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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extra unemployment aid expires, federal eviction moratorium to end

Riley County Health officials released a report on COVID-19 Friday. They said there was one new positive case&nbsp; and three more people have recovered. The total were 113 active cases, 302 recovered and there have been four deaths.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan was treating three COVID-19 positive patients and one person under investigation patient. Their symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalization.&nbsp;

Riley County Health officials released a report on COVID-19 Friday. They said there was one new positive case&nbsp; and three more people have recovered. The total were 113 active cases, 302 recovered and there have been four deaths.Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan was treating three COVID-19 positive patients and one person under investigation patient. Their symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalization.&nbsp;

Riley County Health identified one new positive COVID-19 case

Riley County Health officials announced Friday that had been notified by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment of a fourth COVID-related death in the county. The Office of Vital Statistics verified COVID-19 was listed as the cause of death for a 96-year old woman associated with a previous outbreak at Leonardville Nursing Home. She passed away on June 26. She did not display symptoms of COVID-19, although she tested positive on June 10.

A total of five Riley County residents were associated with the outbreak at Leonardville Nursing Home. Two of those positive patients died. The outbreak was declared resolved earlier this month, and no further positive patients have been identified at that location.

Riley County Health officials announced Friday that had been notified by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment of a fourth COVID-related death in the county. The Office of Vital Statistics verified COVID-19 was listed as the cause of death for a 96-year old woman associated with a previous outbreak at Leonardville Nursing Home. She passed away on June 26. She did not display symptoms of COVID-19, although she tested positive on June 10.A total of five Riley County residents were associated with the outbreak at Leonardville Nursing Home. Two of those positive patients died. The outbreak was declared resolved earlier this month, and no further positive patients have been identified at that location.

Riley County Health Department confirm fourth COVID-19 related death in the county

Dave Colburn served the Manhattan and Ogden community for 16 years on the USD 383 Board of Education. He has announced that after the most recent decision to not delay school reopening teachers, parents, community leaders and healthcare experts have been reaching out to him asking if he would serve on the State Board of Education if they wrote his name on their primary ( election ) ballot. "I said yes with no hesitation." Colburn will seek the District 6 seat on the Board, which is currently held by Deena Horst of Salina.

Colbert said despite being unopposed on the ballot&nbsp; dissatisfaction from constituents with the incumbent is nearly deafening. "This very narrow window before the primary election creates a situation where the only option for voters to express their frustration is by a write-in option. If enough voters elect to write-in a candidate in the primary that candidate will appear on&nbsp; the ballot in November against the unopposed incumbent.

Colburn is a graduate of Kansas State University and is active volunteering and assisting in numerous organizations.

Dave Colburn served the Manhattan and Ogden community for 16 years on the USD 383 Board of Education. He has announced that after the most recent decision to not delay school reopening teachers, parents, community leaders and healthcare experts have been reaching out to him asking if he would serve on the State Board of Education if they wrote his name on their primary ( election ) ballot. "I said yes with no hesitation." Colburn will seek the District 6 seat on the Board, which is currently held by Deena Horst of Salina.Colbert said despite being unopposed on the ballot&nbsp; dissatisfaction from constituents with the incumbent is nearly deafening. "This very narrow window before the primary election creates a situation where the only option for voters to express their frustration is by a write-in option. If enough voters elect to write-in a candidate in the primary that candidate will appear on&nbsp; the ballot in November against the unopposed incumbent.Colburn is a graduate of Kansas State University and is active volunteering and assisting in numerous organizations.

Former Manhattan school board president will run for State Board of Education as a write-in candidate

&nbsp; The City of Manhattan has announced that the&nbsp; 2020 Furniture Amnesty Day is canceled due to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid_19?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVuZtUk2JndQ5Zmt6fcNNyygnuXmaddZottHZXSzbQyYzZo8XQN5McLTPG_nCHHCo0KxlgtiRVQfun3dT9St2qMo7VVIJhhioPOWH37GgDbqzTETThZf41m0t1lGhvY7lrFM5Kxa_wAfrcIF-stkVNBtJfP5l9MmjRelngwT5O2gA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#COVID_19</a>.

They hope to be back next year for this popular community event. To donate or pick up furniture, you can reach out to local service agencies such as Habitat for Humanity's Restore location.

&nbsp; The City of Manhattan has announced that the&nbsp; 2020 Furniture Amnesty Day is canceled due to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid_19?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVuZtUk2JndQ5Zmt6fcNNyygnuXmaddZottHZXSzbQyYzZo8XQN5McLTPG_nCHHCo0KxlgtiRVQfun3dT9St2qMo7VVIJhhioPOWH37GgDbqzTETThZf41m0t1lGhvY7lrFM5Kxa_wAfrcIF-stkVNBtJfP5l9MmjRelngwT5O2gA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#COVID_19</a>. They hope to be back next year for this popular community event. To donate or pick up furniture, you can reach out to local service agencies such as Habitat for Humanity's Restore location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595534706821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Furniture Amnesty Day is cancelled

The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) has identified 7 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 6 more people have recovered. The totals are now 116 (+1) active, 299 (+4) recovered, and 3 deaths.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is treating 3 COVID-19 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. One of the positive patients in on a ventilator today.

Riley County Statistics for Thursday, July 23, 2020:

*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.



The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) has identified 7 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 6 more people have recovered. The totals are now 116 (+1) active, 299 (+4) recovered, and 3 deaths.Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is treating 3 COVID-19 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. One of the positive patients in on a ventilator today.Riley County Statistics for Thursday, July 23, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;418**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;116</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;299</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;195</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;4,025</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31 years old</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;47.1% (197), Male 52.9% (221)</li>
 </ul>*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

Seven additional positive COVID-19 cases are being reported 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.

“Isolation” and “quarantine” are terms we hear frequently these days in terms of expectations after exposure, or assumed exposure to COVID-19. What exactly do these terms mean? Are they interchangeable? The U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services website, www.hhs.gov, says, “Isolation and quarantine are public health practices used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.” Many people confuse the two terms, but they are used for different purposes.

*Isolation – this term is intended for people known to have a contagious disease, such as COVID-19, and indicates they should be separated from people who are not sick.

*Quarantine – this term identifies people who have been exposed to a contagious disease, and restricts their movements to watch for symptoms. This includes people who may have been exposed, as well as those who have the disease, but are asymptomatic.

*Social distancing – a better term may be “physical distancing,” as people are social creatures and should, when possible, still interact with others in a safe manner. This term indicates a minimum physical separation of six feet (6’) between people who do not reside together, to lessen the possibility of an infection spreading. Studies that evaluated transmission of infectious respiratory diseases between patients and healthcare workers are the basis of the 6-foot distance recommendation

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.“Isolation” and “quarantine” are terms we hear frequently these days in terms of expectations after exposure, or assumed exposure to COVID-19. What exactly do these terms mean? Are they interchangeable? The U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services website, www.hhs.gov, says, “Isolation and quarantine are public health practices used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.” Many people confuse the two terms, but they are used for different purposes.*Isolation – this term is intended for people known to have a contagious disease, such as COVID-19, and indicates they should be separated from people who are not sick.*Quarantine – this term identifies people who have been exposed to a contagious disease, and restricts their movements to watch for symptoms. This includes people who may have been exposed, as well as those who have the disease, but are asymptomatic.*Social distancing – a better term may be “physical distancing,” as people are social creatures and should, when possible, still interact with others in a safe manner. This term indicates a minimum physical separation of six feet (6’) between people who do not reside together, to lessen the possibility of an infection spreading. Studies that evaluated transmission of infectious respiratory diseases between patients and healthcare workers are the basis of the 6-foot distance recommendation

COVID Corner

Manhattan - Ogden USD 383 issued a statement via social media following the State Board of Education decision not to affirm the Governor's proposed order to delay the start of the K-12 school year until Sept. 9.

As you may know, the Kansas State Board of Education voted against Governor Kelly's Executive Order to delay the start of school until September 9th. We understand that this leaves our community with a lot of concerns and questions.

The district administration will discuss what this means for USD 383 and will provide our community with more information soon.

We want to thank our families, staff, and community for your ongoing patience during this whole process. We know how difficult these several months have been for many in the USD 383 family. Please watch our social media pages and our website for updates.

Manhattan - Ogden USD 383 issued a statement via social media following the State Board of Education decision not to affirm the Governor's proposed order to delay the start of the K-12 school year until Sept. 9.As you may know, the Kansas State Board of Education voted against Governor Kelly's Executive Order to delay the start of school until September 9th. We understand that this leaves our community with a lot of concerns and questions.The district administration will discuss what this means for USD 383 and will provide our community with more information soon.We want to thank our families, staff, and community for your ongoing patience during this whole process. We know how difficult these several months have been for many in the USD 383 family. Please watch our social media pages and our website for updates.

USD 383 issues response following State Board of Education decision

The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) has identified 6 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 4 more people have recovered. The totals are now 113 (+2) active, 289 (+4) recovered, and 3 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is treating 4 COVID-19 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. No positive patients are on ventilators today. &nbsp; Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4c63596a3d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, July 22, 2020:

The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) has identified 6 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, and 4 more people have recovered. The totals are now 113 (+2) active, 289 (+4) recovered, and 3 deaths. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is treating 4 COVID-19 positive patients and 1 PUI* patient. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. No positive patients are on ventilators today. &nbsp; Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4c63596a3d&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, July 22, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;411**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;115</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;293</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;197</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;3,986</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;30.8 years old</li>
 </ul>

COVID-19 cases increase in Riley County

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump embraces masks in an about-face

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.

She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.

More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.

Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.

There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.

Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595338227926.png" alt=" A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

Kelly: Masks non-negotiable in schools, pleads for delaying classes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.

Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.

But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”

Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.

Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.

“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.

She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”

The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.

On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.

Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.

McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing and insisting on the payroll tax cut, Republicans said.

At Monday’s White House meeting, Trump said he wants a full payroll tax repeal, said one Republican who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Trump then put economist Art Laffer on speakerphone. Laffer is part of a conservative group favoring the tax break. The GOP leaders indicated only a partial repeal would be included in the coming bill.

Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because it is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. The tax is already being deferred for employers under the previous virus relief package. Supporters say cutting it now for employees would put money in people’s pockets and stimulate the economy, but detractors warn it would do little for out-of-work Americans and add to the nation’s rising debt load. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion.

GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battled over priorities.

GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”

Economist Stephen Moore, who is part of the conservative group promoting the payroll tax cut, is also backing a health care provision to prevent surprise medical billing. Moore was not part of the meeting but said both were discussed at the White House.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea9b97cabecae5c91595aab05dd7f6d">leading health professionals</a>&nbsp;straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.

On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.”

Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short, reviving a strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion effort</a>, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.

Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a8a5903bf4c651a2add77c643ddcdd2e">stated his own priorities</a>. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track the virus to contain its spread. Another Republican familiar with the process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.

The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession, and a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units approved in the last bill is about to expire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268522690.png" alt="President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268489369.png" alt="President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing and insisting on the payroll tax cut, Republicans said.At Monday’s White House meeting, Trump said he wants a full payroll tax repeal, said one Republican who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Trump then put economist Art Laffer on speakerphone. Laffer is part of a conservative group favoring the tax break. The GOP leaders indicated only a partial repeal would be included in the coming bill.Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because it is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. The tax is already being deferred for employers under the previous virus relief package. Supporters say cutting it now for employees would put money in people’s pockets and stimulate the economy, but detractors warn it would do little for out-of-work Americans and add to the nation’s rising debt load. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion.GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battled over priorities.GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”Economist Stephen Moore, who is part of the conservative group promoting the payroll tax cut, is also backing a health care provision to prevent surprise medical billing. Moore was not part of the meeting but said both were discussed at the White House.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea9b97cabecae5c91595aab05dd7f6d">leading health professionals</a>&nbsp;straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.”Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short, reviving a strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion effort</a>, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a8a5903bf4c651a2add77c643ddcdd2e">stated his own priorities</a>. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track the virus to contain its spread. Another Republican familiar with the process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession, and a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units approved in the last bill is about to expire.___

Trump, Congress square off over virus aid as crisis worsens

Major League Baseball is adding on-field advertising this season, both real and virtual. Allowed locations include the back of the pitcher’s mound, behind home plate, on tarps in the stands and in the grass in foul territory down the first-base lines. Teams have the choice whether to make the ads real or project them virtually during telecasts. 

In addition, physical ads can be put on the on-deck circle. The New York Mets took advantage of the new rules to put an ad for Ford Motor Co. on the back of the Citi Field mound for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Yankees.

Major League Baseball is adding on-field advertising this season, both real and virtual. Allowed locations include the back of the pitcher’s mound, behind home plate, on tarps in the stands and in the grass in foul territory down the first-base lines. Teams have the choice whether to make the ads real or project them virtually during telecasts. In addition, physical ads can be put on the on-deck circle. The New York Mets took advantage of the new rules to put an ad for Ford Motor Co. on the back of the Citi Field mound for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Yankees.

MLB allows on-field advertising in pandemic shortened season

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon.

 Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.

Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.

The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;

Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.

“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;

“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”

Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.

Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.

The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.

The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.

Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.

To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon. Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F663459251046658%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>Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Students enrolled concurrently to receive college credit;</li><li>Enrollment of students for the 2020-2021 school year may occur in K-12 schools;</li><li>Screenings and evaluations of students to determine accommodations and placement needs for the 2020-2021 school year.</li>
 </ol>Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Eating;</li><li>Activities that cannot be safely conducted with a mask or other face covering;</li><li>Children who are not students and are 5 years of age or under;</li><li>Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;</li><li>Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;</li><li>Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work.</li>
 </ol>The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

🎥 Governor signs executive order on schools

Riley County has 16 new positive cases since Friday’s report and 31 more people have recovered. The totals are now 114 active, 281 recovered, and 3 deaths. Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=1361bb12fd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Three (3) COVID-19 positive patients and three (3) PUI* patients are being treated at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. &nbsp;Only one of the COVID-19 positive patients being treated at the hospital is a Riley County resident. The other two have permanent addresses in neighboring counties.

"We've started to see more severe cases in young people," said Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "Two of the patients recently admitted to Ascension Via Christi Hospital have been in their 20's with very serious cases of COVID-19. There's still so much we don't know about how and why the disease affects certain people or what the long-term health impacts will be for patients. We all need to do everything we can to slow the spread."&nbsp;

Riley County has 16 new positive cases since Friday’s report and 31 more people have recovered. The totals are now 114 active, 281 recovered, and 3 deaths. Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=1361bb12fd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.Three (3) COVID-19 positive patients and three (3) PUI* patients are being treated at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. &nbsp;Only one of the COVID-19 positive patients being treated at the hospital is a Riley County resident. The other two have permanent addresses in neighboring counties."We've started to see more severe cases in young people," said Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "Two of the patients recently admitted to Ascension Via Christi Hospital have been in their 20's with very serious cases of COVID-19. There's still so much we don't know about how and why the disease affects certain people or what the long-term health impacts will be for patients. We all need to do everything we can to slow the spread."&nbsp;

Riley County health reports 16 more positive COVID-19 cases

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<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 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 307<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/2020/7/1595264533467.png" alt="July 20, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 20, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.

New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.

Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.

“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.

The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.

The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.

Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.

The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.

The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.

Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.

As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.

Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.

A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.

With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.

Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.

In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.

“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589232058595.png" alt="President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.“I want to see it,” he said.As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

GOP leaders, Trump to discuss virus aid as crisis deepens

COVID-19 positive case numbers remained unchanged in Pottawatomie County on Friday. So far since the pandemic began there have been 96 cases with five still remaining active. A total of 91 patients have recovered and 28 tests are still pending.

Health officials said the Kansas Crisis Counseling Program offers information online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ksready.gov/" target="_blank">http://ksready.gov/</a>&nbsp;including online resource guides and toolkits to assist in finding available mental health resources for citizens and information for mental health needs during COVID-19.

COVID-19 positive case numbers remained unchanged in Pottawatomie County on Friday. So far since the pandemic began there have been 96 cases with five still remaining active. A total of 91 patients have recovered and 28 tests are still pending.Health officials said the Kansas Crisis Counseling Program offers information online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ksready.gov/" target="_blank">http://ksready.gov/</a>&nbsp;including online resource guides and toolkits to assist in finding available mental health resources for citizens and information for mental health needs during COVID-19.

Pottawatomie County did not have any increase in positive COVID-19 cases Friday

&nbsp;Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs issued Local Health Order No. 15 today. This order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 20 and will remain in effect for 10 days, until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, or until amended, superseded, or rescinded. The restrictions for bars and restaurants will remain the same. Bars and restaurants are required to close by midnight and screen each employee prior to their shift. The gathering size will continue to be limited to 50 people, and large venues will remain closed. Order 15 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=f0a28da2a7&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. Read the order at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d6f2eae700&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19177/Riley-County-Local-Health-Order-15</a> "Local data will continue to determine the actions needed in Riley County," said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "The rate of new positive cases has begun to slow, and we are watching the outbreak situation at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community very closely. If additional restrictions are needed to protect the community and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed, we will issue a new order before July 30.” Ascension Via Christi Hospital now has 3 positive patients and 2 PUI patients. A PUI is a Person Under Investigation, someone who has symptoms and is waiting for test results. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified an outbreak at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community earlier today. A total of 8 staff members and residents have tested positive. “The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff and are working together to respond to this outbreak,” said RCHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We will provide updates to the public as information becomes available, but we will not identify any patients.” Social distancing practices should also continue:

&nbsp;Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs issued Local Health Order No. 15 today. This order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 20 and will remain in effect for 10 days, until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, or until amended, superseded, or rescinded. The restrictions for bars and restaurants will remain the same. Bars and restaurants are required to close by midnight and screen each employee prior to their shift. The gathering size will continue to be limited to 50 people, and large venues will remain closed. Order 15 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=f0a28da2a7&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. Read the order at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=d6f2eae700&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19177/Riley-County-Local-Health-Order-15</a> "Local data will continue to determine the actions needed in Riley County," said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "The rate of new positive cases has begun to slow, and we are watching the outbreak situation at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community very closely. If additional restrictions are needed to protect the community and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed, we will issue a new order before July 30.” Ascension Via Christi Hospital now has 3 positive patients and 2 PUI patients. A PUI is a Person Under Investigation, someone who has symptoms and is waiting for test results. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified an outbreak at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community earlier today. A total of 8 staff members and residents have tested positive. “The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff and are working together to respond to this outbreak,” said RCHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams. “We will provide updates to the public as information becomes available, but we will not identify any patients.” Social distancing practices should also continue:<ul>
 <li>Maintain at least 6-ft of distance.</li><li>Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible (or using hand sanitizer).</li><li>Cover nose and mouth with a cloth mask in public situations where social distancing is difficult to maintain (such as in stores).</li><li>Cover&nbsp;coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not into the hands).</li><li>People in high-risk categories are advised to continue taking extra precautions and to limit their contact with the public.</li>
 </ul>

Riley County issues local health order number 15

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.

The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.

The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.

On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595005333645.png" alt="July 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

Single-day record number of virus deaths reported in KC metro area

PIO, Riley County Emergency Operations Center

The number of COVID-19 recoveries continues to rise in Riley County. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) reports 8 new positive cases since yesterday and 16 more have recovered. The totals are now 129 (-8) active, 250 (+16) recovered. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) has identified an additional outbreak in Riley County. A total of 8 staff and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within a unit at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan: 6 of those are newly identified cases, 1 is a previously reported case, and 1 is not a Riley County resident. The majority of residents who tested positive are asymptomatic and were tested after being identified as having an exposure to a positive case. A total of about 80 residents and staff have been tested in response to this outbreak.&nbsp; An outbreak is announced when 5 or more cases stem from one place and time. “Meadowlark Hills has been, and continues to, take every precaution and measure to protect their staff and residents, and have acted quickly to investigate, test, trace and isolate individuals impacted by COVID-19," said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;"The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff, and are working together to respond to this outbreak.”&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan reports no (0) COVID-19 patients and 5 PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The previously hospitalized patient, who was admitted in May, has now been released to continue their recovery at home. While the majority of cases in Riley County have fallen into the 18-24 age range, COVID-19 adversely impacts all ages. A young person who does not feel sick or is not exhibiting symptoms may still be infected and can unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those at high risk. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a positive patient, please contact your doctor or call&nbsp;the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by a medical professional and is available&nbsp;Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Find more data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e26008540f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 17, 2020:

*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

By Vivienne UccelloPIO, Riley County Emergency Operations CenterThe number of COVID-19 recoveries continues to rise in Riley County. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) reports 8 new positive cases since yesterday and 16 more have recovered. The totals are now 129 (-8) active, 250 (+16) recovered. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) has identified an additional outbreak in Riley County. A total of 8 staff and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within a unit at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan: 6 of those are newly identified cases, 1 is a previously reported case, and 1 is not a Riley County resident. The majority of residents who tested positive are asymptomatic and were tested after being identified as having an exposure to a positive case. A total of about 80 residents and staff have been tested in response to this outbreak.&nbsp; An outbreak is announced when 5 or more cases stem from one place and time. “Meadowlark Hills has been, and continues to, take every precaution and measure to protect their staff and residents, and have acted quickly to investigate, test, trace and isolate individuals impacted by COVID-19," said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;"The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff, and are working together to respond to this outbreak.”&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan reports no (0) COVID-19 patients and 5 PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The previously hospitalized patient, who was admitted in May, has now been released to continue their recovery at home. While the majority of cases in Riley County have fallen into the 18-24 age range, COVID-19 adversely impacts all ages. A young person who does not feel sick or is not exhibiting symptoms may still be infected and can unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those at high risk. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a positive patient, please contact your doctor or call&nbsp;the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by a medical professional and is available&nbsp;Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Find more data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e26008540f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 17, 2020:<ol>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;382**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;129</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;250</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 0</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;251</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;3,646</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;44.5%&nbsp;(170)&nbsp; Male:&nbsp;55.5%&nbsp;(212)</li><li>Average Age:&nbsp;30.9 years old</li>
 </ol>*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

Eight new positive Covid-19 cases are reported in Riley County

&nbsp;A new study by Kansas State University researchers is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Stephen Higgs, associate vice president for research and director of the university's&nbsp;<a href="http://bri.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Biosecurity Research Institute</a>, or BRI, together with colleagues from the BRI and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;had the findings published July 17 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. The article, "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68882-7" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 failure to infect or replicate in mosquitoes: an extreme challenge</a>," details the study's findings, which&nbsp;provide the first&nbsp;experimental investigation on the capacity of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to infect and be transmitted by mosquitoes. "While the World Health Organization has definitively stated that mosquitoes cannot transmit the virus, our study is the first to provide conclusive data supporting the theory," said Higgs,&nbsp;Peine professor of biosecurity&nbsp;and&nbsp;university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. The study, which was done at the BRI, a biosecurity level-3 facility, ultimately found that the virus is unable to replicate in three common and widely distributed species of mosquitoes —&nbsp;Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus —&nbsp;and therefore cannot be transmitted to humans. "I am proud of the work we are doing at K-State to learn as much as we can about this and other dangerous pathogens," said Higgs.&nbsp;"This work was possible because of the unique capabilities of the BRI and the dedicated BRI and institutional staff." Colleagues involved with the study include Yan-Jang Huang, research assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Dana Vanlandingham, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Ashley Bilyeu and Haelea Sharp, research assistants in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; and Susan Hettenbach, research assistant at the BRI. Researchers at the BRI have completed four additional studies on COVID-19 since March and this is the first peer-reviewed publication based on SARS-CoV-2 experiments wholly conducted at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594997770144.jpeg" alt="Photo - KSU" />
 <figcaption>Photo - KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By Erin Pennington&nbsp;A new study by Kansas State University researchers is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Stephen Higgs, associate vice president for research and director of the university's&nbsp;<a href="http://bri.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Biosecurity Research Institute</a>, or BRI, together with colleagues from the BRI and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;had the findings published July 17 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. The article, "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68882-7" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 failure to infect or replicate in mosquitoes: an extreme challenge</a>," details the study's findings, which&nbsp;provide the first&nbsp;experimental investigation on the capacity of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to infect and be transmitted by mosquitoes. "While the World Health Organization has definitively stated that mosquitoes cannot transmit the virus, our study is the first to provide conclusive data supporting the theory," said Higgs,&nbsp;Peine professor of biosecurity&nbsp;and&nbsp;university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. The study, which was done at the BRI, a biosecurity level-3 facility, ultimately found that the virus is unable to replicate in three common and widely distributed species of mosquitoes —&nbsp;Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus —&nbsp;and therefore cannot be transmitted to humans. "I am proud of the work we are doing at K-State to learn as much as we can about this and other dangerous pathogens," said Higgs.&nbsp;"This work was possible because of the unique capabilities of the BRI and the dedicated BRI and institutional staff." Colleagues involved with the study include Yan-Jang Huang, research assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Dana Vanlandingham, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Ashley Bilyeu and Haelea Sharp, research assistants in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; and Susan Hettenbach, research assistant at the BRI. Researchers at the BRI have completed four additional studies on COVID-19 since March and this is the first peer-reviewed publication based on SARS-CoV-2 experiments wholly conducted at K-State.

KSU study is the first to who SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 is not transmitted by mosquitoes

NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday. Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on Tuesday at all 1,200 stores.More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.&nbsp;The announcements come one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2efc9640fe70badfa6c8f6f5b3923f68">the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart,</a>&nbsp;said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide in recent days.Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

Coronavirus Update