Coronavirus numbers in Kansas aren’t nearly to the levels that they are in other states, although they are increasing. However, Thursday has seen a flurry of schedule and operations adjustments as concerns continue about the virus.
Both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College are canceling their face-to-face classes all next week. Starting March 23, both will have face-to-face classes offered through remote access instead of classrooms. That approach will continue until further notice. All campus events and programs are canceled until at least April 10 at Emporia State and until further notice at the college. All ESU athletics events on campus, including track and field, baseball, softball and tennis, will be held without spectators. Here’s Emporia State spokesperson Gwen Larson:
College President Dean Hollenbeck says this is uncharted waters for Flint Hills Technical College, and he says this will provide some unique challenges when it comes to educating students.
The list of community schedule adjustments is getting longer, including the postponement of KVOE’s Working Women After Hours. KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas:
Worldwide, there has been a grim impact on stock markets. Just Thursday, trading had to be halted as the Dow Jones lost over 9 percent and the S&P 500 tumbled over 7 percent in early-morning activity. There have been 3- to 5-percent swings — both up and down — over the last three weeks.
After President Donald Trump told the Treasury Department to defer tax payments and asked Congress to provide immediate payroll tax relief, the Small Business Administration announced a plan to offer up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses or private non-profits “suffering substantial economic injury” from the current coronavirus situation.
There are more than 126,000 confirmed cases globally with over 4,000 deaths reported. The Kansas count is up to four after three new cases were confirmed by KDHE in Johnson County. All are unrelated to the first case announced, also in Johnson County, this past weekend.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates. If you need to announce a schedule or operations adjustment due to coronavirus, call KVOE at 620-342-1400, email kvoe@kvoe.com or message the Bluestem Farm and Ranch text line at 620-342-5863.
