Kansas is in a state of emergency due to coronavirus, although that has to do more with distributing resources than the current spread of the disease.
The death of a 70-year-old male patient at a Wyandotte County care facility triggered that response from Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday.
Kelly says the patient had underlying health issues.
Kelly says this is not a time to panic, and she says residents should follow common-sense measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:
*Wash hands for at least 20 seconds
*Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
*Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes
*Stay home when you are sick. The guideline is a full 24 hours fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medications
Kelly also says a set of recommendations is coming Friday from the Kansas Department of Administration, including limits to people with business in front of the Legislature.
Click here to read Governor Kelly’s declaration of a state of emergency.
As the number of patients grew from one to five in Kansas on Thursday, including the fatality, announcements about schedule and operations adjustments picked up speed through the day. Many of those dealt with education, where Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College announced they would halt face-to-face classes when they return from spring break Monday and would have those classes offered through remote access instead of classrooms starting March 23 until further notice. Both are canceling all campus events and programs — until at least April 10 in the case of Emporia State and until further notice at the tech college.
Click here to read the Emporia State University statement from President Allison Garrett.
Click here to read the Flint Hills Technical College statement.
Late Thursday afternoon, USD 253 Emporia said it is planning to resume classes Monday after spring break ends — but it’s also weighing the impacts of what it calls a short-term or mid-term closure. Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren says there are a number of concerns to consider, namely the impact on their student’s educational opportunities.
Landgren says the district is taking the situation day-by-day and a timeline for when or if the district will announce a closure of any length is currently pending.
Other districts are gauging their responses as conversations continue with county emergency management directors, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education. USD 243 Lebo-Waverly will not have class Friday due to the potential exposure to or spread of germs. The district has spring break next week.
School districts considering a shutdown got some help from the Kansas State Board of Education, which approved a measure suspending rules for districts if they close due to COVID-19. Districts will not be punished for shortening school days, suspending or canceling classes, education delivery methods and changing graduation requirements.
Education Commissioner Randy Watson says there are no coronavirus cases in Kansas schools. If that changes, districts will have the option of making up missed school days by June 30, submitting a proposal to the Education Department for delivering e-learning to count as “seat time” or submit a petition to waive the minimum number of hours and days schools must be in session. Any shutdown would have to be for at least 14 days. If districts decide independently to close schools — without recommendations from KDHE and either the local health department, governor or president — any lost time will need to be made up by the end of the school year June 30.
Click here to read the statement from Education Commissioner Randy Watson.
One municipal government in the KVOE listening area announced a recommended change for its residents. Burlington is encouraging residents to avoid going to offices inside City Hall to pay utilities or other city bills. Instead, residents are told to use the dropbox outside City Hall or pay online.
So far, no other area towns have announced similar measures. Emporia city leaders have been discussing a response to the coronavirus situation this week and will continue those talks Friday.
Public Health and Lyon County Emergency Management are commending organizers of large events for postponing or canceling those activities this week. Spokesman Verlin Conkle says social distancing can slow a disease outbreak across a community, which gives medical facilities a better chance to handle the demand if it increases.
As Public Health monitors the COVID-19 situation, it continues encouraging the cancellation or postponement of events that “would promote large gatherings of people for extended periods of time.”
Late Thursday night, St. Baldrick’s organizers announced they would postpone Saturday’s event until further notice. Early Friday, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce announced it was canceling the Legislative Dialogue, also set for Saturday.
Click here to read KVOE’s Closings and Cancellations page.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media. Click here for KVOE News’ coverage from earlier this week.
