TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 250 to a total of 6751, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

Editors note:&nbsp;Starting May 11, the KDHE will stop releasing daily updates of counts of coronavirus cases and move to releasing the information on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, according to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.

"The department employees need a combined total of 10 hours a day to produce the data and post it on the KDHE coronavirus website. We can spring free our precious epidemiology staff to do their work, which is actually to push down the disease,” Norman said.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 250 to a total of 6751, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 157<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/2020/5/1589044103666.png" alt="May 9, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 9, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Editors note:&nbsp;Starting May 11, the KDHE will stop releasing daily updates of counts of coronavirus cases and move to releasing the information on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, according to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman."The department employees need a combined total of 10 hours a day to produce the data and post it on the KDHE coronavirus website. We can spring free our precious epidemiology staff to do their work, which is actually to push down the disease,” Norman said.

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp; Kansas City and St. Louis County officials announced Friday that they will proceed with the gradual reopening of businesses but with several restrictions in place as efforts continue to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Kansas City will allow restaurants, bars, gyms, museums, the Kansas City Zoo, government buildings and city-maintained playground equipment to open May 15. Lucas and city health officials had hesitated after 11 COVID-19 cases were confirmed at a senior living complex but the mayor said Friday that the reopening would continue. He planned a news conference on Monday to discuss restrictions at restaurants.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said large venues, including sports courts and playgrounds, public pools, gyms and fitness centers, and banquet rooms, will not be allowed to open May 18.

Employees at businesses such as bars and restaurants that do open will be required to wear masks and may refuse service to customers who don't wear masks, Page said. The several other requirements include frequent disinfecting of the premises, testing of employees in danger of contracting COVID-19, and occupancy limits based on the size of the business.

“As we start to discuss easing these (stay-at-home) orders, it does not mean we should let our guard down,” Page said “This is a gradual process of reopening our county. A gradual, thoughtful, deliberate and measured process will allow us to continue to move forward.”

The St. Louis and Kansas City areas have reported a majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri, which on Friday increased by 148 to 9,489. The state also reported 31 news deaths Friday, raising the total to 449.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up after two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

A Kansas City-area church contends in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that Jackson County’s reopening plan discriminates against religious institutions by limiting the number of people who can gather to worship.

Jackson County’s stay-at-home order ends Sunday. The first phase of its reopening plan limits gatherings or social events to 10 or fewer people, which includes religious services, funerals and weddings. It also limits locations larger than 10,000 square feet to 10% occupancy.

The Abundant Life Baptist Church, which has sites in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, alleges in the lawsuit that the occupancy restrictions force the church to choose between violating its religious beliefs by not gathering, or face legal consequences for holding services, KMBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/lees-summit-missouri-church-files-suit-claiming-jackson-countys-stay-at-home-order-violates-religious-freedom/32415969">reported</a>.

Jackson County offices were closed Friday to celebrate President Harry Truman’s birthday and a spokeswoman did not immediately return a message seeking reaction.

One of the largest health care companies in the St. Louis area said Friday it is furloughing thousands of workers starting Monday due to economic damage caused by the pandemic. Mercy said the decline in non-coronavirus medical procedures and doctors’ visits has created a financial hardship. The company operates hospitals and medical offices in four states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588183540198.png" alt="Rules for reopening Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Rules for reopening Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp; Kansas City and St. Louis County officials announced Friday that they will proceed with the gradual reopening of businesses but with several restrictions in place as efforts continue to slow the spread of the coronavirus.Kansas City will allow restaurants, bars, gyms, museums, the Kansas City Zoo, government buildings and city-maintained playground equipment to open May 15. Lucas and city health officials had hesitated after 11 COVID-19 cases were confirmed at a senior living complex but the mayor said Friday that the reopening would continue. He planned a news conference on Monday to discuss restrictions at restaurants.St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said large venues, including sports courts and playgrounds, public pools, gyms and fitness centers, and banquet rooms, will not be allowed to open May 18.Employees at businesses such as bars and restaurants that do open will be required to wear masks and may refuse service to customers who don't wear masks, Page said. The several other requirements include frequent disinfecting of the premises, testing of employees in danger of contracting COVID-19, and occupancy limits based on the size of the business.“As we start to discuss easing these (stay-at-home) orders, it does not mean we should let our guard down,” Page said “This is a gradual process of reopening our county. A gradual, thoughtful, deliberate and measured process will allow us to continue to move forward.”The St. Louis and Kansas City areas have reported a majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri, which on Friday increased by 148 to 9,489. The state also reported 31 news deaths Friday, raising the total to 449.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up after two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.A Kansas City-area church contends in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that Jackson County’s reopening plan discriminates against religious institutions by limiting the number of people who can gather to worship.Jackson County’s stay-at-home order ends Sunday. The first phase of its reopening plan limits gatherings or social events to 10 or fewer people, which includes religious services, funerals and weddings. It also limits locations larger than 10,000 square feet to 10% occupancy.The Abundant Life Baptist Church, which has sites in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, alleges in the lawsuit that the occupancy restrictions force the church to choose between violating its religious beliefs by not gathering, or face legal consequences for holding services, KMBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/lees-summit-missouri-church-files-suit-claiming-jackson-countys-stay-at-home-order-violates-religious-freedom/32415969">reported</a>.Jackson County offices were closed Friday to celebrate President Harry Truman’s birthday and a spokeswoman did not immediately return a message seeking reaction.One of the largest health care companies in the St. Louis area said Friday it is furloughing thousands of workers starting Monday due to economic damage caused by the pandemic. Mercy said the decline in non-coronavirus medical procedures and doctors’ visits has created a financial hardship. The company operates hospitals and medical offices in four states.

Kansas City plans restricted reopening

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Lynn Rodgers" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/w8m3u-dbd1de?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers

WASHINGTON, DC - There’s an incredible new opportunity for recovered&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;patients to help their community. 

In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the&nbsp; American Red Cross (ARC) is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 to&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097fe&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">sign up to donate plasma</a>&nbsp;to help current&nbsp;COVID-19 patients.

If you have recovered from a positive&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;diagnosis and wish to be a convalescent plasma donor, or if you know somebody who has recovered and may want to help in this way, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097ff&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">COVID-19&nbsp;Convalescent Plasma Donor Information Page.</a>&nbsp;You could be eligible to help&nbsp;if you:

Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially lifesaving treatment when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines are available yet.

&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309801&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">The&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;program</a>&nbsp;will allow for efficient distribution of convalescent plasma to wherever it’s needed most across the country. Your plasma may be the key to&nbsp;saving lives.

If you have recently recovered from&nbsp;COVID-19,&nbsp;please take a moment to learn more about our convalescent plasma program and fill out our <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html?med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890">online form</a> to help those fighting&nbsp;the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588801216356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARCWASHINGTON, DC - There’s an incredible new opportunity for recovered&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;patients to help their community. In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the&nbsp; American Red Cross (ARC) is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 to&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097fe&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">sign up to donate plasma</a>&nbsp;to help current&nbsp;COVID-19 patients.If you have recovered from a positive&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;diagnosis and wish to be a convalescent plasma donor, or if you know somebody who has recovered and may want to help in this way, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,163097ff&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">COVID-19&nbsp;Convalescent Plasma Donor Information Page.</a>&nbsp;You could be eligible to help&nbsp;if you:<ol>
 <li>Meet standard blood donation eligibility&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309800&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">(FAQs)</a></li><li>Have a verified, prior diagnosis&nbsp;of COVID-19</li><li>Are now symptom free and fully recovered&nbsp;from COVID-19</li>
 </ol>Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially lifesaving treatment when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines are available yet.&nbsp;<a href="http://t.givebloodtoday.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h30c2d963,16642d12,16309801&amp;med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890" target="_blank">The&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;program</a>&nbsp;will allow for efficient distribution of convalescent plasma to wherever it’s needed most across the country. Your plasma may be the key to&nbsp;saving lives.If you have recently recovered from&nbsp;COVID-19,&nbsp;please take a moment to learn more about our convalescent plasma program and fill out our <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html?med=email&amp;source=bioadobe&amp;campdesc=BHQ_IN_WB_ABO_CCPEmail1_NA1_Active_050620&amp;cid=373271110&amp;did=PRDDM60165&amp;bid=818076003&amp;subj=You%20Could%20Help%20Save%20A%20COVID-19%20Patient&amp;prty=normal&amp;nat=conversion&amp;prod=plasma&amp;sender=American%20Red%20Cross&amp;delvId=375663890">online form</a> to help those fighting&nbsp;the virus.

Convalescent COVID plasma donations sought by Red Cross and FDA

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As coronavirus hotspots erupted at major U.S. meatpacking plants, experts criticized extremely tight working conditions that made the factories natural high risk contagion locations. But some Midwestern politicians have pointed the finger at the workers' living conditions, suggesting crowded homes bear some blame.

The comments — including a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice's remark that an outbreak didn't seem to have come from “regular folks” — outraged workers and advocates who slammed them as elitist and critical of immigrants, who make up a big share of America's meatpacking workforce.

And the remarks stood in contrast to public U.S. outpourings of gratitude for other essential workers like police officers, health care professionals and grocery store workers.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, generated ire last month when discussing the closure of a Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls that infected 1,000 employees and people who came in contact with the workers, saying “99% of what’s going on today wasn’t happening inside the facility.”

The spread of the virus happened "more at home, where these employees were going home and spreading some of the virus because a lot of these folks who work at this plant live in the community, the same building, sometimes in the same apartment,” she said on Fox News.

Noem's comments created a foundation for blaming virus outbreaks on the meatpackers' home lives instead of conditions at plants, where employees often worked shoulder to shoulder with little to no protective gear as U.S. virus cases surged, said Taneeza Islam, who runs the refugee and immigrant support group South Dakota Voices for Peace.

Her group organized a letter to Noem to ask "her to listen to the people who have been directly impacted because she has not done that yet, which is very telling about her position in terms of being on the side of the people or being on the side of business.”

Noem wasn't alone. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, also a Republican, took heat for remarks last month after a meatpacking plant virus outbreak in his state.

“Well, we see people concentrated together," Ricketts said. "And that’s certainly true with our food processors where you have people together. But it can also be true in households if you have multiple generations of people living together, or a lot of people living in a household.”

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar cited crowded meatpacking worker living conditions in a call last week with members of Congress, according to a story first reported by Politico. Agency spokesman Michael Caputo on Thursday defended Azar's remarks as “nothing more than a statement of the obvious.”

Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who works at the Sioux Falls plant, said after Noem's remarks that the comments offended her, calling them “ridiculous.”

Many of Smithfield's Sioux Falls employees live in well-maintained apartment complexes near the plant, some in multi-generational homes so older family members can be cared for. Others have single-family units and Deng, who was infected and recovered, believes she caught the virus at the plant because she lives only with her three children who have been out of school.

In Wisconsin, Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack appeared to downplay the impact of an outbreak at the JBS Packerland beef plant in Green Bay while hearing arguments on a lawsuit seeking to strike down the state's stay-at-home order. Coronavirus cases in Brown County, where Green Bay lies, jumped from 60 to about 800 in two weeks, a state government lawyer told justices this week.

“These were due to the meatpacking, though,” responded Roggensack, part of the court's conservative majority. “That’s where Brown County got the flare. It wasn’t just the regular folks in Brown County.”

Christine Neumann Ortiz, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Latino advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, said Roggensack's comments “reflected elitist disdain for workers.”

“It shows she considers their lives less worthy,” Ortiz said. “It’s an abhorrent comment, especially at this moment.”

A court spokesman, Tom Sheehan, said Roggensack was prohibited by court rules from responding.

Many U.S. meat plant workers are Latino but in recent years, particularly in the upper Midwest, African immigrants have taken meatpacking jobs. About 40 languages are spoken by workers at the Sioux Falls plant, the Centers for Disease Control has said.

Ortiz said many Latino and immigrant families with workers in the sector “are very family-oriented” and that could contribute to the virus' spread. But she insisted that the greater threats are workplace conditions and policies she claimed encourage workers to come in sick and do not provide enough worker virus testing.

In South Dakota, Noem said she made her meatpacking company worker living condition comments after the Sioux Falls plant closed and public health officials' focus shifted to stopping the outbreak where the workers lived.

She agreed to speak personally with some meatpacking workers after advocacy groups made the demand. Those calls, organized through Smithfield, were scheduled for Thursday night and Friday.

In Nebraska, meatpacking worker advocates disputed Ricketts' suggestion that an outbreak could have happened because of crowded worker households at the Tyson Foods beef plant in Dakota City, where hundreds were infected.

“The governor’s statement that this is a community issue is completely untrue,” said Rose Godinez, legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, and the daughter of retired meatpacking workers.

She said plant workers told her that most employees who tested positive own or rent their homes and in general do not live in crowded, small dwellings.

Godinez said Ricketts' comments appeared aimed at “trying to deflect some of the companies’ failures.”

Blaming workers for workplace safety and illnesses is a longstanding tactic by companies seeking to avoid responsibility, said Celeste Monforton, a Texas State University lecturer and workplace safety expert.

“If these workers are deemed to be critical infrastructure workers, deemed to be essential workers, they deserve the utmost respect, the highest level of protection," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588342380364.jpeg" alt="Northwest Health testing pork plant workers at Triumph in St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Health testing pork plant workers at Triumph in St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As coronavirus hotspots erupted at major U.S. meatpacking plants, experts criticized extremely tight working conditions that made the factories natural high risk contagion locations. But some Midwestern politicians have pointed the finger at the workers' living conditions, suggesting crowded homes bear some blame.The comments — including a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice's remark that an outbreak didn't seem to have come from “regular folks” — outraged workers and advocates who slammed them as elitist and critical of immigrants, who make up a big share of America's meatpacking workforce.And the remarks stood in contrast to public U.S. outpourings of gratitude for other essential workers like police officers, health care professionals and grocery store workers.South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, generated ire last month when discussing the closure of a Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls that infected 1,000 employees and people who came in contact with the workers, saying “99% of what’s going on today wasn’t happening inside the facility.”The spread of the virus happened "more at home, where these employees were going home and spreading some of the virus because a lot of these folks who work at this plant live in the community, the same building, sometimes in the same apartment,” she said on Fox News.Noem's comments created a foundation for blaming virus outbreaks on the meatpackers' home lives instead of conditions at plants, where employees often worked shoulder to shoulder with little to no protective gear as U.S. virus cases surged, said Taneeza Islam, who runs the refugee and immigrant support group South Dakota Voices for Peace.Her group organized a letter to Noem to ask "her to listen to the people who have been directly impacted because she has not done that yet, which is very telling about her position in terms of being on the side of the people or being on the side of business.”Noem wasn't alone. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, also a Republican, took heat for remarks last month after a meatpacking plant virus outbreak in his state.“Well, we see people concentrated together," Ricketts said. "And that’s certainly true with our food processors where you have people together. But it can also be true in households if you have multiple generations of people living together, or a lot of people living in a household.”U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar cited crowded meatpacking worker living conditions in a call last week with members of Congress, according to a story first reported by Politico. Agency spokesman Michael Caputo on Thursday defended Azar's remarks as “nothing more than a statement of the obvious.”Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who works at the Sioux Falls plant, said after Noem's remarks that the comments offended her, calling them “ridiculous.”Many of Smithfield's Sioux Falls employees live in well-maintained apartment complexes near the plant, some in multi-generational homes so older family members can be cared for. Others have single-family units and Deng, who was infected and recovered, believes she caught the virus at the plant because she lives only with her three children who have been out of school.In Wisconsin, Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack appeared to downplay the impact of an outbreak at the JBS Packerland beef plant in Green Bay while hearing arguments on a lawsuit seeking to strike down the state's stay-at-home order. Coronavirus cases in Brown County, where Green Bay lies, jumped from 60 to about 800 in two weeks, a state government lawyer told justices this week.“These were due to the meatpacking, though,” responded Roggensack, part of the court's conservative majority. “That’s where Brown County got the flare. It wasn’t just the regular folks in Brown County.”Christine Neumann Ortiz, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Latino advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, said Roggensack's comments “reflected elitist disdain for workers.”“It shows she considers their lives less worthy,” Ortiz said. “It’s an abhorrent comment, especially at this moment.”A court spokesman, Tom Sheehan, said Roggensack was prohibited by court rules from responding.Many U.S. meat plant workers are Latino but in recent years, particularly in the upper Midwest, African immigrants have taken meatpacking jobs. About 40 languages are spoken by workers at the Sioux Falls plant, the Centers for Disease Control has said.Ortiz said many Latino and immigrant families with workers in the sector “are very family-oriented” and that could contribute to the virus' spread. But she insisted that the greater threats are workplace conditions and policies she claimed encourage workers to come in sick and do not provide enough worker virus testing.In South Dakota, Noem said she made her meatpacking company worker living condition comments after the Sioux Falls plant closed and public health officials' focus shifted to stopping the outbreak where the workers lived.She agreed to speak personally with some meatpacking workers after advocacy groups made the demand. Those calls, organized through Smithfield, were scheduled for Thursday night and Friday.In Nebraska, meatpacking worker advocates disputed Ricketts' suggestion that an outbreak could have happened because of crowded worker households at the Tyson Foods beef plant in Dakota City, where hundreds were infected.“The governor’s statement that this is a community issue is completely untrue,” said Rose Godinez, legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, and the daughter of retired meatpacking workers.She said plant workers told her that most employees who tested positive own or rent their homes and in general do not live in crowded, small dwellings.Godinez said Ricketts' comments appeared aimed at “trying to deflect some of the companies’ failures.”Blaming workers for workplace safety and illnesses is a longstanding tactic by companies seeking to avoid responsibility, said Celeste Monforton, a Texas State University lecturer and workplace safety expert.“If these workers are deemed to be critical infrastructure workers, deemed to be essential workers, they deserve the utmost respect, the highest level of protection," she said.

Some blame meatpacking workers, not plants, for virus spread

Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.

The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.

People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea

The facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.

Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588891583149.png" alt="Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrheaThe facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Coronavirus cases identified at I-70 service area food court

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.

NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.

<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.

“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”

Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.

The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.

But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.

“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”

The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.

But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.

“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.

“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”

Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.

Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.

Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.

NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.

NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.

They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.

NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588938823679.png" alt="NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.___

US faces 'truly daunting' challenges on needed COVID tests

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Drive-by shootings are up sharply in Wichita so far this year, and Police Chief Gordon Ramsay believes boredom stemming from the coronavirus lockdown is partly to blame.

Ramsay spoke in a Facebook video Tuesday. Ramsay says drive-by shootings are up 82% compared to the five-year average. There were 36 drive-by shootings between Jan. 1 and May 3, compared with the five-year average of 19.8.

Ramsay said that many of the shootings involved young people, and he noted that with recreational centers closed and many restaurants closed, many youths have a lot of idle time. He also cited an uptick in crimes like vandalism and domestic assault.

Homicides also are up. Wichita has had 18 killings so far this year, 58% above the five-year average of 11.4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="Police on the scene of a fatal drive-by shooting on April 13-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of a fatal drive-by shooting on April 13-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Drive-by shootings are up sharply in Wichita so far this year, and Police Chief Gordon Ramsay believes boredom stemming from the coronavirus lockdown is partly to blame.Ramsay spoke in a Facebook video Tuesday. Ramsay says drive-by shootings are up 82% compared to the five-year average. There were 36 drive-by shootings between Jan. 1 and May 3, compared with the five-year average of 19.8.Ramsay said that many of the shootings involved young people, and he noted that with recreational centers closed and many restaurants closed, many youths have a lot of idle time. He also cited an uptick in crimes like vandalism and domestic assault.Homicides also are up. Wichita has had 18 killings so far this year, 58% above the five-year average of 11.4.

Coronavirus cited in spike in Wichita drive-by shootings

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Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director and Sundown Salute Coordinator, Michelle Stimatze, confirmed on Thursday that one of&nbsp; the scheduled headline performers for Sundown Salute in 2021, Brian Howe has died.&nbsp;

Stimatze noted that Howe was a lead singer for Bad Company in the late 1980's and early 90's. "He has passed away at the age of 66."&nbsp;&nbsp;Howe died of cardiac arrest at his home in Florida on Wednesday.

Howe had been scheduled to perform at Sundown Salute this year in Junction City, but the Fourth of July celebration was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director and Sundown Salute Coordinator, Michelle Stimatze, confirmed on Thursday that one of&nbsp; the scheduled headline performers for Sundown Salute in 2021, Brian Howe has died.&nbsp;Stimatze noted that Howe was a lead singer for Bad Company in the late 1980's and early 90's. "He has passed away at the age of 66."&nbsp;&nbsp;Howe died of cardiac arrest at his home in Florida on Wednesday.Howe had been scheduled to perform at Sundown Salute this year in Junction City, but the Fourth of July celebration was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Former lead singer for Bad Company, scheduled Sundown Salute performer has died

St. Joseph city officials have confirmed the second COVID-19 death recorded in Buchanan County is that of a Triumph Foods worker.

Earlier, the City of St. Joseph issued a news release that a man in his 40s who had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 22nd had died. City officials say the man died at his home. He had underlying medical conditions.

This is the second death recorded by St. Joseph and Buchanan County health officials. The first death was that of an inmate at the St. Joseph prison who had been transferred from the Cameron prison and later died at a Kansas City area hospital.

Buchanan County, in Northwest Missouri now reports 362 cases of COVID-19; 330 confirmed and 32 probable with two deaths. Andrew County continues to report five coronavirus cases.

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, has tested 2,387 individuals. Ninety-four tested positive, five of those have been hospitalized with 89 being treated on an outpatient basis. Mosaic is awaiting results from 87 tests.

Missouri health officials report 9,102 cases with 396 deaths.

In Kansas, health officials report 5,734 cases with 144 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials have confirmed the second COVID-19 death recorded in Buchanan County is that of a Triumph Foods worker.Earlier, the City of St. Joseph issued a news release that a man in his 40s who had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 22nd had died. City officials say the man died at his home. He had underlying medical conditions.This is the second death recorded by St. Joseph and Buchanan County health officials. The first death was that of an inmate at the St. Joseph prison who had been transferred from the Cameron prison and later died at a Kansas City area hospital.Buchanan County, in Northwest Missouri now reports 362 cases of COVID-19; 330 confirmed and 32 probable with two deaths. Andrew County continues to report five coronavirus cases.Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, has tested 2,387 individuals. Ninety-four tested positive, five of those have been hospitalized with 89 being treated on an outpatient basis. Mosaic is awaiting results from 87 tests.Missouri health officials report 9,102 cases with 396 deaths.In Kansas, health officials report 5,734 cases with 144 deaths.

Man who worked at pork plant dies from coronavirus

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.

The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.

Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.

“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”

Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.

Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.

The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.

One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.

But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”

Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588805379177.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Wednesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that she’s still considering releasing some Kansas inmates early because of the coronavirus pandemic even though an outbreak of hundreds of cases has one prison under quarantine.Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/31673502b3271e605e1b13ad197c9dc4">confirmed last week</a>&nbsp;during an Associated Press interview that the Department of Corrections moved six inmates from state to house arrest before being forced to stop early releases because of an outbreak at the Lansing Correctional Facility outside Kansas City. As of Wednesday, 609 inmates and 88 staff members there were infected.The burgeoning cases at the Lansing prison — with 85% of the inmates showing no symptoms — helped fuel a 5.1% increase Wednesday in confirmed cases in Kansas. The prison’s home of Leavenworth County saw its confirmed cases rise by 30% from Tuesday, up 181 to 783 total, while the state’s total increased to 5,734, up 276. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count. John Hopkins University said 162 had died. Three deaths have occurred at the Lansing prison; eight staff members and six inmates also are infected at seven other facilities, with no deaths.“The issue of releasing folks from prison is an ongoing one,” Kelly said during a Statehouse briefing. “I expect that it will be sort of a rolling measure, now that we’ve got the system in place to verify who’s eligible for that.”Kelly has faced criticism from advocates and inmates’ families and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83731f5bfeb061b5e1fa5b4fc5b096bf">a state-court lawsuit&nbsp;</a>for not acting sooner to release inmates.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0009_section/021_066_0009_k/" target="_blank">A state law&nbsp;</a>allows the Department of Corrections to move inmates who’ve committed less serious crimes into house.Some 80% of Lansing’s 1,700 or so inmates had been tested as of Wednesday, and Norman said the entire staff should be tested by next week.The Lansing outbreak continues to fuel daily increases in Kansas cases after Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abd6bb1cfc4f6349d94f853f04b12bcb">let a statewide stay-at-home order expire&nbsp;</a>at midnight Sunday.One key issue in reopening the economy has been local officials’ ability to trace the contacts of infected people, and the state health department has brought on about 200 people to help them. It plans to increase the number to 400, said Dr. Lee Norman, the department’s top administrator, and most will be volunteers.But Norman added, “I think we’ll get a little bit stretched thin when people start going back to work as the economy and as businesses open back up again.”Kelly and Norman acknowledged that some workers might fear going back to work. In other states, refusing to go back is seen legally as voluntarily quitting, so that the workers who are then fired aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits. Kelly said Kansas will “case by case basis” rather than having a blanket policy.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.Because of the pandemic, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature started its annual spring break March 20, more than two weeks early. Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that lawmakers will reconvene May 21 for a single day of work.

Kansas still mulling inmate releases despite prison outbreak

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.

U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.

“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”

The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.

“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”

Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.

The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.

But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.

“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of employees at a rural Missouri meatpacking facility, ruling that oversight of how the plant adheres to guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus falls to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, not the courts.U.S. District Judge Greg Kays issued his 24-page ruling Tuesday in favor of Smithfield Foods. A lawsuit on behalf of workers at Smithfield's pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri, sought an injunction requiring the plant to abide by federal guidelines. The lawsuit accused Virginia-based Smithfield of not doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus.“Plaintiffs are naturally concerned for their health and the health of their community in these unprecedented times,” Kays wrote. “The Court takes their concern seriously. Nevertheless, the Court cannot ignore the USDA’s and OSHA’s authority over compliance ... or the significant steps Smithfield has taken to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Plant.”The attorney for the workers, David Muraskin, didn’t rule out an appeal but said the lawsuit itself prompted several changes at the plant, including better spacing of employees, additional cleaning and sanitizing, and an improved sick leave policy that means workers don’t feel obligated to come to work if they have symptoms of the coronavirus.“This worker power is starting to be effective,” Muraskin said Wednesday. “Workers will organize and they will protest and when necessary they will sue to protect themselves because these companies need to be held to account.”Email messages seeking comment from Smithfield were not immediately returned.The Milan plant has not seen an outbreak of COVID-19. Just one case has been reported in Sullivan County, where the plant is located.But outbreaks have become common at other meat plants across the U.S., infecting thousands of workers, leading to the closure of some plants and prompting meat shortages.President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week requiring meatpacking plants to stay open. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job, and it came after the Missouri lawsuit against Smithfield Foods.U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that since Trump’s order, the USDA has worked with OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that meat plants are abiding by federal guidelines.“This ruling is directly in line with what the Federal government has been calling for companies and communities to do in light of the President’s Executive Order. If we continue to work together, we can maintain the critical supply of meat and poultry for Americans while also protecting worker health and safety,” Perdue said in a statement.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over meat worker safety

Pottawatomie County positive COVID-19 case numbers did not increase on Wednesday. There have still been 15 positive cases. Eleven patients have recovered and four cases are active. Three tests are pending.

Health Department officials have noted that the anticipated length of each phase in the re-opening plans for the state and county is subject to change. The initial phase extends for at least 14 days so the earliest phase two could begin is May 18. The decision to extend Phase One, whether at the state or local level, is expected sometime next week, and will be based on the available date.

They noted that more positive cases are anticipated across the state. The number of cases requiring hospitalization, and COVID related fatalities will be among the data considered in determining the transition to the next phase.

Pottawatomie County positive COVID-19 case numbers did not increase on Wednesday. There have still been 15 positive cases. Eleven patients have recovered and four cases are active. Three tests are pending.Health Department officials have noted that the anticipated length of each phase in the re-opening plans for the state and county is subject to change. The initial phase extends for at least 14 days so the earliest phase two could begin is May 18. The decision to extend Phase One, whether at the state or local level, is expected sometime next week, and will be based on the available date.They noted that more positive cases are anticipated across the state. The number of cases requiring hospitalization, and COVID related fatalities will be among the data considered in determining the transition to the next phase.

Pottawatomie County Health provides a COVID-19 update

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. 

A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.

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

“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588803687184.png" alt="Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Work Release Facility-<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Staff-member-at-Wichita-Work-Release-Facility-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570252801.html">photo courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Wednesday that one staff member working at the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) tested positive for COVID-19. A resident first tested positive on April 12 at WWRF. There are seven KDOC facilities with a confirmed case including Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, WWRF, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility, Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Hutchinson Correctional Facility.The staff member is a male over the age of 40. In order to protect the identity of the staff member, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps are being implemented immediately:<ol>
 <li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>The Sedgwick County Health Department conducted contact tracing to identify anyone outside of WWRF who may have been in close contact with this individual and will notify those persons</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“Our staff work hard every day to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones and those within our care,” Zmuda said. “We’re thankful when our staff recognize symptoms quickly, they seek appropriate medical care.”The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 248 prior to the pandemic and a new temporary population of 175.

Staffer at Kan. work release facility confirmed with COVID-19

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.

She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;

Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

Governor Laura Kelly held her first press briefing since April 28 Wednesday afternoon. It is also the first since she announced her <a href="http://Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.pdf">Ad Astra Plan </a>to reopen Kansas.She and Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,  discuss the latest updates regarding COVID-19.  &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1725820937571603%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>Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.

🎥  Gov. holds first COVID-19 press briefing in over a week

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 276 to a total of 5734, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 144<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/2020/5/1588785993293.png" alt="May 6, 2020 -image KDHE" />
 <figcaption>May 6, 2020 -image KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Taiwan is donating 100,000 surgical masks to Kansas to help medical and meat packing workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Wednesday that the shipment of masks is expected to arrive next week.

The move comes as Taiwan seeks to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c7345b5b3bebb139602e746bf0e6fbd">included</a>&nbsp;in the upcoming World Health Assembly. Moran, who requested the masks, has been supportive of including Taiwan. He thanked the country’s President Tsai Ing-wen in a statement, saying it is “another great reminder that we are all in this together.”

Four counties with meat packing plants — Seward, Ford, Finney and Lyon — have a combined 2,258 confirmed cases, 41% of the state’s total. And an outbreak at the state’s largest prison in Lansing has now infected 551 inmates and 88 staff members. Most of the infected inmates don’t have symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588782922468.png" alt="Photo courtesy Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Taiwan is donating 100,000 surgical masks to Kansas to help medical and meat packing workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Wednesday that the shipment of masks is expected to arrive next week.The move comes as Taiwan seeks to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c7345b5b3bebb139602e746bf0e6fbd">included</a>&nbsp;in the upcoming World Health Assembly. Moran, who requested the masks, has been supportive of including Taiwan. He thanked the country’s President Tsai Ing-wen in a statement, saying it is “another great reminder that we are all in this together.”Statewide, confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas rose Wednesday by 276, up to 5,734 total, though the actual number is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without showing symptoms. Reported COVID-19-related deaths increased by seven to 144.Four counties with meat packing plants — Seward, Ford, Finney and Lyon — have a combined 2,258 confirmed cases, 41% of the state’s total. And an outbreak at the state’s largest prison in Lansing has now infected 551 inmates and 88 staff members. Most of the infected inmates don’t have symptoms.

Moran confirms donation of 100K surgical masks for Kansas

PyroCrew has announced via social media that the fireworks show in Wamego that was scheduled this year will not occur as scheduled on July 4th. They said the decision was made after much deliberation by the City Commission after reviewing the state guidelines and limits released last Friday.&nbsp; Thousands of people attend the show annually.

They did say they will work with the City to look at any and all alternatives to find a way to still celebrate freedom in Wamego in 2020.

PyroCrew has announced via social media that the fireworks show in Wamego that was scheduled this year will not occur as scheduled on July 4th. They said the decision was made after much deliberation by the City Commission after reviewing the state guidelines and limits released last Friday.&nbsp; Thousands of people attend the show annually.They did say they will work with the City to look at any and all alternatives to find a way to still celebrate freedom in Wamego in 2020.

Wamego Fourth of July fireworks show is postponed

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/workgroups.html">Executive Reawakening Team</a>&nbsp;has developed a university reopening plan to&nbsp;keep K-State communities safe in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;The&nbsp;plan is a phased approach&nbsp;with universitywide criteria that aligns with national and local requirements and guidance. Each department and unit will need to develop and submit specific operational area plans to account for individual differences across the university.

These are the criteria for advancing to Phase One.

Phase Two criteria would range from modifying social distancing restrictions according to CDC guidelines to limiting mass gatherings to no more than 30 people. This phase could begin no earlier than May 18. Employees will be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.

Phase Three could begin no earlier than June 1 and could include mass gatherings of no more than 90 people. Employees would still be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.

Phase Out could begin no earlier than June 15th. The Governor would issue an executive order.There would not be any ban on activities in place but there could be restrictions on a case by case basis. Very large gatherings could be allowed on a case by case basis depending on specific public health risks and containment activities. Activities could return to normal.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/workgroups.html">Executive Reawakening Team</a>&nbsp;has developed a university reopening plan to&nbsp;keep K-State communities safe in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;The&nbsp;plan is a phased approach&nbsp;with universitywide criteria that aligns with national and local requirements and guidance. Each department and unit will need to develop and submit specific operational area plans to account for individual differences across the university.These are the criteria for advancing to Phase One.<h2>Prerequisites for Advancing to Phase 1</h2><ol>
 <li>State of Kansas removes "Safer at Home" order.</li><li>Local indicators do not show an exponential increase in positive, seriously-ill patients.</li><li>Sufficient testing capability exists in the community.</li><li>Sufficient personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available in the community.</li><li>Local health care system can cope with a potential increase in COVID-19 patients.</li><li>Public health system can promptly identify and isolate infected individuals and identify and quarantine their contacts.</li>
 </ol><h2>Criteria in Phase One</h2><h2>Prerequisites for Advancing to Phase 1</h2><ol>
 <li>State of Kansas removes "Safer at Home" order.</li><li>Local indicators do not show an exponential increase in positive, seriously-ill patients.</li><li>Sufficient testing capability exists in the community.</li><li>Sufficient personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available in the community.</li><li>Local health care system can cope with a potential increase in COVID-19 patients.</li><li>Public health system can promptly identify and isolate infected individuals and identify and quarantine their contacts.</li>
 </ol><h2>Criteria in Phase 1</h2><ol>
 <li>Countywide "Restricted Activities" orders are in effect.</li><li>Strict social distancing measures are in effect.Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from every other person present at a location.Washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or using hand sanitizer.Covering coughs or sneezes — cough into the sleeve or elbow, not into the hands.Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.Avoid shaking hands.</li><li>Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from every other person present at a location.</li><li>Washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or using hand sanitizer.</li><li>Covering coughs or sneezes — cough into the sleeve or elbow, not into the hands.</li><li>Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.</li><li>Avoid shaking hands.</li><li>Mass gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer individuals.</li><li>High-risk individuals restrict activities as much as possible.</li><li>Individuals are encouraged to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible.All employees who return to campus will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/safety.html">complete the EHS training</a>.</li><li>All employees who return to campus will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/safety.html">complete the EHS training</a>.</li><li>Employees are encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.</li><li>Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must remain in isolation for at least 7 days from symptom onset or until free from fever for 72 hours, whichever is longer — or follow current public health officer's guidance.</li><li>Individuals awaiting test results must remain in isolation.</li><li>Individuals who have close contact with confirmed cases must remain in quarantine for 14 days.</li>
 </ol>Phase Two criteria would range from modifying social distancing restrictions according to CDC guidelines to limiting mass gatherings to no more than 30 people. This phase could begin no earlier than May 18. Employees will be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.Phase Three could begin no earlier than June 1 and could include mass gatherings of no more than 90 people. Employees would still be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.Phase Out could begin no earlier than June 15th. The Governor would issue an executive order.There would not be any ban on activities in place but there could be restrictions on a case by case basis. Very large gatherings could be allowed on a case by case basis depending on specific public health risks and containment activities. Activities could return to normal.

K-State releases the framework for a three-phase plan to reawaken the university

The Manhattan Town Center will reopen with new hours on Wednesday. They will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;

There will be heightened health and safety measures ranging from enhanced training and installation of hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations to increased frequency of cleaning with a concentration on high traffic areas and all touch points such as door handles and door plates.

Guests are advised to take proper precautionary steps when visiting the Town Center such as wearing facial coverings, frequent hand washing and practicing social distancing.

General Manager Brad Simonsson said they are closely observing guidance from Riley County Health Department regarding reopening orders and will continue to communicate any updates as soon as they become available.&nbsp;Individual retailers and restaurants are adhering and adapting to guidelines and recommendations from local and federal authorities and they will be posting updated hours and information, such as curbside, pickup and to-go details to&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.manhattantowncenter.com&amp;d=DwQCAg&amp;c=jozbAXBGpZCeJmn-Q9SThA&amp;r=YPRxwh9RTrucD4Xaluz33x3oaLtRTRa6koiu4LANyP0&amp;m=o11sZ4qonwPglgaC4oeRyA1xDLLp6VB4gSFJn8muJto&amp;s=NTFF72K0nz3O4IN7zDWFxUS-e79fQ1cvfgrIS_pE9Jg&amp;e=">www.manhattantowncenter.com</a>.&nbsp;Some of the retailers and services remain temporarily closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Manhattan Town Center will reopen with new hours on Wednesday. They will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;There will be heightened health and safety measures ranging from enhanced training and installation of hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations to increased frequency of cleaning with a concentration on high traffic areas and all touch points such as door handles and door plates.Guests are advised to take proper precautionary steps when visiting the Town Center such as wearing facial coverings, frequent hand washing and practicing social distancing.General Manager Brad Simonsson said they are closely observing guidance from Riley County Health Department regarding reopening orders and will continue to communicate any updates as soon as they become available.&nbsp;Individual retailers and restaurants are adhering and adapting to guidelines and recommendations from local and federal authorities and they will be posting updated hours and information, such as curbside, pickup and to-go details to&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.manhattantowncenter.com&amp;d=DwQCAg&amp;c=jozbAXBGpZCeJmn-Q9SThA&amp;r=YPRxwh9RTrucD4Xaluz33x3oaLtRTRa6koiu4LANyP0&amp;m=o11sZ4qonwPglgaC4oeRyA1xDLLp6VB4gSFJn8muJto&amp;s=NTFF72K0nz3O4IN7zDWFxUS-e79fQ1cvfgrIS_pE9Jg&amp;e=">www.manhattantowncenter.com</a>.&nbsp;Some of the retailers and services remain temporarily closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan Town Center to reopen Wednesday

By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.

This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.

Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588706059523.jpeg" alt="Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

400 of 2,367 workers at Mo. pork plant test positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.

Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.

“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”

The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588696644712.png" alt="&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588705884068.png" alt="President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said Tuesday at the White House.Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks as the conflicted Congress reflects an uneasy nation. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber defending his decision to focus the agenda on confirming Trump’s nominees rather than the virus outbreak.On Tuesday, McConnell insisted that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic.But the Republican leader also signaled an interest in beefed up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”“Testing, tracking, treatments,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. “Our task ahead will be to keep seeking thoughtful solutions.”By reconvening this week, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.For more than five weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has all but closed Congress, a longer absence than during the 1918 Spanish flu.Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks — blue face coverings were available for free, and being worn by staff. They were also told to keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Public access is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.It’s not just lawmakers at risk. Reopening part of Capitol Hill poses health risks for the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the Capitol complex functioning.Democrats are eyeing the new aid package as states and cities seek as much as $1 trillion to prevent local layoffs and keep paying nurses, police, firefighters and other front-line workers as local revenues tank during the stay-home shutdown.Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years. On a private conference call with House Democrats on Monday, she also discussed a “paycheck guarantee” for the newly jobless.Pelosi told reporters Tuesday on Capitol Hill the new package will be “just very directly related to saving lives, the livelihood and the life of our democracy.”Several House committee chairmen outlined the provisions expected in the upcoming bill, according to a statement from the Democratic caucus after the private call.Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal discussed another round of additional direct cash payments for families and extending unemployment insurance. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ca., chair of the Financial Services Committee, focused on helping homeowners, renters and small landlords make rent and mortgage payments, the statement said. Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone spoke about investing in virus testing and contact tracing.Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9788d3f3fe54884631ccc5592a4a118c">hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe,</a>&nbsp;the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.___

Coronavirus Update