbsp;<a href="https://one.bidpal.net/powercat2020/welcome" target="_blank">details can be found here</a>. Bidding will go live at 8 a.m. CDT, Monday, August 24, and close at 8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29. For any inquiries or questions, please contact Casey Taylor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ctaylor@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">ctaylor@kstatesports.com</a>. Both the ticket office (1.800.221.CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1.888.232.9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. CDT, to 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at kstatesports.com.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

2020 Powercat Auction moved to virtual format

Riley County has 2 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 2 more recoveries. The totals are now 110 active, 314 (+2) recovered, and 4 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient at this time. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, July 28, 2020:

Riley County has 2 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 2 more recoveries. The totals are now 110 active, 314 (+2) recovered, and 4 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 3 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient at this time. Each of the patients has symptoms severe enough to require hospital care, but none of them are on ventilators at this time. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, July 28, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;428**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;110</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;314</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;4</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;185</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;4,213</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31.4 years old</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;47.4% (203), Male 52.6% (225)</li>
 </ul>

Riley County Health officials release the latest COVID-19 update

Health officials in Pottawatomie County said Monday there are two new positive COVID-19 cases, and seven total active cases. A total of 100 people have recovered while 16 are pending. No one is hospitalized in Pottawatomie County.

As a reminder, the COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways.&nbsp; One person with COVID-19, may show vastly different symptoms from someone else with the virus.&nbsp; Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus.&nbsp; The symptoms of COVID-19 include;

·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fever or chills

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cough

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fatigue

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Muscle or body aches

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Headache

Health officials in Pottawatomie County said Monday there are two new positive COVID-19 cases, and seven total active cases. A total of 100 people have recovered while 16 are pending. No one is hospitalized in Pottawatomie County.As a reminder, the COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways.&nbsp; One person with COVID-19, may show vastly different symptoms from someone else with the virus.&nbsp; Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus.&nbsp; The symptoms of COVID-19 include;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fever or chills·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cough·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fatigue·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Muscle or body aches·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Headache·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New loss of taste or smell·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sore throat·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Congestion or runny nose·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nausea or vomiting·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DiarrheaLook for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trouble breathing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Persistent pain or pressure in the chest·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New confusion·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inability to wake or stay awake·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bluish lips or face

Coronavirus Update