While state leaders are looking ahead to a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the coming months, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman says there is no reason to assume we have to have one.
During a news conference Wednesday Dr. Norman explained that a second wave is almost inevitable as it is the “way pandemics act” historically. However; he explained while we should prepare for this possibility we should also be taking a longer look at what can be done to stave off a second round of COVID-19.
Norman urges Kansans not to allow themselves to become lax in their preventive measures such as good hand washing, social distancing and other precautionary measures. He explains laxation can be significantly detrimental as we begin to enter “uncharted experimental waters” in the coming weeks.
Norman reiterated his commonly used phrase “you are your own preparedness, wear a mask, wash hands often and practice social distancing.”
Norman also took time Wednesday to reinforce a sentiment which has been shared by Governor Laura Kelly for a number of weeks that the coronavirus pandemic is not going away despite the recent positive developments in state health trends. With Governor Kelly’s Ad Astra recovery plan now being utilized simply as guidance for Kansas counties, Norman stressed the importance of county health officials to keep a close eye on their hospital bed capacity.
Norman explained the reasoning for this request was due to concerns of a large increase in positive COVID-19 cases due to actions and activities similar to the developments at the Lake of the Ozarks over the memorial day weekend which led to the issuance of a self-quarantine advisory for those who were in attendance. Norman also encouraged businesses to continue to strictly follow and adhere to the guidelines laid out in the plan as they work to return to full operations.
