KANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. 

This new program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies. Students from all three of the medical school’s campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered.

“There is a potential for extreme stress on health care systems in urban and rural settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Kennedy, M.D., professor and associate dean of Rural Health Education in the KU School of Medicine. “Many rural physicians are already overworked, and the addition of a surge in health care utilization could overburden these physicians to the breaking point.”

Kennedy noted that there are 34 counties in Kansas that have only one or two physicians for the entire county. There are also many rural practices and health care systems that are under significant financial strain and may be insolvent without help by the end of the pandemic.

“This all-volunteer program will provide assistance where it’s needed in Kansas, including rural Kansas where the need may quickly outpace the available physicians,” said Jeff Colyer, M.D., former governor of Kansas, a clinical associate professor at the KU Medical School and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). “It could be a national model for how recent medical school graduates can help meet critical rural needs.”

“These senior medical students may provide meaningful relief during this time of crisis,” Kennedy added.

“We are pleased our students have stepped up to assist their fellow Kansans,” said Douglas A. Girod, chancellor of the University of Kansas. “These medical students have met all requirements for graduation at KU and the university is happy to assist by conferring their degrees early.”

Fourth-year medical students who wish to volunteer in this capacity will be immediately granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the university and will be eligible for a special permit to practice medicine from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and their early graduation has been approved by the national accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. 

They will be provided with stipends for expenses and will receive immediate relevant training. 

These new physicians will be required to work with existing physicians rather than independently, and they will not supervise advanced practice providers. The program will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“The additional manpower provided by these medical students will be invaluable,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas state surgeon and a colonel in the Kansas Army National Guard. “The state of Kansas supports this endeavor and, as an Army officer myself, I am pleased to activate the Kansas National Guard to provide the personnel to assist in placing these students where they can be most helpful to our state.”

John Alley, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery at the KU School of Medicine and a major with the Kansas National Guard, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.

“With this program, we are making valuable resources available to our colleagues around the state,” Alley said. “These students are to be commended for their willingness to serve. They truly embody the spirit of medicine in giving of oneself for the greater good.”

The program will be funded by a $1 million gift from the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Originally established by late Cerner Corporation co-founder Neal Patterson and Jeanne Lillig-Patterson in 2007, the Patterson Family Foundation has been led since 2017 by their children, and it has a focus on health care, education and rural communities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic could have devastating effects on the region we call home, challenging the most vulnerable among us,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation. “In Kansas, more than 30 percent of elderly people live in rural areas, and many rural physicians are themselves at high risk. The Patterson family is inspired by the volunteerism of the new graduates who have signed up for this initiative, and we are honored to support these new physicians as they serve where they are needed most.”

Health care facilities and physicians in need of assistance from this program should contact pandemicvolunteer@kumc.edu to inquire about requesting volunteers from this program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585917785994.png" alt="Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine" />
 <figcaption>Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine</figcaption>
 </figure>KUMCKANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. This new program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies. Students from all three of the medical school’s campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered.“There is a potential for extreme stress on health care systems in urban and rural settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Kennedy, M.D., professor and associate dean of Rural Health Education in the KU School of Medicine. “Many rural physicians are already overworked, and the addition of a surge in health care utilization could overburden these physicians to the breaking point.”Kennedy noted that there are 34 counties in Kansas that have only one or two physicians for the entire county. There are also many rural practices and health care systems that are under significant financial strain and may be insolvent without help by the end of the pandemic.“This all-volunteer program will provide assistance where it’s needed in Kansas, including rural Kansas where the need may quickly outpace the available physicians,” said Jeff Colyer, M.D., former governor of Kansas, a clinical associate professor at the KU Medical School and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). “It could be a national model for how recent medical school graduates can help meet critical rural needs.”“These senior medical students may provide meaningful relief during this time of crisis,” Kennedy added.“We are pleased our students have stepped up to assist their fellow Kansans,” said Douglas A. Girod, chancellor of the University of Kansas. “These medical students have met all requirements for graduation at KU and the university is happy to assist by conferring their degrees early.”Fourth-year medical students who wish to volunteer in this capacity will be immediately granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the university and will be eligible for a special permit to practice medicine from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and their early graduation has been approved by the national accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. They will be provided with stipends for expenses and will receive immediate relevant training. These new physicians will be required to work with existing physicians rather than independently, and they will not supervise advanced practice providers. The program will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).“The additional manpower provided by these medical students will be invaluable,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas state surgeon and a colonel in the Kansas Army National Guard. “The state of Kansas supports this endeavor and, as an Army officer myself, I am pleased to activate the Kansas National Guard to provide the personnel to assist in placing these students where they can be most helpful to our state.”John Alley, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery at the KU School of Medicine and a major with the Kansas National Guard, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.“With this program, we are making valuable resources available to our colleagues around the state,” Alley said. “These students are to be commended for their willingness to serve. They truly embody the spirit of medicine in giving of oneself for the greater good.”The program will be funded by a $1 million gift from the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Originally established by late Cerner Corporation co-founder Neal Patterson and Jeanne Lillig-Patterson in 2007, the Patterson Family Foundation has been led since 2017 by their children, and it has a focus on health care, education and rural communities.“The COVID-19 pandemic could have devastating effects on the region we call home, challenging the most vulnerable among us,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation. “In Kansas, more than 30 percent of elderly people live in rural areas, and many rural physicians are themselves at high risk. The Patterson family is inspired by the volunteerism of the new graduates who have signed up for this initiative, and we are honored to support these new physicians as they serve where they are needed most.”Health care facilities and physicians in need of assistance from this program should contact pandemicvolunteer@kumc.edu to inquire about requesting volunteers from this program.

KU Med students step up for state during pandemic

PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — A woman is jailed after she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Parsons this week. 

Police say 29-year-old William Treiber, of St. Paul, died when he was hit Wednesday night as he walked in the shoulder of a highway in Parsons. 

&nbsp;Tiffany Jakee, 29, of Parsons, is jailed in the Labette County jail on possible charges including involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. 

A Kansas Highway Patrol crash report says Jakee passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone, then drove onto the shoulder, where Treiber was struck.

LABETTE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Tiffany N. Jakee, 29, Parsons,&nbsp; was southbound on U.S. 59 south of Larsen Boulevard.

The vehicle traveled left of center, passed another southbound vehicle in a no passing zone, drove partially off the roadway onto the northbound shoulder and struck a pedestrian identified as William A. Treiber, 29, St. Paul, Kansas, who was&nbsp;walking southbound on the northbound shoulder of U.S. 59

Treiber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. Jakee was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585873519973.png" alt="Jakee-photo Labette Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Jakee-photo Labette Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — A woman is jailed after she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Parsons this week. Police say 29-year-old William Treiber, of St. Paul, died when he was hit Wednesday night as he walked in the shoulder of a highway in Parsons. The driver left the scene. &nbsp;Tiffany Jakee, 29, of Parsons, is jailed in the Labette County jail on possible charges including involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. A Kansas Highway Patrol crash report says Jakee passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone, then drove onto the shoulder, where Treiber was struck.------------LABETTE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Tiffany N. Jakee, 29, Parsons,&nbsp; was southbound on U.S. 59 south of Larsen Boulevard.The vehicle traveled left of center, passed another southbound vehicle in a no passing zone, drove partially off the roadway onto the northbound shoulder and struck a pedestrian identified as William A. Treiber, 29, St. Paul, Kansas, who was&nbsp;walking southbound on the northbound shoulder of U.S. 59Treiber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. Jakee was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Arrest made in Kansas man's hit-and-run death 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.

The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.

President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.

“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.

The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.

The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.

Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”

Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.

The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.

Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.

Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.

On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.

In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.

The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.

U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.

But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.

Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.

The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.

The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.

The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.

“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.

That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”

Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.

Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585909675405.png" alt="President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

Trump tested again for virus; new face mask guidelines expected

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;Two more suspects have been charged with the fatal shooting of a teenager and the wounding of four others in a popular entertainment district in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City.

Lavont Carter, 18, and Christien Woody, 20, both of Kansas City, Kansas, are each charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Thursday.

Three others have previously been charged in the Feb. 29 death of Devin Harris, 17, and the injuries to four others in the Westport district.

Police said video surveillance showed individuals shooting from a sport utility vehicle as it pulled out of a parking garage, with a Lexus and a Acura following.

According to court documents filed this week, law enforcement officers identified Carter and Woody among those in the SUV.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $150,000 each for Carter and Woody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864316012.png" alt="Woody -photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Woody -photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;Two more suspects have been charged with the fatal shooting of a teenager and the wounding of four others in a popular entertainment district in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864481699.png" alt="Lavont Carter- Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Lavont Carter- Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lavont Carter, 18, and Christien Woody, 20, both of Kansas City, Kansas, are each charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Thursday.Three others have previously been charged in the Feb. 29 death of Devin Harris, 17, and the injuries to four others in the Westport district.Police said video surveillance showed individuals shooting from a sport utility vehicle as it pulled out of a parking garage, with a Lexus and a Acura following.According to court documents filed this week, law enforcement officers identified Carter and Woody among those in the SUV.Prosecutors have requested a bond of $150,000 each for Carter and Woody.

2 more charged in shooting at Kansas City entertainment area

TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced that public access to state office buildings will remain closed until April 19, 2020. This restriction matches the stay-home order that Governor Kelly signed on March 28, according to a media release from her office.

Following the two-week suspension of state government operations on March 23, state government operations and the delivery of services will resume on Monday, April 6. However, Governor Kelly made it clear that to reduce the risk of infection to state employees, all employees who are able will begin working remotely.

“Our public employees perform critical functions that the people of Kansas depend on,” Kelly said. “Their work must continue despite this ongoing crisis.

“This crisis has been unprecedented, but the state will deliver critical state services, even though the delivery of those services may look different than they have in the past.”

Public facing offices, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles or the Office of Vital Statistics, will remain closed to the public until April 19 to limit the number of individuals gathering in small spaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585872626651.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday 's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Thursday 's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced that public access to state office buildings will remain closed until April 19, 2020. This restriction matches the stay-home order that Governor Kelly signed on March 28, according to a media release from her office.Following the two-week suspension of state government operations on March 23, state government operations and the delivery of services will resume on Monday, April 6. However, Governor Kelly made it clear that to reduce the risk of infection to state employees, all employees who are able will begin working remotely.“Our public employees perform critical functions that the people of Kansas depend on,” Kelly said. “Their work must continue despite this ongoing crisis.“This crisis has been unprecedented, but the state will deliver critical state services, even though the delivery of those services may look different than they have in the past.”Public facing offices, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles or the Office of Vital Statistics, will remain closed to the public until April 19 to limit the number of individuals gathering in small spaces.

Gov. announces resumption of State of Kansas operations Monday

CRAWFORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a man for an alleged terror threat in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Dollar Tree Store in Cuba, Mo., for the report of a man causing a disturbance, according to a media release.

An employee of the business reported the incident and told officers there had been a man inside of the store who had been purposely coughing toward other customers in the business.

 The employee also stated that the same man had written COVID on the inside of a cooler door with his fingers after breathing on it. It was also alleged the man had placed his hands down his pants and then rubbed a cooler door handle. As a result of his actions, the store was closed and sanitized. Police arrested&nbsp;John Swaller, 33, of Cuba, on requested charge of making a terrorist threat and he was being held on $25,000 bail in the Crawford County jail.

Cuba police Chief Doug Shelton said investigators don't know if Swaller has the coronavirus, but officers used protective gear while taking him to jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585827370999.png" alt="John Swaller photo Crawford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>John Swaller photo Crawford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a man for an alleged terror threat in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Dollar Tree Store in Cuba, Mo., for the report of a man causing a disturbance, according to a media release.An employee of the business reported the incident and told officers there had been a man inside of the store who had been purposely coughing toward other customers in the business. The employee also stated that the same man had written COVID on the inside of a cooler door with his fingers after breathing on it. It was also alleged the man had placed his hands down his pants and then rubbed a cooler door handle. As a result of his actions, the store was closed and sanitized. Police arrested&nbsp;John Swaller, 33, of Cuba, on requested charge of making a terrorist threat and he was being held on $25,000 bail in the Crawford County jail.Cuba police Chief Doug Shelton said investigators don't know if Swaller has the coronavirus, but officers used protective gear while taking him to jail.

Police: Man coughed on store shoppers, wrote COVID on cooler

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase and crash.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed a suspect later identified as 40-year-old Marshall Lane driving a silver Ford Focus with an illegal tag in the area of 25th&nbsp;Street and Grove Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Lane refused to stop, accelerated, and fled from officers.&nbsp; A traffic pursuit ensued but was discontinued shortly after due to high speeds.

Lane continued to drive erratically and collided with a Gray Mitsubishi Mirage at North Indiana Avenue and East 1st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;

 The 49-year-old driver of the Mirage was not injured.&nbsp; Officers arrived and arrested Lane without incident.&nbsp; Lane and a 32-year-old male passenger in the Focus were also uninjured.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Lane is being held on requested charges of felony evade and elude, DUI, and a Kansas Department of Corrections Absconder warrant. He&nbsp;has been previously arrested and convicted on theft charges, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585842726546.png" alt="Lane photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lane photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase and crash.Just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed a suspect later identified as 40-year-old Marshall Lane driving a silver Ford Focus with an illegal tag in the area of 25th&nbsp;Street and Grove Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Lane refused to stop, accelerated, and fled from officers.&nbsp; A traffic pursuit ensued but was discontinued shortly after due to high speeds.Lane continued to drive erratically and collided with a Gray Mitsubishi Mirage at North Indiana Avenue and East 1st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; The 49-year-old driver of the Mirage was not injured.&nbsp; Officers arrived and arrested Lane without incident.&nbsp; Lane and a 32-year-old male passenger in the Focus were also uninjured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lane is being held on requested charges of felony evade and elude, DUI, and a Kansas Department of Corrections Absconder warrant. He&nbsp;has been previously arrested and convicted on theft charges, according to Davidson.

Police catch wanted Kansas felon after chase, 2-vehicle crash

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists offered more evidence Wednesday that the coronavirus is spread by seemingly healthy people who show no clear symptoms, and the federal government issued new guidance warning that anyone exposed to the disease can be considered a carrier.

A study by researchers in Singapore became the latest to estimate that somewhere around 10% of new infections may be sparked by people who carry the virus but have not yet suffered its flu-like symptoms.

In response to that study and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed how it defined the risk of infection for Americans. The agency’s new guidance targeted people who have no symptoms but were exposed to others with known or suspected infections. It essentially says that anyone may be a carrier, whether that person has symptoms or not.

The findings complicate efforts to gain control of the pandemic and reinforce the importance of social distancing and other measures designed to stop the spread, experts said.

“You have to really be proactive about reducing contacts between people who seem perfectly healthy,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, a University of Texas at Austin researcher who has studied coronavirus transmission in different countries.

The newest research was published online by the CDC. It focused on 243 cases of coronavirus reported in Singapore from mid-January through mid-March, including 157 infections among people who had not traveled recently. Scientists found that so-called pre-symptomatic people triggered infections in seven different clusters of disease, accounting for about 6% of the locally acquired cases.

One of those infections was particularly striking. A 52-year-old woman’s infection was linked to her sitting in a seat at a church that had been occupied earlier in the day by two tourists who showed no symptoms but later fell ill, investigators said after they reviewed closed-circuit camera recordings of church services.

An earlier study that focused on China, where the virus was first identified, suggested that more than 10% of transmissions were from people who were infected but did not yet feel sick.

The seemingly healthy people who can transmit the virus are believed to fall into three categories: pre-symptomatic, who do not have symptoms when they spread but develop illness a couple of days later; asymptomatic, who never develop symptoms; and post-symptomatic, who get sick and recover but remain contagious. The Singapore and China studies focused on pre-symptomatic infections.

It remains unclear how many new infections are caused by each type of potential spreader, said Meyers, who was not involved in the Singapore study but was part of the earlier one focused on China.

CDC officials say they have been researching asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections, but the studies are not complete.

In an interview Tuesday with a radio station in Atlanta, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield cited an estimate that 25% of infected people may be asymptomatic. It was not clear what that estimate was based on, or if it included people who were pre-symptomatic or post-symptomatic. The AP requested more information from the CDC, but the agency did not provide those details.

Redfield’s comment was in response to a question about whether the agency is going to recommend that people who seem healthy wear masks or face coverings when they go out. He said the agency is reviewing its guidance, looking at research in Singapore, China and other places in making that decision.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said he planned to announce new state guidelines on wearing masks.

Wearing scarves or bandanas over noses and mouths is “not necessarily going to protect you, but if you are carrying the disease, it may reduce the amount you transmit,” said Carl Bergstrom, a University of Washington evolutionary biologist who studies emerging infectious diseases.

In the initial months of the pandemic, health officials based their response on the belief that most of the spread came from people who were sneezing or coughing droplets that contained the virus.

Another kind of coronavirus caused the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which was first identified in Asia in 2003 and caused a frightening but relatively short-lived international outbreak that never spread as widely as the new virus.

Although some asymptomatic infections were discovered, none were found to have spread the disease. Because symptomatic people were the spreaders, health officials could focus on them to see an outbreak happening and could better isolate infected people and stop the spread.

“It was much, much easier” to contain, Bergstrom said. With the new coronavirus, “we clearly have asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission,” he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582725655069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists offered more evidence Wednesday that the coronavirus is spread by seemingly healthy people who show no clear symptoms, and the federal government issued new guidance warning that anyone exposed to the disease can be considered a carrier.A study by researchers in Singapore became the latest to estimate that somewhere around 10% of new infections may be sparked by people who carry the virus but have not yet suffered its flu-like symptoms.In response to that study and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed how it defined the risk of infection for Americans. The agency’s new guidance targeted people who have no symptoms but were exposed to others with known or suspected infections. It essentially says that anyone may be a carrier, whether that person has symptoms or not.The findings complicate efforts to gain control of the pandemic and reinforce the importance of social distancing and other measures designed to stop the spread, experts said.“You have to really be proactive about reducing contacts between people who seem perfectly healthy,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, a University of Texas at Austin researcher who has studied coronavirus transmission in different countries.The newest research was published online by the CDC. It focused on 243 cases of coronavirus reported in Singapore from mid-January through mid-March, including 157 infections among people who had not traveled recently. Scientists found that so-called pre-symptomatic people triggered infections in seven different clusters of disease, accounting for about 6% of the locally acquired cases.One of those infections was particularly striking. A 52-year-old woman’s infection was linked to her sitting in a seat at a church that had been occupied earlier in the day by two tourists who showed no symptoms but later fell ill, investigators said after they reviewed closed-circuit camera recordings of church services.An earlier study that focused on China, where the virus was first identified, suggested that more than 10% of transmissions were from people who were infected but did not yet feel sick.The seemingly healthy people who can transmit the virus are believed to fall into three categories: pre-symptomatic, who do not have symptoms when they spread but develop illness a couple of days later; asymptomatic, who never develop symptoms; and post-symptomatic, who get sick and recover but remain contagious. The Singapore and China studies focused on pre-symptomatic infections.It remains unclear how many new infections are caused by each type of potential spreader, said Meyers, who was not involved in the Singapore study but was part of the earlier one focused on China.CDC officials say they have been researching asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections, but the studies are not complete.In an interview Tuesday with a radio station in Atlanta, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield cited an estimate that 25% of infected people may be asymptomatic. It was not clear what that estimate was based on, or if it included people who were pre-symptomatic or post-symptomatic. The AP requested more information from the CDC, but the agency did not provide those details.Redfield’s comment was in response to a question about whether the agency is going to recommend that people who seem healthy wear masks or face coverings when they go out. He said the agency is reviewing its guidance, looking at research in Singapore, China and other places in making that decision.California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said he planned to announce new state guidelines on wearing masks.Wearing scarves or bandanas over noses and mouths is “not necessarily going to protect you, but if you are carrying the disease, it may reduce the amount you transmit,” said Carl Bergstrom, a University of Washington evolutionary biologist who studies emerging infectious diseases.In the initial months of the pandemic, health officials based their response on the belief that most of the spread came from people who were sneezing or coughing droplets that contained the virus.Another kind of coronavirus caused the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which was first identified in Asia in 2003 and caused a frightening but relatively short-lived international outbreak that never spread as widely as the new virus.Although some asymptomatic infections were discovered, none were found to have spread the disease. Because symptomatic people were the spreaders, health officials could focus on them to see an outbreak happening and could better isolate infected people and stop the spread.“It was much, much easier” to contain, Bergstrom said. With the new coronavirus, “we clearly have asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission,” he added.

More evidence indicates healthy people can spread coronavirus

Thursday fatal crash scene photo courtesy KHP

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Thursday in McPherson County

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by Jeffrey G.&nbsp;Killgore, 56, El Dorado, was&nbsp; northbound&nbsp; on Interstate 135 one mile north of Moundridge.

The driver stopped on the right hand shoulder to assist a non-injured driver that had struck the guardrail.

A 2010 Toyota Tundra driven by Sergio R. Moreno, 41, Wichita,&nbsp;&nbsp;struck Killgore as the Toyota was entering the scene.

&nbsp;Killgore was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner's Office.&nbsp;

EMS transported Moreno to a Wichita hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585867349307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday fatal crash scene photo courtesy KHPMCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Thursday in McPherson CountyThe Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by Jeffrey G.&nbsp;Killgore, 56, El Dorado, was&nbsp; northbound&nbsp; on Interstate 135 one mile north of Moundridge.The driver stopped on the right hand shoulder to assist a non-injured driver that had struck the guardrail.A 2010 Toyota Tundra driven by Sergio R. Moreno, 41, Wichita,&nbsp;&nbsp;struck Killgore as the Toyota was entering the scene.&nbsp;Killgore was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner's Office.&nbsp;EMS transported Moreno to a Wichita hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. man struck, killed while attempting to assist non-injury crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official faced questions Thursday over the state’s monitoring of GPS data gleaned from people’s cellphones about how residents have cut down on travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, has cited the data in at least two briefings and has used it to publicly scold Kansas residents for not taking social distancing seriously enough. The information is provided by data-analysis firm Unacast on a publicly accessible&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard" target="_blank">website&nbsp;</a>that grades states and counties on social distancing based on how much they’ve reduced their travel.

A public-interest law firm, the Kansas Justice Institute,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ltr-to-Governor-Kelly-Re-KDHE-4-1-20.pdf" target="_blank">is demanding</a>&nbsp;that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provide more information about how the information is collected and used, expressing concerns about privacy and other civil liberties. The law firm is a subsidiary of the free-market, small-government Kansas Policy Institute, a think tank that is influential among conservatives in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;also sent copies of its letter to legislative leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Samuel MacRoberts, its general counsel, said the state so far has been “circumspect” in moving to contain the COVID-19 threat, but the disclosure of the use of Unacast data was a surprise, and, “the details matter.”

“There’s definitely concerns on privacy,” said state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a conservative Hiawatha Republican. “We need answers.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cc283afc526355e6b1ca4c7de0fe32b">cited Unacast data&nbsp;</a>on March 24 in praising his state’s social distancing. That was a day before he issued a stay-at-home order.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff" target="_blank">A similar order&nbsp;</a>from Kelly took effect Monday.

Unacast said in a statement Thursday that it uses aggregated mobility and anonymous data from tens of millions of devices, but, “Our data is always in aggregate or anonymized and never shows individuals’ behavior.”

The data measures how much people collectively have reduced travel from normal and gives each state and county a letter grade. The latest grade for Kansas is a C-minus, with 18 of its 105 counties mostly in western Kansas, receiving an F.

Norman said Wednesday that the message isn’t that the state is watching its residents but that it wants “to give people feedback.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989189392.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a recent media briefing on the virus" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during a recent media briefing on the virus</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official faced questions Thursday over the state’s monitoring of GPS data gleaned from people’s cellphones about how residents have cut down on travel during the coronavirus pandemic.Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, has cited the data in at least two briefings and has used it to publicly scold Kansas residents for not taking social distancing seriously enough. The information is provided by data-analysis firm Unacast on a publicly accessible&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard" target="_blank">website&nbsp;</a>that grades states and counties on social distancing based on how much they’ve reduced their travel.A public-interest law firm, the Kansas Justice Institute,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ltr-to-Governor-Kelly-Re-KDHE-4-1-20.pdf" target="_blank">is demanding</a>&nbsp;that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly provide more information about how the information is collected and used, expressing concerns about privacy and other civil liberties. The law firm is a subsidiary of the free-market, small-government Kansas Policy Institute, a think tank that is influential among conservatives in the Republican-controlled Legislature.<a href="https://kansasjusticeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;also sent copies of its letter to legislative leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Samuel MacRoberts, its general counsel, said the state so far has been “circumspect” in moving to contain the COVID-19 threat, but the disclosure of the use of Unacast data was a surprise, and, “the details matter.”“There’s definitely concerns on privacy,” said state Sen. Dennis Pyle, a conservative Hiawatha Republican. “We need answers.”Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cc283afc526355e6b1ca4c7de0fe32b">cited Unacast data&nbsp;</a>on March 24 in praising his state’s social distancing. That was a day before he issued a stay-at-home order.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff" target="_blank">A similar order&nbsp;</a>from Kelly took effect Monday.Unacast said in a statement Thursday that it uses aggregated mobility and anonymous data from tens of millions of devices, but, “Our data is always in aggregate or anonymized and never shows individuals’ behavior.”The data measures how much people collectively have reduced travel from normal and gives each state and county a letter grade. The latest grade for Kansas is a C-minus, with 18 of its 105 counties mostly in western Kansas, receiving an F.Norman said Wednesday that the message isn’t that the state is watching its residents but that it wants “to give people feedback.”___

Kansas' review of cellphone GPS data raises privacy concerns

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving two small children.

Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence (DV) disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of South Laura in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 28-year-old victim a couple of blocks away from the home.&nbsp;

The victim said she was inside the house with her 7-year-old and 1-year-old sons.&nbsp; The victim stated her boyfriend 31-year-old Juan Villasenor, arrived home, was intoxicated, and became upset at wanting to find paperwork inside the home.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Villasenor fired a shotgun towards her and the children twice and made verbal threats.&nbsp; None of them were injured.&nbsp;

The victim then left the home with the children and called 911.&nbsp; Villasenor also left the residence in a vehicle but was located by officers driving in the area of Pawnee and Washington and was arrested without further incident.

Villasenor is being held on requested charges of one count of aggravated assault – domestic violence, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of child endangerment, and threats, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585771496116.png" alt="VILLASENOR-ROSALES -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>VILLASENOR-ROSALES -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving two small children.Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence (DV) disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of South Laura in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 28-year-old victim a couple of blocks away from the home.&nbsp;The victim said she was inside the house with her 7-year-old and 1-year-old sons.&nbsp; The victim stated her boyfriend 31-year-old Juan Villasenor, arrived home, was intoxicated, and became upset at wanting to find paperwork inside the home.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Villasenor fired a shotgun towards her and the children twice and made verbal threats.&nbsp; None of them were injured.&nbsp;The victim then left the home with the children and called 911.&nbsp; Villasenor also left the residence in a vehicle but was located by officers driving in the area of Pawnee and Washington and was arrested without further incident.Villasenor is being held on requested charges of one count of aggravated assault – domestic violence, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of child endangerment, and threats, according to Davidson.

Police: Kansas man fired shotgun towards woman, 2 children

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coronavirus cases swelled nearly 15% in one day as an outbreak at a nursing home grew and officials urged people to stay away from each other to control the virus’ spread.

Health&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData" target="_blank">officials&nbsp;</a>reported 552 cases in Kansas on Thursday, up from 482 a day earlier.

Thirteen people have died, including a 90-year-old resident of the Life Care Center of Burlington.

Twenty-five other residents and staff members at the facility about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Topeka are sickened, Coffey County officials said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/78e495c299d67e60d45729352f2c0d44">company&nbsp;</a>also runs a nursing home near Seattle tied to 40 deaths and one in Kansas City, Kansas, where a resident died last month.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees long-term care facilities, rated the Burlington home overall as “much below average” and gave it similar ratings for health inspections and quality measures, while rating the facility’s staffing as average.

The Burlington nursing home hasn’t responded to telephone messages seeking comment.

For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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, including pneumonia, and death.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a statewide stay-at-home-order as part of efforts to contain the virus, but getting everyone to follow it has proved challenging. People are supposed to stay at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) from each other and not gather in groups of more than 10.

The Shawnee Mission School District, which is among the state’s largest with more than 27,000 students, announced that it would begin issuing trespassing warnings Thursday for people who violate social distancing rules at its fields and stadiums.

Those facilities remain open so people can exercise. But officials say the district and local police departments have received numerous complaints about large groups playing organized sports.

The virus also has taken a financial toll. New unemployment benefit data released Thursday show that claims in Kansas increased to 54,739 for the week ending March 28, up from 25,563 the prior week. That’s a sharp spike from last year when there were 1,508 new claims for the week ending March 30, 2019, and 1,271 the week before that.

The University of Kansas also&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.ku.edu/sites/coronavirus.ku.edu/files/docs/Notice%20for%20Lawrence%20and%20Edwards%20Campus.pdf" target="_blank">announced&nbsp;</a>Thursday that it was postponing its graduation until late summer or early fall. It also is instituting a hiring and salary freeze.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585657534018.png" alt="Life Care Center -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Life Care Center -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coronavirus cases swelled nearly 15% in one day as an outbreak at a nursing home grew and officials urged people to stay away from each other to control the virus’ spread.Health&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData" target="_blank">officials&nbsp;</a>reported 552 cases in Kansas on Thursday, up from 482 a day earlier.Thirteen people have died, including a 90-year-old resident of the Life Care Center of Burlington.Twenty-five other residents and staff members at the facility about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Topeka are sickened, Coffey County officials said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/78e495c299d67e60d45729352f2c0d44">company&nbsp;</a>also runs a nursing home near Seattle tied to 40 deaths and one in Kansas City, Kansas, where a resident died last month.The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees long-term care facilities, rated the Burlington home overall as “much below average” and gave it similar ratings for health inspections and quality measures, while rating the facility’s staffing as average.The Burlington nursing home hasn’t responded to telephone messages seeking comment.For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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, including pneumonia, and death.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a statewide stay-at-home-order as part of efforts to contain the virus, but getting everyone to follow it has proved challenging. People are supposed to stay at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) from each other and not gather in groups of more than 10.The Shawnee Mission School District, which is among the state’s largest with more than 27,000 students, announced that it would begin issuing trespassing warnings Thursday for people who violate social distancing rules at its fields and stadiums.Those facilities remain open so people can exercise. But officials say the district and local police departments have received numerous complaints about large groups playing organized sports.The virus also has taken a financial toll. New unemployment benefit data released Thursday show that claims in Kansas increased to 54,739 for the week ending March 28, up from 25,563 the prior week. That’s a sharp spike from last year when there were 1,508 new claims for the week ending March 30, 2019, and 1,271 the week before that.The University of Kansas also&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.ku.edu/sites/coronavirus.ku.edu/files/docs/Notice%20for%20Lawrence%20and%20Edwards%20Campus.pdf" target="_blank">announced&nbsp;</a>Thursday that it was postponing its graduation until late summer or early fall. It also is instituting a hiring and salary freeze.

Kansas nursing home outbreak swells: 1 dead, 25 sickened

By DEBORAH SHAAR, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/sedgwick-county-wants-ban-abortion-services-during-coronavirus-outbreak">Kansas News Service</a>

Sedgwick
 County commissioners plan to ask the governor and health leaders to 
reconsider an exemption allowing abortion services to continue during 
the COVID-19 crisis.

Women’s health clinics, like other medical 
offices, are classified as essential businesses and are allowed to stay 
open during the state and county stay-at-home orders.

The 
commissioners voted 4 to 1 Wednesday to recommend that the clinics 
temporarily stop performing abortion services. They plan to send a 
letter to Gov. Laura Kelly, the county’s health officer, Dr. Garold 
Minns, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Commissioner
 Michael O’Donnell said he’s concerned that out-of-state providers and 
patients are coming to the Trust Women clinic in Wichita and could 
spread the coronavirus.

"This isn’t about abortion," he said. 
"This is about trying to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we have an 
entity that is encouraging out-of-state travel with no signs of 
self-quarantine."

O’Donnell initially proposed shutting down 
Trust Women and other similar clinics, but later revised his motion to 
limit a potential ban on abortion services only.

Commissioner Lacey Cruse voted against the proposal, saying the commission should be focused on more pressing issues.

"The
 idea that we are discussing this just to write a letter is absolutely 
political grandstanding at its finest," she said. "I feel like I’m at a 
campaign rally."

Commissioner David Dennis said the Trust Women 
clinic should follow other medical offices that have limited 
non-emergency appointments.

“I understand that [Trust Women] 
provides reproductive health so I don’t know that we want to shutter 
that organization,” Dennis said. “I think we need to limit the elective 
surgeries — the elective procedures that are going on.”

Trust 
Women’s founder and CEO Julie Burkhart submitted written testimony to 
the commission opposing any change to her clinic’s status that could 
affect operations. She said stripping the “essential”&nbsp;health care 
determination would be detrimental to people who need access to women’s 
health services.

The governor reinforced the clinics’ designation at a news briefing Tuesday.

“I think the women’s reproductive centers are considered a health care facility, and therefore essential,” Kelly said.

The <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday" target="_blank">statewide stay-at-home order </a>is
 set to expire April 19 and Sedgwick County's order will resume until 
April 25. The public health orders were enacted to further restrict 
public activity and social distancing to slow the coronavirus outbreak.

Follow Deborah Shaar on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/deborahshaar?lang=en" target="_blank">@deborahshaar.</a>To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@kmuw.org">news@kmuw.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585854076873.jpeg" alt="Sedgwick County commissioners want to ban abortion services at Trust Women clinic in Wichita during the COVID-19 crisis. File Photo" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County commissioners want to ban abortion services at Trust Women clinic in Wichita during the COVID-19 crisis. File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DEBORAH SHAAR, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/sedgwick-county-wants-ban-abortion-services-during-coronavirus-outbreak">Kansas News Service</a>Sedgwick
 County commissioners plan to ask the governor and health leaders to 
reconsider an exemption allowing abortion services to continue during 
the COVID-19 crisis.Women’s health clinics, like other medical 
offices, are classified as essential businesses and are allowed to stay 
open during the state and county stay-at-home orders.The 
commissioners voted 4 to 1 Wednesday to recommend that the clinics 
temporarily stop performing abortion services. They plan to send a 
letter to Gov. Laura Kelly, the county’s health officer, Dr. Garold 
Minns, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Commissioner
 Michael O’Donnell said he’s concerned that out-of-state providers and 
patients are coming to the Trust Women clinic in Wichita and could 
spread the coronavirus."This isn’t about abortion," he said. 
"This is about trying to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we have an 
entity that is encouraging out-of-state travel with no signs of 
self-quarantine."O’Donnell initially proposed shutting down 
Trust Women and other similar clinics, but later revised his motion to 
limit a potential ban on abortion services only.Commissioner Lacey Cruse voted against the proposal, saying the commission should be focused on more pressing issues."The
 idea that we are discussing this just to write a letter is absolutely 
political grandstanding at its finest," she said. "I feel like I’m at a 
campaign rally."Commissioner David Dennis said the Trust Women 
clinic should follow other medical offices that have limited 
non-emergency appointments.“I understand that [Trust Women] 
provides reproductive health so I don’t know that we want to shutter 
that organization,” Dennis said. “I think we need to limit the elective 
surgeries — the elective procedures that are going on.”Trust 
Women’s founder and CEO Julie Burkhart submitted written testimony to 
the commission opposing any change to her clinic’s status that could 
affect operations. She said stripping the “essential”&nbsp;health care 
determination would be detrimental to people who need access to women’s 
health services.The governor reinforced the clinics’ designation at a news briefing Tuesday.“I think the women’s reproductive centers are considered a health care facility, and therefore essential,” Kelly said.The <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-which-starts-monday" target="_blank">statewide stay-at-home order </a>is
 set to expire April 19 and Sedgwick County's order will resume until 
April 25. The public health orders were enacted to further restrict 
public activity and social distancing to slow the coronavirus outbreak.Follow Deborah Shaar on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/deborahshaar?lang=en" target="_blank">@deborahshaar.</a>To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@kmuw.org">news@kmuw.org</a>.

Sedgwick Co. wants ban on abortion services during outbreak 

SALINA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery that injured a Kansas business owner.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to the Flower Nook, 208 West Iron Avenue in Salina&nbsp; for the report of a stolen vehicle,&nbsp; according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The store owner told police that he was working in the store and was alerted to someone being inside the business garage, which is attached to the back of the business. The store owner entered the garage and observed a suspect inside a work vehicle, a 2011 Honda Element.

The owner was able to get the keys from the vehicle and attempted to go back into the business and the suspect began hitting the owner in the head causing injuries, according to Forrester.&nbsp; The victim gave the keys to the suspect and was allowed to enter the business.

The suspect got into the vehicle, backed out of the garage, and was last seen driving westbound on Iron Avenue. The vehicle has a Kansas license plate of 582KZP, is valued at $11,000 and has the Flower Nook name and numerous yellow flowers on the outside.

While backing out, the subject struck the garage door and a Nissan Xterra also owned by the victim causing approximately $350 damage to the Xterra and $1,000 damage to the door.

&nbsp;Police have identified a possible suspect as the victim was able to take a picture of the suspect inside the vehicle. He is described as being a white male, 29, 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds, according to Forrester.

The victim suffered a laceration on his face that did not require stitches, according to Forrester.

SALINA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery that injured a Kansas business owner.Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to the Flower Nook, 208 West Iron Avenue in Salina&nbsp; for the report of a stolen vehicle,&nbsp; according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The store owner told police that he was working in the store and was alerted to someone being inside the business garage, which is attached to the back of the business. The store owner entered the garage and observed a suspect inside a work vehicle, a 2011 Honda Element.The owner was able to get the keys from the vehicle and attempted to go back into the business and the suspect began hitting the owner in the head causing injuries, according to Forrester.&nbsp; The victim gave the keys to the suspect and was allowed to enter the business.The suspect got into the vehicle, backed out of the garage, and was last seen driving westbound on Iron Avenue. The vehicle has a Kansas license plate of 582KZP, is valued at $11,000 and has the Flower Nook name and numerous yellow flowers on the outside.While backing out, the subject struck the garage door and a Nissan Xterra also owned by the victim causing approximately $350 damage to the Xterra and $1,000 damage to the door.&nbsp;Police have identified a possible suspect as the victim was able to take a picture of the suspect inside the vehicle. He is described as being a white male, 29, 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds, according to Forrester.The victim suffered a laceration on his face that did not require stitches, according to Forrester.

Police: Salina florist injured during business robbery 

Latest report from the KDHE on coronavirus numbers in Kansas.&nbsp; 

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for</a> more details&nbsp;

Latest report from the KDHE on coronavirus numbers in Kansas.&nbsp; <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for</a> more details&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585850011517.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 13 deaths

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Overland Park police are looking for help from anyone who might have witnessed a person being struck by a car on Interstate 435 last week.

Officers found the victim’s body just before 1 p.m. on March 26. The person has not been identified.

Officer John Lacy said in an email that it appeared the person was struck in the westbound lanes of the interstate under the Roe Avenue bridge.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Overland Park police are looking for help from anyone who might have witnessed a person being struck by a car on Interstate 435 last week.Officers found the victim’s body just before 1 p.m. on March 26. The person has not been identified.Officer John Lacy said in an email that it appeared the person was struck in the westbound lanes of the interstate under the Roe Avenue bridge.

Overland Park police investigate body found near highway

SALINA —A fourth positive case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Saline County, according to a statement from the&nbsp;Saline County Health Department.

The case was identified through testing sent to a private lab.

The case is a man in his 30’s. This case is not associated with known close contacts or travel to hot spot areas. Due to HIPAA, no other patient information will be released. The individual is self-quarantined at home.

The Saline County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual.

Those that were exposed will be contacted by the Saline County Health Department as soon as possible.

Due to the rapid increase of positive cases across the State, we will not be issuing separate press releases for additional cases in Saline County. That information will be included in our daily press releases from now on.

As stated many times before, this is a rapidly changing situation. Governor Kelly’s Stay-at-Home Order is in effect until April 19th. Our local government leaders are working hard and are making difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees. Please ensure that you are only following official sources:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>."

SALINA —A fourth positive case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Saline County, according to a statement from the&nbsp;Saline County Health Department.The case was identified through testing sent to a private lab.The case is a man in his 30’s. This case is not associated with known close contacts or travel to hot spot areas. Due to HIPAA, no other patient information will be released. The individual is self-quarantined at home.The Saline County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual.Those that were exposed will be contacted by the Saline County Health Department as soon as possible.Due to the rapid increase of positive cases across the State, we will not be issuing separate press releases for additional cases in Saline County. That information will be included in our daily press releases from now on.As stated many times before, this is a rapidly changing situation. Governor Kelly’s Stay-at-Home Order is in effect until April 19th. Our local government leaders are working hard and are making difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees. Please ensure that you are only following official sources:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>."

Fourth coronavirus case in Saline Co. is man in his 30s

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling more than a quarter-million SUVs, trucks and vans worldwide to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators. The vehicles have air bags with volatile ammonium nitrate that can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel. 

But they have a moisture-absorbing chemical that was supposed to make them safe. The Nissan recall covers certain 2012 to 2017 NV Cargo and Passenger vans, the 2013 to 2015 Titan pickup and Armada large SUV, and the 2011 and 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. 

Nissan will notify owners later this month and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with one made by a different company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling more than a quarter-million SUVs, trucks and vans worldwide to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators. The vehicles have air bags with volatile ammonium nitrate that can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel. But they have a moisture-absorbing chemical that was supposed to make them safe. The Nissan recall covers certain 2012 to 2017 NV Cargo and Passenger vans, the 2013 to 2015 Titan pickup and Armada large SUV, and the 2011 and 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. Nissan will notify owners later this month and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with one made by a different company.&nbsp;&nbsp;