“We are not out of the woods yet,” those words were issued as a reminder by Governor Laura Kelly Monday on the importance of following proper COVID-19 mitigation efforts at a time where cases are increasing across the country.
The governor stated 21 states have seen a sharp increase in cases in recent weeks.
However; Kansas has continued to see a steady decrease of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19, a trend Kelly attributes to Kansan’s ability to practice and follow public health guidelines. In order to keep these trends moving in the right direction, Governor Kelly says Kansans must not lose sight of these proper behaviors.
Kelly’s comments come three weeks after she altered the Ad Astra recovery plan from a state-wide plan to an advisory document giving Kansas counties control over local restrictions. While many counties have fared well since that time, Kelly says there are 13 counties that are currently experiencing increases in cases including Sedgwick County which reported 215 active cases Friday.
On May 27, Sedgwick County Commissioners chose to stop enforcing social distancing guidelines. Kelly says it is not a coincidence the case numbers rose following this action.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Monday that the current death toll for Kansas stands at 245. Kelly says those communities which have followed guidelines and have encouraged social distancing, wearing masks and other best health practices, the mitigation efforts “have worked.”
Kelly concluded her comments by stating “if we do not treat this threat seriously more lives will be lost.”
Governor Kelly is scheduled to hold her next news briefing Thursday at 4 pm. You can listen to the briefing on KVOE 1400 am, 96.9 fm and KVOE.com.
