&nbsp; An ordinance requiring masks or other face coverings in the City of Manhattan is on the City Commission meeting agenda for Tuesday evening.. If the Commission adopts the resolution extending emergency powers, the ordinance will require only one reading and could go into effect as soon as it is approved and published in the&nbsp;Manhattan Mercury. At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners could choose to adopt the ordinance, decline to adopt the ordinance, modify it, or table the item. The meeting will be held virtually and can be watched on Cox Cable channel 3, on the City of Manhattan website&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=ffa6593879&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.cityofmhk.com</a>&nbsp;, or on the City of Manhattan Facebook page&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b1b671a053&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">/Cityofmanhattan</a>. To submit written public comment about the mask ordinance or other items on the July 7 agenda, fill out the online form on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b0a7f83475&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">City of Manhattan website</a>&nbsp;by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The proposed ordinance was modeled after Governor Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=491ffb3342&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-52</a>&nbsp;relating to masks or other face coverings.&nbsp;&nbsp; A violation of the new City Code provision would be an infraction. Both the Riley County and KSU Police Departments can enforce violations, which would be prosecuted in the Manhattan Municipal Court.

Law enforcement has the discretion to determine their enforcement policies and practices. An individual can be cited for failing to wear a mask when required, and the person responsible for a business/organization can be cited for failing to require employees or customers to wear a mask when required. The proposed ordinance includes a $5 fine for the first offense, a $10 fine for the second offense, and a $20 fine for a third or subsequent offense. The penalty provision does not include the possibility of jail time. In addition to the fine, Charter Ordinance No. 59 requires state and local court costs and fees of $98 to be assessed for this offense. The fine and $74.50 of the court costs can be worked off through community service, at the State of Kansas rate of $6/hour. If the proposed ordinance is approved, information will be posted on the City of Manhattan website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; An ordinance requiring masks or other face coverings in the City of Manhattan is on the City Commission meeting agenda for Tuesday evening.. If the Commission adopts the resolution extending emergency powers, the ordinance will require only one reading and could go into effect as soon as it is approved and published in the&nbsp;Manhattan Mercury. At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners could choose to adopt the ordinance, decline to adopt the ordinance, modify it, or table the item. The meeting will be held virtually and can be watched on Cox Cable channel 3, on the City of Manhattan website&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=ffa6593879&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">www.cityofmhk.com</a>&nbsp;, or on the City of Manhattan Facebook page&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b1b671a053&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">/Cityofmanhattan</a>. To submit written public comment about the mask ordinance or other items on the July 7 agenda, fill out the online form on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b0a7f83475&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">City of Manhattan website</a>&nbsp;by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The proposed ordinance was modeled after Governor Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=491ffb3342&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-52</a>&nbsp;relating to masks or other face coverings.&nbsp;&nbsp; A violation of the new City Code provision would be an infraction. Both the Riley County and KSU Police Departments can enforce violations, which would be prosecuted in the Manhattan Municipal Court. Law enforcement has the discretion to determine their enforcement policies and practices. An individual can be cited for failing to wear a mask when required, and the person responsible for a business/organization can be cited for failing to require employees or customers to wear a mask when required. The proposed ordinance includes a $5 fine for the first offense, a $10 fine for the second offense, and a $20 fine for a third or subsequent offense. The penalty provision does not include the possibility of jail time. In addition to the fine, Charter Ordinance No. 59 requires state and local court costs and fees of $98 to be assessed for this offense. The fine and $74.50 of the court costs can be worked off through community service, at the State of Kansas rate of $6/hour. If the proposed ordinance is approved, information will be posted on the City of Manhattan website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Proposed face mask ordinance will go to the Manhattan City Commission Tuesday evening

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Monday to discuss the rising COVID-19 case numbers in Kansas and the importance of wearing a mask to protect friends, family members and neighbors from the virus.&nbsp; She said the Kansas Department of Health recommends the state stay in Phase 3 of the <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/">Ad Astra reopening plan.</a>

Kansas has set another record for its worst two-week spike in reported coronavirus cases since the pandemic began.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 982 to a total of 16,901, 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 –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Monday to discuss the rising COVID-19 case numbers in Kansas and the importance of wearing a mask to protect friends, family members and neighbors from the virus.&nbsp; She said the Kansas Department of Health recommends the state stay in Phase 3 of the <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/">Ad Astra reopening plan.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F285653772527001%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>Kansas has set another record for its worst two-week spike in reported coronavirus cases since the pandemic began.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588354966337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 982 to a total of 16,901, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 280<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/2020/7/1594055033998.png" alt="Monday July 6, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday July 6, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. Kelly: Kansas should stay in Phase 3 reopening plan

Riley County Commissioners decided Monday to opt out of the Governor's face mask mandate for COVID-19 that was issued last week. But it's still considered a good idea to wear a face mask in public.

During a briefing later in the day Riley County Health Director Julie Gibbs did still recommend wearing a mask. "Yeah, absolutely. I know it's been a very confusing time. Executive order was in effect throughout the weekend and now it's not. "Gibbs added the Manhattan City Commission is looking at an ordinance Tuesday evening. "It's a confusing time but I think the recommendations are still there. We still strongly recommend you to wear a mask when you are out and about. "

Gibbs added that the face mask is one more tool that can be used in addition to social distancing and hand hygiene.

Riley County Commissioners decided Monday to opt out of the Governor's face mask mandate for COVID-19 that was issued last week. But it's still considered a good idea to wear a face mask in public.During a briefing later in the day Riley County Health Director Julie Gibbs did still recommend wearing a mask. "Yeah, absolutely. I know it's been a very confusing time. Executive order was in effect throughout the weekend and now it's not. "Gibbs added the Manhattan City Commission is looking at an ordinance Tuesday evening. "It's a confusing time but I think the recommendations are still there. We still strongly recommend you to wear a mask when you are out and about. "Gibbs added that the face mask is one more tool that can be used in addition to social distancing and hand hygiene.

Wearing a face mask can be a good idea but is no longer mandated by Riley County

Riley County health officials confirmed Monday that the county has 36 new positive cases since the Friday, July 3 report, bringing the total to 309. There are now 155 (+7) active, 151 (+29) recovered, and 3 deaths. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and no (0) PUI patients currently hospitalized. &nbsp; Riley County is hiring additional staff to keep up with the demands of contact tracing for the health department. Contact tracers communicate with positive patients and their close contacts by phone and are an important part of the response. Visit the Riley County jobs portal online for more details or to submit an application.&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7fe3109c4b&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://ks-rileycounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Monday, July 6, 2020:

*Please note, KDHE is reporting a total of 286 for Riley County. That number is incorrect. The total number of positives for Riley County is 309. The public can find daily updates for statewide statistics at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=24456db117&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>.

Riley County health officials confirmed Monday that the county has 36 new positive cases since the Friday, July 3 report, bringing the total to 309. There are now 155 (+7) active, 151 (+29) recovered, and 3 deaths. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and no (0) PUI patients currently hospitalized. &nbsp; Riley County is hiring additional staff to keep up with the demands of contact tracing for the health department. Contact tracers communicate with positive patients and their close contacts by phone and are an important part of the response. Visit the Riley County jobs portal online for more details or to submit an application.&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=7fe3109c4b&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://ks-rileycounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Monday, July 6, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;309*</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;155</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;151</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;136</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;3,046</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;43% (133) &nbsp;&nbsp;Male: 57% (176)</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;30.3 years</li>
 </ul>*Please note, KDHE is reporting a total of 286 for Riley County. That number is incorrect. The total number of positives for Riley County is 309. The public can find daily updates for statewide statistics at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=24456db117&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>.<figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County positive COVID-19 cases now total in excess of 300

This will be the week we get a good handle on just how counties are going to react to Gov. Laura Kelly’s “mask order” which requires Kansans, and visitors here, to wear facemasks when in public spaces where they are likely to be less than six feet apart.

County commissions will get the chance this week – and some already have – to pare down that ruling about masks in public spaces for whatever county reason there is. It just takes a public vote at a county commission meeting to say, “never mind in this county.” Nobody’s sure whether it could be stretched to say…unless your car tag is from a different county where there are more COVID-19 cases than we are comfortable with.

For us Statehouse habitués, the argument over the masks and who can tell whom to wear them and when and where is entertaining because if lobbyists used the same sort of arguments, well…they wouldn’t have much success for their clients.&nbsp;

There’s that initial argument by anti-maskers that “this is another state mandate on our lives.” That’s interesting, partly because the concept behind the mask rule is to save lives or at least reduce the inconvenience of catching or possibly dying of COVID-19.

And some of us under the Dome are wondering whether this whole mask issue was portrayed convincingly right from the beginning. There’s a little talk that if the masks had initially been described as a way to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;catching the disease rather than&nbsp;spreading&nbsp;the disease, there might be fewer opponents to the issue.&nbsp;

Gotta wonder also whether the Kelly mask order, which has been described by Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, as an&nbsp; “iron-fisted state order,” is just that iron-fisted if counties can opt out of it. Nobody can remember whether the “iron -fisted order” argument was used to rally public protest against, say, those sneeze guards at the salad bar?&nbsp; …or to arbitrarily set .8 percent as the bright red line on driving while intoxicated?

And nobody’s talking out loud about it, but there is also that underlying benefit for businesses and stores and bars and such by having in place a statewide order. That way business owners and their masked employees can point toward Topeka and say, “we’re not keeping you from shopping here, it’s the governor.”

Nothing much better than finding someone else to blame for angering some customers, is there? That makes it simple, and probably means that store owners aren’t going to have to explain, probably unsuccessfully, why they won’t let anti-maskers into the store.

There’s also the issue of those $2,500 fines for violating the mask order. Yes, while the order leaves enforcement of the order up to the counties, and their sheriff’s officers, and county attorneys, nobody’s seen a fine issued yet.

Not wearing a mask in a county that hasn’t exempted itself from the order carries a civil fine of up to $2,500. It’s civil, so it won’t show up as a criminal act that will damage your chances for landing a job, or test-driving a car, but it’s still up to $2,500, though local officials could say, “we’ll call it good with just a warning, or maybe a $10 fine to cover the cost of copying the paperwork.”

Chances are good that the full fine wouldn’t be levied by your local district attorney unless you weren’t wearing a mask while robbing a liquor store…

So, yes, Statehouse regulars are wondering where this mask rule goes next session, when there are going to be brand-new legislators in the hallways…and when the real campaigning for the governor’s office starts again.

Although, the six-foot distance rule probably sounds good to some fathers of dating-age daughters…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

By Martin HawverThis will be the week we get a good handle on just how counties are going to react to Gov. Laura Kelly’s “mask order” which requires Kansans, and visitors here, to wear facemasks when in public spaces where they are likely to be less than six feet apart.County commissions will get the chance this week – and some already have – to pare down that ruling about masks in public spaces for whatever county reason there is. It just takes a public vote at a county commission meeting to say, “never mind in this county.” Nobody’s sure whether it could be stretched to say…unless your car tag is from a different county where there are more COVID-19 cases than we are comfortable with.For us Statehouse habitués, the argument over the masks and who can tell whom to wear them and when and where is entertaining because if lobbyists used the same sort of arguments, well…they wouldn’t have much success for their clients.&nbsp;There’s that initial argument by anti-maskers that “this is another state mandate on our lives.” That’s interesting, partly because the concept behind the mask rule is to save lives or at least reduce the inconvenience of catching or possibly dying of COVID-19.And some of us under the Dome are wondering whether this whole mask issue was portrayed convincingly right from the beginning. There’s a little talk that if the masks had initially been described as a way to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;catching the disease rather than&nbsp;spreading&nbsp;the disease, there might be fewer opponents to the issue.&nbsp;Gotta wonder also whether the Kelly mask order, which has been described by Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, as an&nbsp; “iron-fisted state order,” is just that iron-fisted if counties can opt out of it. Nobody can remember whether the “iron -fisted order” argument was used to rally public protest against, say, those sneeze guards at the salad bar?&nbsp; …or to arbitrarily set .8 percent as the bright red line on driving while intoxicated?And nobody’s talking out loud about it, but there is also that underlying benefit for businesses and stores and bars and such by having in place a statewide order. That way business owners and their masked employees can point toward Topeka and say, “we’re not keeping you from shopping here, it’s the governor.”Nothing much better than finding someone else to blame for angering some customers, is there? That makes it simple, and probably means that store owners aren’t going to have to explain, probably unsuccessfully, why they won’t let anti-maskers into the store.There’s also the issue of those $2,500 fines for violating the mask order. Yes, while the order leaves enforcement of the order up to the counties, and their sheriff’s officers, and county attorneys, nobody’s seen a fine issued yet.Not wearing a mask in a county that hasn’t exempted itself from the order carries a civil fine of up to $2,500. It’s civil, so it won’t show up as a criminal act that will damage your chances for landing a job, or test-driving a car, but it’s still up to $2,500, though local officials could say, “we’ll call it good with just a warning, or maybe a $10 fine to cover the cost of copying the paperwork.”Chances are good that the full fine wouldn’t be levied by your local district attorney unless you weren’t wearing a mask while robbing a liquor store…So, yes, Statehouse regulars are wondering where this mask rule goes next session, when there are going to be brand-new legislators in the hallways…and when the real campaigning for the governor’s office starts again.Although, the six-foot distance rule probably sounds good to some fathers of dating-age daughters…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

At the Rail

LAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk.

 A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.

Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.

“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”

More than 130 Kansans submitted answers to the social media survey, open only for a 96-hour window.

No respondents reported having COVID-19. Only 8% said they had family members diagnosed, while 41% said they knew someone in their community or place of work with COVID-19. Respondents appraised their knowledge of the pandemic as above average, and their responses to questions about the virus confirmed that.

“We wanted to understand what their concept of risk was. We were pleasantly surprised, but we also need to take it with a grain of salt, because the sample skewed toward highly educated participants,” Geana said.

Those results are consistent with online surveys, which tend to be answered more by highly educated people and women, Geana said.

Among the significant findings was where people reported getting information about the pandemic.

 The top source was Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's daily media briefings, which were also rated as the most trustworthy. 

Information from search engines such as Google or Bing was second in terms of usage, with 60% of respondents saying they used them daily. 

National newspapers such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal were third in terms of use, while discussions with family, friends and co-workers followed.

As far as mediated sources of information, public television and national newspapers were the most trusted media sources, while local or regional papers, commercial television, cable news, liberal and conservative media sources followed. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the least trusted source of information.

A high level of knowledge among respondents was not surprising, but the lack of trust in social media was, Geana said.

“We somewhat expected that (high level of knowledge) because it was a salient issue. People had to stay at home because of COVID-19, so they were watching a lot of TV because of it, reading a lot of news because of COVID-19, etc. That was very surprising,” Geana said of the observed lack of trust in social media. 

“In addition to media, in terms of trust, medical professionals are the most trusted people, but co-workers, family and friends are important, because you talk with them more, often through social media channels. Well, we found that they are not as trusted as we expected. Probably a lot of the recent scandals involving social media influenced the trust that people have in it nowadays.”

The findings also showed a relationship between people’s level of knowledge and their willingness to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

 Those who reported strong feelings about precautionary measures put in place by the state government to slow the spread were also less likely to take precautionary measures. That was also in line with previous findings that people’s risk perceptions were related to the severity of the outbreak in their community.

“If I believe a mask will not help me, I am more likely not to wear one, even though I have access to information that tells me that is dangerous and I could get COVID-19,” Geana said of the findings.

The study is the first of two, and the second part will include further information on the perception of risk about contracting COVID-19 as states started to reopen, with survey data taken in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593644529174.png" alt="A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted." />
 <figcaption>A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted.</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk. A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593641032679.jpeg" alt="Mugur Geana" />
 <figcaption>Mugur Geana</figcaption>
 </figure>“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”More than 130 Kansans submitted answers to the social media survey, open only for a 96-hour window.No respondents reported having COVID-19. Only 8% said they had family members diagnosed, while 41% said they knew someone in their community or place of work with COVID-19. Respondents appraised their knowledge of the pandemic as above average, and their responses to questions about the virus confirmed that.“We wanted to understand what their concept of risk was. We were pleasantly surprised, but we also need to take it with a grain of salt, because the sample skewed toward highly educated participants,” Geana said.Those results are consistent with online surveys, which tend to be answered more by highly educated people and women, Geana said.Among the significant findings was where people reported getting information about the pandemic. The top source was Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's daily media briefings, which were also rated as the most trustworthy. Information from search engines such as Google or Bing was second in terms of usage, with 60% of respondents saying they used them daily. National newspapers such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal were third in terms of use, while discussions with family, friends and co-workers followed.As far as mediated sources of information, public television and national newspapers were the most trusted media sources, while local or regional papers, commercial television, cable news, liberal and conservative media sources followed. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the least trusted source of information.A high level of knowledge among respondents was not surprising, but the lack of trust in social media was, Geana said.“We somewhat expected that (high level of knowledge) because it was a salient issue. People had to stay at home because of COVID-19, so they were watching a lot of TV because of it, reading a lot of news because of COVID-19, etc. That was very surprising,” Geana said of the observed lack of trust in social media. “In addition to media, in terms of trust, medical professionals are the most trusted people, but co-workers, family and friends are important, because you talk with them more, often through social media channels. Well, we found that they are not as trusted as we expected. Probably a lot of the recent scandals involving social media influenced the trust that people have in it nowadays.”The findings also showed a relationship between people’s level of knowledge and their willingness to take precautions to protect themselves and others. Those who reported strong feelings about precautionary measures put in place by the state government to slow the spread were also less likely to take precautionary measures. That was also in line with previous findings that people’s risk perceptions were related to the severity of the outbreak in their community.“If I believe a mask will not help me, I am more likely not to wear one, even though I have access to information that tells me that is dangerous and I could get COVID-19,” Geana said of the findings.The study is the first of two, and the second part will include further information on the perception of risk about contracting COVID-19 as states started to reopen, with survey data taken in May.

KU study gauges how Kansans get info on COVID-19 and who they trust 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported another big increase in confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, capping its worst two-week spike since the pandemic began and coming as a statewide mask mandate from the governor took effect.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has had 15,919 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, up 929, or 6.2% since only Wednesday. Kansas also has reported 277 COVID-19-related deaths, up five in two days.

Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Thursday requiring people to wear masks in public and in their workplaces because of a surge in cases, and it took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. She and her top public health administrator said that if the state doesn’t reverse the surge, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d205da04a32ace8ecffd4b5e8a6fb481">won’t be safe to reopen public schools</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 519,000 K-12 students in August.

Kansas reported an average of 276 new coronavirus cases a day over the past two weeks — the largest 14-day average since the state confirmed its first case March 7. The previous peak was 271 on May 11.

Kelly called the surge in cases in Kansas and across the nation “alarming,” adding in an emailed statement, “Until there is a vaccine, masks are our best defense to help keep our families and neighbors healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

The state released its latest figures shortly before a meeting of the City Council in Wichita, Kansas’ largest city, to consider a mask requirement.

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple called the meeting a day after the city’s home county rejected a mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243979262.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reported.</a>

The Sedgwick County Commission voted 3-2 on Thursday to strongly recommend but not require that local residents follow Kelly’s order.

“The idea that we ‘strongly suggest’ people take this advice has failed,” Whipple said. “There’s no evidence that shows that strategy has worked, and now we are in a much worse position.”

Kansas has reported an increase of 6,701, or nearly 73% in confirmed coronavirus cases since Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26. The Democratic governor’s decision left the decision on the rules to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of complaints from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the state’s economy.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s mask order</a>&nbsp;comes with no criminal penalties for people who don’t wear masks, but violators face a potential civil fine of up to $2,500 if local prosecutors decide to go to court. She and other state officials don’t expect the order to be vigorously enforced but hope it will encourage people to wear masks.

Whipple was a Democratic Kansas House member before being elected mayor last year. Among the biggest critics of Kelly’s mask order are two conservative Republican legislative leaders from Wichita, Senate President Susan Wagle and House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins.

During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, several Sedgwick County commissioners questioned whether a mask mandate could be enforced and suggested that educating residents about the importance of wearing masks would be the better tactic.

“No one wants to be the mask police,” said Commissioner David Dennis, a Republican.

Johnson County and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area are mandating mask wearing, as is Douglas County in northeast Kansas, home to the main University of Kansas campus.

Counties can opt out of Kelly’s mask order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers. But the state constitution gives cities broad power to set their own policies, independent of counties or the state.

Nearly 76% of Sedgwick County’s 516,000 residents, some 399,000 people, live in Wichita. The county’s confirmed coronavirus cases have nearly tripled since May 26, from 537 to 1,564, with 196 new reported cases in the past two days alone.

The governor’s order says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.

Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.

The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported another big increase in confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, capping its worst two-week spike since the pandemic began and coming as a statewide mask mandate from the governor took effect.The state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has had 15,919 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, up 929, or 6.2% since only Wednesday. Kansas also has reported 277 COVID-19-related deaths, up five in two days.Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Thursday requiring people to wear masks in public and in their workplaces because of a surge in cases, and it took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. She and her top public health administrator said that if the state doesn’t reverse the surge, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d205da04a32ace8ecffd4b5e8a6fb481">won’t be safe to reopen public schools</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 519,000 K-12 students in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593795912528.png" alt="July 3, 2020 KDHE Image" />
 <figcaption>July 3, 2020 KDHE Image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas reported an average of 276 new coronavirus cases a day over the past two weeks — the largest 14-day average since the state confirmed its first case March 7. The previous peak was 271 on May 11.Kelly called the surge in cases in Kansas and across the nation “alarming,” adding in an emailed statement, “Until there is a vaccine, masks are our best defense to help keep our families and neighbors healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”The state released its latest figures shortly before a meeting of the City Council in Wichita, Kansas’ largest city, to consider a mask requirement.Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple called the meeting a day after the city’s home county rejected a mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243979262.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reported.</a>The Sedgwick County Commission voted 3-2 on Thursday to strongly recommend but not require that local residents follow Kelly’s order.“The idea that we ‘strongly suggest’ people take this advice has failed,” Whipple said. “There’s no evidence that shows that strategy has worked, and now we are in a much worse position.”Kansas has reported an increase of 6,701, or nearly 73% in confirmed coronavirus cases since Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26. The Democratic governor’s decision left the decision on the rules to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of complaints from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the state’s economy.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s mask order</a>&nbsp;comes with no criminal penalties for people who don’t wear masks, but violators face a potential civil fine of up to $2,500 if local prosecutors decide to go to court. She and other state officials don’t expect the order to be vigorously enforced but hope it will encourage people to wear masks.Whipple was a Democratic Kansas House member before being elected mayor last year. Among the biggest critics of Kelly’s mask order are two conservative Republican legislative leaders from Wichita, Senate President Susan Wagle and House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins.During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, several Sedgwick County commissioners questioned whether a mask mandate could be enforced and suggested that educating residents about the importance of wearing masks would be the better tactic.“No one wants to be the mask police,” said Commissioner David Dennis, a Republican.Johnson County and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area are mandating mask wearing, as is Douglas County in northeast Kansas, home to the main University of Kansas campus.Counties can opt out of Kelly’s mask order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers. But the state constitution gives cities broad power to set their own policies, independent of counties or the state.Nearly 76% of Sedgwick County’s 516,000 residents, some 399,000 people, live in Wichita. The county’s confirmed coronavirus cases have nearly tripled since May 26, from 537 to 1,564, with 196 new reported cases in the past two days alone.The governor’s order says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.

Kansas sees worst 2-week COVID-19 spike since pandemic began

&nbsp;Riley County health officials say the county has 12 new positive cases since Thurday’s report, bringing the total to 273. There are now 148 (+3) active, 122 (+9) recovered, and 3 deaths. Almost 56% of all the cases in Riley County have been identified in patients between that ages of 18-24. The next largest age group are patients between the ages of 25-34, with almost 17%. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Riley County Health Department was closed Friday but contact tracing staff are still working from the Emergency Operations Center. The Riley County Screening Line 785-323-6400, where residents can call for information about symptoms and testing, will be open Friday until 5:00 p.m. The Swabbing Station is not open to administer tests today or over the weekend, and will reopen on Monday. &nbsp; Kstat West is open today and tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are having a medical emergency call 911. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and no PUI patients currently hospitalized. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 3, 2020:

*Please note, KDHE is reporting a total of 249 for Riley County. That number is incorrect. The total number of positives for Riley County is 273. The public can find daily updates for statewide statistics at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f0317da507&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>.

&nbsp;Riley County health officials say the county has 12 new positive cases since Thurday’s report, bringing the total to 273. There are now 148 (+3) active, 122 (+9) recovered, and 3 deaths. Almost 56% of all the cases in Riley County have been identified in patients between that ages of 18-24. The next largest age group are patients between the ages of 25-34, with almost 17%. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Riley County Health Department was closed Friday but contact tracing staff are still working from the Emergency Operations Center. The Riley County Screening Line 785-323-6400, where residents can call for information about symptoms and testing, will be open Friday until 5:00 p.m. The Swabbing Station is not open to administer tests today or over the weekend, and will reopen on Monday. &nbsp; Kstat West is open today and tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are having a medical emergency call 911. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator and no PUI patients currently hospitalized. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 3, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;273*</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;148</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;122</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;238</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;2,755</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;43.2% &nbsp;Male: 56.8%</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;30.7 years</li>
 </ul>*Please note, KDHE is reporting a total of 249 for Riley County. That number is incorrect. The total number of positives for Riley County is 273. The public can find daily updates for statewide statistics at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f0317da507&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>.

Twelve new COVID-19 cases reported in Riley County on Friday

Residence halls will be open on the Manhattan and Salina Polytechnic campuses of Kansas State University the fall semester. In a recent announcement KSU President Richard Myers noted that there will be reduced housing density, a staggered move-in schedule, enhanced sanitation, and additional resident standards and protocols.

On-campus dining centers will&nbsp; be modified for the fall 2020 semester and will include extra health and safety measures to accommodate social distancing. K-State Libraries are planning to open with limited services. Hale Library opened July 1.

Residence halls will be open on the Manhattan and Salina Polytechnic campuses of Kansas State University the fall semester. In a recent announcement KSU President Richard Myers noted that there will be reduced housing density, a staggered move-in schedule, enhanced sanitation, and additional resident standards and protocols.On-campus dining centers will&nbsp; be modified for the fall 2020 semester and will include extra health and safety measures to accommodate social distancing. K-State Libraries are planning to open with limited services. Hale Library opened July 1.

KSU residence halls will be open this fall

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

The Governor has Issued Executive Order 20-52 mandating that “most Kansans” wear masks. Whether or not this new order applies to you, it is important that everyone understand the correct way to wear masks. This is not meant to say “you must wear a mask” – this is simply to provide information on the correct way to wear one.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) shares tips on putting on, using, and removing the mask. These include:

1. Before putting on the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, or soap and water.

3. Tie the mask above the head, not straight back. Avoid cutting into the ears.

1. Treat the mask as it already – and always – has the virus. Do not touch the front of the mask and then your face. (If you do touch the front of the mask, immediately sanitize your hands.)

2. The mask should cover the mouth and nose. It may help to think of it more as a “face covering”.

3. Do not wear the mask if it is damp or wet (this includes with spit or mucus).

1. Again, do not touch the front of the mask. Remove the mask from the ties or elastic behind the head.

2. Dispose of used masks, or if they are reusable, wash after every use – or at least daily.

3. Immediately sanitize your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after removing the mask.

Non PPE (personal protective equipment) masks are NOT meant to replace proven public health strategies like staying home, social distancing and practicing good hygiene, which are all still the best ways to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. If used correctly, masks are simply another tool to help people who may have the virus -- but may not know it -- from transmitting it to others. “My wearing a mask protects you; your wearing a mask protects me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593797301138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.The Governor has Issued Executive Order 20-52 mandating that “most Kansans” wear masks. Whether or not this new order applies to you, it is important that everyone understand the correct way to wear masks. This is not meant to say “you must wear a mask” – this is simply to provide information on the correct way to wear one.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) shares tips on putting on, using, and removing the mask. These include:· *Putting on the mask:1. Before putting on the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, or soap and water.2. Never touch the front of the mask.3. Tie the mask above the head, not straight back. Avoid cutting into the ears.· *Wearing the mask:1. Treat the mask as it already – and always – has the virus. Do not touch the front of the mask and then your face. (If you do touch the front of the mask, immediately sanitize your hands.)2. The mask should cover the mouth and nose. It may help to think of it more as a “face covering”.3. Do not wear the mask if it is damp or wet (this includes with spit or mucus).· *Removing the Mask1. Again, do not touch the front of the mask. Remove the mask from the ties or elastic behind the head.2. Dispose of used masks, or if they are reusable, wash after every use – or at least daily.3. Immediately sanitize your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after removing the mask.Non PPE (personal protective equipment) masks are NOT meant to replace proven public health strategies like staying home, social distancing and practicing good hygiene, which are all still the best ways to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. If used correctly, masks are simply another tool to help people who may have the virus -- but may not know it -- from transmitting it to others. “My wearing a mask protects you; your wearing a mask protects me.”

COVID Corner - by Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie County

For now, anyway, the face mask mandate for people in public issued by Governor Kelly beginning today ( Friday ) will be in place in Riley County. The Riley County Commission discussed the topic on Friday but did not approve any motions.

Counties can opt out of the requirement but the governing body expressed desire to gather more information and learn what the City of Manhattan might do next week.&nbsp;

Debbie Nuss, Chair of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, told the governing body the Coalition recommended that they uphold the executive order from the Governor, "requiring face masks in stores, shops and restaurants and in any situation in which social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained including outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brenda Jordan, attorney , said she was frustrated. "This is not just a local control thing. This is a personal rights issue that you are stomping on. And I realize there's a pandemic but I also see and realize that there are just as many studies but I also see and realize that there are just as many studies out there that say that the masks are not as significant in the impact that is being stated here. I also see just as many studies that say that requiring people to wear masks can be just as detrimental for other health reasons."

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostFor now, anyway, the face mask mandate for people in public issued by Governor Kelly beginning today ( Friday ) will be in place in Riley County. The Riley County Commission discussed the topic on Friday but did not approve any motions.Counties can opt out of the requirement but the governing body expressed desire to gather more information and learn what the City of Manhattan might do next week.&nbsp;Debbie Nuss, Chair of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, told the governing body the Coalition recommended that they uphold the executive order from the Governor, "requiring face masks in stores, shops and restaurants and in any situation in which social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained including outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brenda Jordan, attorney , said she was frustrated. "This is not just a local control thing. This is a personal rights issue that you are stomping on. And I realize there's a pandemic but I also see and realize that there are just as many studies but I also see and realize that there are just as many studies out there that say that the masks are not as significant in the impact that is being stated here. I also see just as many studies that say that requiring people to wear masks can be just as detrimental for other health reasons."

Riley County Commission does not take action on the face mask mandate

Riley County has 19 new positive cases since Wednesday’s report, bringing the total to 261. There are now 145 (+19) active, 113 (+6) recovered, and 3 deaths. The Health Department said Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator. There are no Persons Under Investigation currently hospitalized. Today Governor Laura Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=340174930a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Executive Order #20-52</a>&nbsp;requiring that most Kansans must wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where individuals are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet. Executive Order #20-52 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier. The Riley County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 4:00 p.m. today to discuss the Governor’s Executive Order. Konza United Way is now handling cloth mask collection and distribution for the Riley County community. Cloth masks can be dropped off or picked up at their office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245 on Tuesday or Thursday between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you cannot visit during those hours, please call for an appointment. For more information, call Konza United Way at 785-776-3779 or visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=b446a92fb7&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.konzaunitedway.org</a> Riley County Statistics for Thursday, July 2, 2020:

Riley County has 19 new positive cases since Wednesday’s report, bringing the total to 261. There are now 145 (+19) active, 113 (+6) recovered, and 3 deaths. The Health Department said Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator. There are no Persons Under Investigation currently hospitalized. Today Governor Laura Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=340174930a&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">Executive Order #20-52</a>&nbsp;requiring that most Kansans must wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where individuals are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet. Executive Order #20-52 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier. The Riley County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 4:00 p.m. today to discuss the Governor’s Executive Order. Konza United Way is now handling cloth mask collection and distribution for the Riley County community. Cloth masks can be dropped off or picked up at their office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245 on Tuesday or Thursday between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you cannot visit during those hours, please call for an appointment. For more information, call Konza United Way at 785-776-3779 or visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=b446a92fb7&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.konzaunitedway.org</a> Riley County Statistics for Thursday, July 2, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;261*</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;145</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;113</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;232</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;2,639</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;42.1% (110) Male: 57.9% (151)</li><li>Average age:&nbsp;31.2 years</li>
 </ul>

Positive COVID-19 case number increases in Riley County

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

Governor signs order requiring masks be worn in public, at work

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.

Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”

Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.

Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.

Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.

One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.

The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.

“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”

Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.

Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.

Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”

Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.

“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”

The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.

The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.

Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.

Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593684498845.png" alt="During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."" />
 <figcaption>During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F574144539956381%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.___

🎥  Dr. Lee Norman: Kansas blew chance for coronavirus respite

Riley County has 9 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, bringing the total to 242. According to the Health Department that is consistent with the average daily increase over the past two weeks. An additional 16 patients are considered recovered, so the active total for the county actually decreased today. There are now 132 active, 107 recovered, and 3 deaths. There are several requirements for a patient to be considered recovered. First, at least 10 days must have passed since symptoms started or since the date the test was given (for asymptomatic patients). Second, if a patient had symptoms, they must be without fever for at least 72 hours and show improvement of other symptoms to be counted as recovered. Patients are not re-tested and there is no requirement for a negative test. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, Kstat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, June 30, 2020:

Riley County has 9 new positive cases since yesterday’s report, bringing the total to 242. According to the Health Department that is consistent with the average daily increase over the past two weeks. An additional 16 patients are considered recovered, so the active total for the county actually decreased today. There are now 132 active, 107 recovered, and 3 deaths. There are several requirements for a patient to be considered recovered. First, at least 10 days must have passed since symptoms started or since the date the test was given (for asymptomatic patients). Second, if a patient had symptoms, they must be without fever for at least 72 hours and show improvement of other symptoms to be counted as recovered. Patients are not re-tested and there is no requirement for a negative test. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:<ul>
 <li>fever of 100.4 or higher</li><li>chills</li><li>stiff joints and/or muscle ache</li><li>fatigue</li><li>headache</li><li>sore throat</li><li>cough or shortness of breath</li><li>loss of taste</li><li>diarrhea (that does not have another cause)</li>
 </ul> Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, Kstat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, June 30, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;242*</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;132</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;107</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;193</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;2,631</li><li>Gender: Female: 41.3% (100) Male: 58.7% (142)</li><li>Average age: 31.7 years</li>
 </ul>

Riley County Health reports nine new positive COVID-19 cases

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. 

The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. 

The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

Minor League baseball seasons are canceled

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>

The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.

Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.

Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”

In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

University of Kansas backs away from in-person requirement

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – June 30, 2020) Riley County numbers continue to increase, with 11 new cases since Monday’s report. The new total is 233, with 139 active, 91 recovered, and 3 deaths. Six more people have been added to the recovered list, and none of the new positive patients have required hospitalization. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator, and two Persons Under Investigation currently hospitalized. A PUI is a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results. “Statistics over the next few weeks will be very important in determining whether further restrictions are needed before school starts,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Riley County has taken action to flatten the curve by placing additional restrictions on bars and restaurants, where the disease is spreading the fastest in our community. Ft. Riley, K-State, and Governor Kelly have also implemented new restrictions. Numbers in July will tell us whether these efforts are working.” Further restrictions may be imposed at any point if deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the community. Governor Laura Kelly announced during a press conference yesterday that she will issue a new Executive Order requiring Kansas to wear cloth face coverings in public. Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The full details of the order will be released on Thursday, June 2. Konza United Way is now handling cloth mask collection and distribution for the Riley County community. Cloth masks can be dropped off or picked up at their office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245 on Tuesday or Thursday between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you cannot visit during those hours, please call for an appointment. For more information, call Konza United Way at 785-776-3779 or visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=b050a1bd40&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.konzaunitedway.org</a> Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, June 30, 2020:

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – June 30, 2020) Riley County numbers continue to increase, with 11 new cases since Monday’s report. The new total is 233, with 139 active, 91 recovered, and 3 deaths. Six more people have been added to the recovered list, and none of the new positive patients have required hospitalization. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has one positive patient who is on a ventilator, and two Persons Under Investigation currently hospitalized. A PUI is a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results. “Statistics over the next few weeks will be very important in determining whether further restrictions are needed before school starts,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Riley County has taken action to flatten the curve by placing additional restrictions on bars and restaurants, where the disease is spreading the fastest in our community. Ft. Riley, K-State, and Governor Kelly have also implemented new restrictions. Numbers in July will tell us whether these efforts are working.” Further restrictions may be imposed at any point if deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the community. Governor Laura Kelly announced during a press conference yesterday that she will issue a new Executive Order requiring Kansas to wear cloth face coverings in public. Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The full details of the order will be released on Thursday, June 2. Konza United Way is now handling cloth mask collection and distribution for the Riley County community. Cloth masks can be dropped off or picked up at their office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245 on Tuesday or Thursday between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you cannot visit during those hours, please call for an appointment. For more information, call Konza United Way at 785-776-3779 or visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=b050a1bd40&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.konzaunitedway.org</a> Riley County Statistics for Tuesday, June 30, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;233</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;139</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;91</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;206</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;2,563</li>
 </ul>

COVID-19 positive case numbers increase

Geary Community Hospital has had two staff members that have tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to a news release from the hospital they are&nbsp;both&nbsp;currently at home in isolation. The employees are residents of Junction City. GCH leaders will continue to collaborate with KDHE and local agencies to identify those who may have had close contact with the individuals while they were potentially infectious. Close contact persons will be monitored for fever, respiratory symptoms, and advised to remain quarantined at home in accordance with CDC guidelines.

“The health and safety of our patients and staff are our top priorities,” said GCH Interim CEO, Frank Corcoran. “We will continue to work with our community partners, staff, and patients in aligning our response efforts and operations with public health guidance while continuing to provide essential access to quality healthcare services.”

A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified GCH nurses is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms, has traveled outside the US or inside the US to an area with widespread transmission, or may have been in contact with someone confirmed or being tested for COVID-19. The screening hotline number is&nbsp;785-210-4214.

Geary Community Hospital has had two staff members that have tested positive for the coronavirus.According to a news release from the hospital they are&nbsp;both&nbsp;currently at home in isolation. The employees are residents of Junction City. GCH leaders will continue to collaborate with KDHE and local agencies to identify those who may have had close contact with the individuals while they were potentially infectious. Close contact persons will be monitored for fever, respiratory symptoms, and advised to remain quarantined at home in accordance with CDC guidelines.“The health and safety of our patients and staff are our top priorities,” said GCH Interim CEO, Frank Corcoran. “We will continue to work with our community partners, staff, and patients in aligning our response efforts and operations with public health guidance while continuing to provide essential access to quality healthcare services.”A screening hotline for GCH patients staffed by qualified GCH nurses is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Professional staff will provide guidance for anyone who has symptoms, has traveled outside the US or inside the US to an area with widespread transmission, or may have been in contact with someone confirmed or being tested for COVID-19. The screening hotline number is&nbsp;785-210-4214.

Two Geary Community Hospital employees test positive for COVID-19

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.

“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.

“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”

Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.

“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. The state will review/update this list every two weeks.

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

Others who need to continue quarantining:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3154697867948519%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>“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. The state will review/update this list every two weeks.A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:Traveled to:<ul>
 <li>South Carolina and Florida on or after June 29.</li><li>Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas on or after June 17.</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.</li><li>International travel on or after March 15.</li>
 </ul>Others who need to continue quarantining:<ul>
 <li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.</li>
 </ul>

🎥  Gov. Kelly mandates all Kansans wear masks starting July 3

&nbsp; Riley County health officials have released the preliminary&nbsp; numbers for positive COVID-19 cases. They show a continued increase, with 15 new cases since Sunday's report. The new total is 222, with 134 active, 85 recovered, and 3 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has 1 positive patient who is also on a ventilator, and 1 PUI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One additional staff person at Riley County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has tested positive, for a total of seven positives associated with this outbreak. Two of the pending tests came back negative and one more person has been tested. Results will be shared when they are available. Any patients who were transported by any EMS staff who later tested positive will be contacted by the Riley County Health Department. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, Kstat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Monday, June 29, 2020:

&nbsp; Riley County health officials have released the preliminary&nbsp; numbers for positive COVID-19 cases. They show a continued increase, with 15 new cases since Sunday's report. The new total is 222, with 134 active, 85 recovered, and 3 deaths. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has 1 positive patient who is also on a ventilator, and 1 PUI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One additional staff person at Riley County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has tested positive, for a total of seven positives associated with this outbreak. Two of the pending tests came back negative and one more person has been tested. Results will be shared when they are available. Any patients who were transported by any EMS staff who later tested positive will be contacted by the Riley County Health Department. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Riley County Health Department’s Screening Hotline to speak with a nurse at 785-323-6400. The Screening Hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, please contact your physician, Kstat, or other urgent care service if you have questions. If you have an emergency, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Monday, June 29, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;222</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;134</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;85</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 1</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;174</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;2,509</li>
 </ul>

COVID-19 Report is released for Riley County

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270<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/2020/6/1593450200744.png" alt="Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.

“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”

KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.

“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”

The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.

If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov" target="_blank">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593397742835.png" alt="Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193586788.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June</figcaption>
 </figure>“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov" target="_blank">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE mobile unit to assist with COVID-19 testing in Kansas

ROME (AP) — The world surpassed two sobering coronavirus milestones Sunday -- 500,000 confirmed deaths, 10 million confirmed cases -- and hit another high mark for daily new infections as governments that attempted reopenings continued to backtrack and warn that worse news could be yet to come.

“COVID-19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Gov. Greg Abbott, who allowed businesses to start reopening in early May but on Friday shut down bars and limited restaurant dining amid a spike in cases.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back reopenings of bars in seven counties, including Los Angeles. He ordered them to close immediately and urged eight other counties to issue local health orders mandating the same.

More Florida beaches will be closing again to avoid further spread of the new coronavirus as officials try to tamp down on large gatherings amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said interactions among young people are driving the surge.

“Caution was thrown to the wind and so we are where we are,” DeSantis said.

South Africa’s health minister warned that the country’s current surge of cases is expected to rapidly increase in the coming weeks and push hospitals to the limit. Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize said the current rise in infections has come from people who “moved back into the workplace.

New clusters of cases at a Swiss nightclub and in the central English city of Leicester showed that the virus was still circulating widely in Europe, though not with the rapidly growing infection rate seen in parts of the U.S., Latin America and India.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593379644162.png" alt="John Hopkins Covid 19 map of of confirmed cases June 28, 2020" />
 <figcaption>John Hopkins Covid 19 map of of confirmed cases June 28, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — The world surpassed two sobering coronavirus milestones Sunday -- 500,000 confirmed deaths, 10 million confirmed cases -- and hit another high mark for daily new infections as governments that attempted reopenings continued to backtrack and warn that worse news could be yet to come.“COVID-19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Gov. Greg Abbott, who allowed businesses to start reopening in early May but on Friday shut down bars and limited restaurant dining amid a spike in cases.California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back reopenings of bars in seven counties, including Los Angeles. He ordered them to close immediately and urged eight other counties to issue local health orders mandating the same.More Florida beaches will be closing again to avoid further spread of the new coronavirus as officials try to tamp down on large gatherings amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said interactions among young people are driving the surge.“Caution was thrown to the wind and so we are where we are,” DeSantis said.South Africa’s health minister warned that the country’s current surge of cases is expected to rapidly increase in the coming weeks and push hospitals to the limit. Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize said the current rise in infections has come from people who “moved back into the workplace.New clusters of cases at a Swiss nightclub and in the central English city of Leicester showed that the virus was still circulating widely in Europe, though not with the rapidly growing infection rate seen in parts of the U.S., Latin America and India.Poland and France, meanwhile, attempted a step toward normalcy as they held elections that had been delayed by the virus.Wearing mandatory masks, social distancing in lines and carrying their own pens to sign voting registers, French voters cast ballots in a second round of municipal elections. Poles also wore masks and used hand sanitizer, and some in virus-hit areas were told to mail in their ballots.“I didn’t go and vote the first time around because I am elderly and I got scared,” said Fanny Barouh as she voted in a Paris school.In Texas, Abbott appeared with Vice President Mike Pence, who cut campaign events from upcoming visits to Florida and Arizona because of rising virus cases in those states.Pence praised Abbott for both his decision to reopen the state, and to roll back the reopening plans.“You flattened the curve here in Texas ... but about two weeks ago something changed,” Pence said.Pence urged people to wear masks when unable to practice social distancing. He and Abbott wore face masks as they entered and left the room, taking them off while speaking to reporters.Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, meanwhile, defended the fact that President Donald Trump has rarely worn a mask in public, saying he doesn’t have to follow his own administration’s guidance because as a leader of the free world he’s tested regularly and is in “very different circumstances than the rest of us.”Addressing spikes in reported coronavirus cases in some states, Azar said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that people “have to take ownership” of their own behaviors by social distancing and wearing masks if possible.A reported tally Sunday from Johns Hopkins University researchers said the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic had topped 500,00.About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S. The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil, with more than 57,000, or about 1 in 9.The true death toll from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year, is widely believed to be significantly higher. Experts say that especially early on, many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it.To date, more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally. About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S.The World Health Organization announced another daily record in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the world - topping over 189,000 in a single 24-hour period. The tally eclipses the previous record a week earlier at over 183,000 cases, showing case counts continue to progress worldwide.Overall the U.S. still has far and away the most total cases. At more than 2,450,000 - roughly twice that of Brazil. The number of actual cases worldwide is much higher.New York, once the nation’s pandemic epicenter, is now “on the exact opposite end,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in an interview with “Meet the Press.”The state reported five new virus deaths Saturday, its lowest reported daily death toll since March 15. During the state’s peak pandemic in April, nearly 800 people were dying every day. New York still leads the nation in COVID-19 deaths with nearly 25,000.In the state of Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee put a hold on plans to move counties to the fourth phase of his reopening plan as cases continue to increase. But in Hawaii, the city of Honolulu announced that campgrounds will reopen for the first time in three months with limited permits to ensure social distancing.Britain’s government, meanwhile, is considering whether a local lockdown is needed for the central English city of Leicester amid reports about a spike in COVID-19 among its Asian community. It would be Britain’s first local lockdown.“We have seen flare-ups across the country in recent weeks,” Home Secretary Priti Patel told the BBC on Sunday.Polish voters were casting ballots, in person and by mail, for a presidential election that was supposed to have taken place in May but was chaotically postponed amid the pandemic. President Andrzej Duda, a 48-year-old conservative, is running against 10 other candidates as he seeks a second five-year term.Iwona Goge, 79, was encouraged to see so many people voting in Warsaw.“It’s bad. Poland is terribly divided and people are getting discouraged,” she said.French voters were choosing mayors and municipal councilors in Paris and 5,000 towns and cities in a second round of municipal elections held under strict hygiene rules.Italy was honoring its dead later Sunday with an evening Requiem concert in hard-hit Bergamo province. The ceremony in the onetime epicenter of the European outbreak came a day after Italy registered the lowest daily tally of COVID-19 deaths in nearly four months: eight.European leaders were taking no chances in tamping down new clusters. German authorities renewed a lockdown in a western region of about 500,000 people after about 1,300 slaughterhouse workers tested positive.Africa’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 continued to climb to a new high of more than 371,000, including 9,484 deaths, according to figures released Sunday by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.China on Monday reported a further decline in new confirmed cases, with a total of just 12, including seven cases of domestic transmission in Beijing, where nearly 8.3 million people have now undergone testing in recent weeks. No new deaths were reported Monday, leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19.___ROME (AP) — Another tragic milestone was passed Sunday in the coronavirus pandemic: 500,000 deaths worldwide.The reported tally comes <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">from Johns Hopkins University </a>researchers.About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S. The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil, with more than 57,000, or about 1 in 9.The true death toll from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year, is widely believed to be significantly higher. Experts say that especially early on, many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it.To date, more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally. About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The nation’s top public health agency has revamped its list of which Americans are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, adding pregnant women and removing age alone as a factor.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html" target="_blank">changed the list</a>&nbsp;of underlying conditions that make someone more susceptible to suffering and death. Sickle cell disease joined the list, for example. And the threshold for risky levels of obesity was lowered.The changes didn’t include adding race as a risk factor for serious illness, despite accumulating evidence that Black people, Hispanics and Native Americans have higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death.Agency officials said the update was prompted by medical studies published since CDC first started listing high-risk groups. They sought to publicize the information before Independence Day weekend, when many people may be tempted to go out and socialize.“For those at higher risk, we recommend limiting contact with others as much as possible, or restricting contacts to a small number of people who are willing to take measures to reduce the risk of (you) becoming infected,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield.The same advice holds for people who live with or care for people at higher risk, Redfield added.Previously, the CDC said those at high risk of serious illness included people aged 65 years and older; those who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility; and people with serious heart conditions, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, and conditions that leave them with weakened immune systems.In the changes, CDC created categories of people who are at high risk and people who might be at high risk.Those who are at high risk include people with chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory lung disease, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes, and weakened immune systems because of organ transplants. The threshold for obesity concern was lowered from a body mass index of 40 down to 30.The CDC said people are at increasing risk as they get older, but it removed people 65 and older as a high risk group.The list of people who might be at high risk includes pregnant women, smokers and those with asthma, diseases that affect blood flow to the brain, cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure, dementia, liver disease, scarred or damaged lungs, Type 1 diabetes, a rare blood disorder called thalassemia, and people who have weakened immune systems due to HIV or other reasons.Pregnant women joined the list on the same day a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6925a1.htm?s_cid=mm6925a1_w" target="_blank">CDC report&nbsp;</a>found they accounted for about 9% of lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in women of childbearing age. About 5% of women of childbearing age are pregnant at any given time.The report showed that pregnant women had higher rates of hospitalization, of admission to a hospital intensive care unit and of winding up on a breathing machine vs. young women who weren’t pregnant. There was no clear evidence of a higher death rate among pregnant women, however.It’s not completely surprising, said Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the Emory University School of Medicine. Pregnant women have been found to be at higher risk from other infectious respiratory diseases, likely because the lungs decrease in the volume as the uterus grows, Jamieson said.What is surprising, she said, is that CDC didn’t place pregnant women in the highest risk category.“To me this is the most compelling evidence to date that pregnant women are at increased risk,” said Jamieson, who spent 20 years at CDC as a reproductive health expert.Earlier this week, CDC officials called on a panel of experts to help them identify groups that should be prioritized for coronavirus vaccinations if one becomes available and supplies are limited.Pregnant women could be among that group. So could certain racial and ethnic groups.CDC officials shared data with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that showed, compared with white Americans, coronavirus hospitalization rates were 4 times higher for Hispanics, 4.5 times higher for Black people, and 5.5 higher for American Indians and Alaska Natives. A recent study in the Atlanta area suggested that being Black was as large a risk for hospitalization as having diabetes, being a smoker or being obese.“If we fail to address racial and ethnic groups as at high risk for prioritization, whatever comes out of our group will be looked at very suspiciously and with a lot of reservation,” said Dr. Jose Romero, chair of the expert panel.“They are groups that need to be moved to the forefront,” he said.CDC officials say they expect to come out with recommendations for racial and ethnic minority groups soon.___

Coronavirus Update