TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,939 to a total of 134,533 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,939 to a total of 134,533 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605895620548.png" alt="Friday November 20, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday November 20, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nearly two months after Gov. Laura Kelly announced that Kansas would develop a “unified” strategy to ramp up coronavirus testing, the program is enough of a work in progress that even some of the state’s contractors don’t yet have all the details.

A Republican legislative leader involved in testing discussions contends that the Democratic governor’s administration moved too slowly in rolling out the strategy and isn’t focused enough on making sure Kansas has a healthy workforce so that businesses can stay open. Kelly dismisses the criticism, and officials and contractors are confident that testing will be ramped up before the year ends.

Kansas is under immense pressure. The state health department reported more than 19,000 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases in the seven days ending Wednesday — the equivalent of one in every 150 Kansas residents testing positive. Hospitals are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">struggling to handle</a>&nbsp;the surge in COVID-19 patients.

“We need a bridge to get to the vaccine, and the bridge, in my mind, it’s testing,” said Robert Thompson, the CEO of Clinical Reference Laboratory, one of the state’s contractors. “If everybody knows their status, they will do what’s right in order to prevent infecting others.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-11efe27daef82d812ff6344b6a5b3199">Kelly announced</a>&nbsp;plans for the new testing strategy in late September.&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Governor-Slides.pdf" target="_blank">It calls for</a>&nbsp;doubling Kansas’ testing, catching outbreaks more quickly and regularly screening vulnerable populations, including nursing home residents and public school students. The state is poised to spend as much as $87.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds on the effort by year’s end.

The state last week announced contracts with nine companies, the University of Kansas Health System and Wichita State University to help execute the new testing strategy.

Samuel Caughron, president and CEO of the MAWD Pathology Group, said this week that the company is waiting for a “definition” of its role as a contractor. Rachael Liesman, director of clinical microbiology for the University of Kansas Health System, described its contract as “pretty rapidly developing.”

Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican who has served on a governor’s pandemic-response task force, said Kansas should have launched its expanded testing strategy months ago. He’s also frustrated that Kelly recently blocked his effort to allocate $15 million toward testing for businesses.

He said Kansas has “incredible technology in our backyard,” noting that both Clinical Reference Laboratory and the MAWD Pathology Group are based in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa.

“If we would have started this 90 days ago, we wouldn’t be in this awful mess right now with virus everywhere,” Denning said. GOP legislators forced Kelly earlier this year to accept local officials’ control over pandemic restrictions, including mask mandates.

Marcia Nielsen, who’s leading the development of the new strategy, told Denning during a public Zoom call last week that 10% of the testing funds were set aside to help businesses. But she suggested that spending more would put businesses “ahead of people who are being hospitalized and dying in nursing homes.”

Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Wednesday that the testing strategy is being driven by public health and testing experts.

“I wish we could have done it earlier,” Kelly said. “Six months ago, we didn’t have the resources.”

Kansas struggled to obtain supplies for weeks after the pandemic reached it in early March and initially urged testing only for people with COVID-19 symptoms, though health officials knew people could be infected but have no symptoms. Testing has increased to an average of more than 4,900 tests a day so far this month, putting Kansas is on track to test the equivalent of roughly 5% of its residents in November.

“The more the testing can be made available, the more we see what’s going on therefore can respond and manage to limit the spread and know where to focus our resources,” Caughron said.

As an example of the benefits of expanded testing, Liesman said aggressive screening could identify the first coronavirus case in a nursing home early, before an outbreak explodes.

“If you wait until your first symptomatic individual, you may have missed infections prior to that or you may have tested almost too late,” she said.

The expanded testing is likely to include not only nasal swabs, but saliva samples. Clinical Reference Laboratory won federal emergency-use authorization in July to sell a kit that allows someone to spit into a specially-prepared tube and return it to the lab, something it recently began selling online. The company has more than 700 employees and describes itself as one of the largest privately owned clinical testing labs in the U.S.

<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2020-10-28/kansas-lab-built-covid-19-test-used-by-colleges-hollywood" target="_blank">Such saliva testing</a>&nbsp;allows people, groups or businesses to collect the samples themselves, without directly involving medical personnel in collecting samples — or potentially exposing them to COVID-19. CRL already has been handling testing for universities, governments and even professional football’s Kansas City Chiefs, for their stadium suite holders.

“You have to reach people at their home,” Thompson said. “You have to reach people at their place of employment.”

But Liesman said the University of Kansas Health System might need weeks to ramp up testing. She said it can buy new equipment but also must hire additional people. And, she said, it might face small construction projects at the KU Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. It converted a locker room into lab space earlier this year.

“I will say that I wish we had done this sooner,” Liesman said.

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nearly two months after Gov. Laura Kelly announced that Kansas would develop a “unified” strategy to ramp up coronavirus testing, the program is enough of a work in progress that even some of the state’s contractors don’t yet have all the details.A Republican legislative leader involved in testing discussions contends that the Democratic governor’s administration moved too slowly in rolling out the strategy and isn’t focused enough on making sure Kansas has a healthy workforce so that businesses can stay open. Kelly dismisses the criticism, and officials and contractors are confident that testing will be ramped up before the year ends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605895620548.png" alt="Friday Nov. 20, 2020, KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Nov. 20, 2020, KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is under immense pressure. The state health department reported more than 19,000 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases in the seven days ending Wednesday — the equivalent of one in every 150 Kansas residents testing positive. Hospitals are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">struggling to handle</a>&nbsp;the surge in COVID-19 patients.“We need a bridge to get to the vaccine, and the bridge, in my mind, it’s testing,” said Robert Thompson, the CEO of Clinical Reference Laboratory, one of the state’s contractors. “If everybody knows their status, they will do what’s right in order to prevent infecting others.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-11efe27daef82d812ff6344b6a5b3199">Kelly announced</a>&nbsp;plans for the new testing strategy in late September.&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Governor-Slides.pdf" target="_blank">It calls for</a>&nbsp;doubling Kansas’ testing, catching outbreaks more quickly and regularly screening vulnerable populations, including nursing home residents and public school students. The state is poised to spend as much as $87.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds on the effort by year’s end.The state last week announced contracts with nine companies, the University of Kansas Health System and Wichita State University to help execute the new testing strategy.Samuel Caughron, president and CEO of the MAWD Pathology Group, said this week that the company is waiting for a “definition” of its role as a contractor. Rachael Liesman, director of clinical microbiology for the University of Kansas Health System, described its contract as “pretty rapidly developing.”Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican who has served on a governor’s pandemic-response task force, said Kansas should have launched its expanded testing strategy months ago. He’s also frustrated that Kelly recently blocked his effort to allocate $15 million toward testing for businesses.He said Kansas has “incredible technology in our backyard,” noting that both Clinical Reference Laboratory and the MAWD Pathology Group are based in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa.“If we would have started this 90 days ago, we wouldn’t be in this awful mess right now with virus everywhere,” Denning said. GOP legislators forced Kelly earlier this year to accept local officials’ control over pandemic restrictions, including mask mandates.Marcia Nielsen, who’s leading the development of the new strategy, told Denning during a public Zoom call last week that 10% of the testing funds were set aside to help businesses. But she suggested that spending more would put businesses “ahead of people who are being hospitalized and dying in nursing homes.”Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Wednesday that the testing strategy is being driven by public health and testing experts.“I wish we could have done it earlier,” Kelly said. “Six months ago, we didn’t have the resources.”Kansas struggled to obtain supplies for weeks after the pandemic reached it in early March and initially urged testing only for people with COVID-19 symptoms, though health officials knew people could be infected but have no symptoms. Testing has increased to an average of more than 4,900 tests a day so far this month, putting Kansas is on track to test the equivalent of roughly 5% of its residents in November.“The more the testing can be made available, the more we see what’s going on therefore can respond and manage to limit the spread and know where to focus our resources,” Caughron said.As an example of the benefits of expanded testing, Liesman said aggressive screening could identify the first coronavirus case in a nursing home early, before an outbreak explodes.“If you wait until your first symptomatic individual, you may have missed infections prior to that or you may have tested almost too late,” she said.The expanded testing is likely to include not only nasal swabs, but saliva samples. Clinical Reference Laboratory won federal emergency-use authorization in July to sell a kit that allows someone to spit into a specially-prepared tube and return it to the lab, something it recently began selling online. The company has more than 700 employees and describes itself as one of the largest privately owned clinical testing labs in the U.S.<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas/articles/2020-10-28/kansas-lab-built-covid-19-test-used-by-colleges-hollywood" target="_blank">Such saliva testing</a>&nbsp;allows people, groups or businesses to collect the samples themselves, without directly involving medical personnel in collecting samples — or potentially exposing them to COVID-19. CRL already has been handling testing for universities, governments and even professional football’s Kansas City Chiefs, for their stadium suite holders.“You have to reach people at their home,” Thompson said. “You have to reach people at their place of employment.”But Liesman said the University of Kansas Health System might need weeks to ramp up testing. She said it can buy new equipment but also must hire additional people. And, she said, it might face small construction projects at the KU Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. It converted a locker room into lab space earlier this year.“I will say that I wish we had done this sooner,” Liesman said.___

Kansas aims to boost virus testing, but strategy unfinished

Pfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic -- but not until after a long, hard winter.

The action comes days after Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech announced that its vaccine appears 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease in a large, ongoing study.

The companies said that protection plus a good safety record means the vaccine should qualify for emergency use authorization, something the Food and Drug Administration can grant before the final testing is fully complete. In addition to Friday's FDA submission, they have already started “rolling” applications in Europe and the U.K. and intend to submit similar information soon.

With the coronavirus surging around the U.S. and the world, the pressure is on for regulators to make a speedy decision.

“Help is on the way,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert said on the eve of Pfizer's announcement, adding that it's too early to abandon masks and other protective measures. “We need to actually double down on the public health measures as we're waiting for that help to come.”

Friday’s filing sets off a chain of events as the FDA and its independent advisers debate if the shots are ready. If so, still another government group will have to decide how the initial limited supplies are rationed out to anxiously awaiting Americans.

How much vaccine is available and when is a moving target, but initial supplies will be scarce and rationed. About 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine may become available in December, 30 million in January and 35 million more in February and March, according to information presented to the National Academy of Medicine this week. Recipients will need two doses, three weeks apart.

Not far behind is competitor Moderna Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine. Its early data suggests the shots are as strong as Pfizer’s, and that company expects to also seek emergency authorization within weeks.

The public’s first chance to see how strong the evidence really is will come in early December at a public meeting of the FDA’s scientific advisers.

So far, what's known is based only on statements from Pfizer and BioNTech. Of 170 infections detected to date, only eight were among people who'd received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot. On the safety side, the companies cites results from 38,000 study participants who've been tracked for two months after their second dose. That's a milestone FDA set because historically, vaccine side effects don't crop up later than that.

“We’ll drill down on these data,” said FDA adviser Dr. Paul Offit of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Think of it like science on trial. A few days before the meeting, the FDA will release its own internal analysis. That sets the stage for the advisers’ daylong debate about any signs of safety concerns and how the new vaccine technology works before rendering a verdict.

They’ll recommend not just whether FDA should allow broader use of the vaccine generally but if so, for whom. For example, is there enough proof the vaccine works as well for older, sicker adults as for younger, healthier people?

There’s still no guarantee. “We don’t know what that vote’s going to be,” said former FDA vaccine chief Norman Baylor.

EMERGENCY USE ISN’T THE SAME AS FULL APPROVAL

If there's an emergency green light, “that vaccine is still deemed investigational. It’s not approved yet,” Dr. Marion Gruber, chief of FDA’s vaccine office, told the National Academy of Medicine this week.

That means anyone offered an emergency vaccination must get a “fact sheet” describing potential benefits and risks before going through with the shot, she said.

There will be a lot of unknowns. For example, the 95% protection rate is based on people who developed symptoms and then were tested for the virus. Can the vaccinated get infected but have no symptoms, able to spread the virus? How long does protection last?

That’s why the 44,000-person study needs to keep running -- something difficult considering ethically, participants given dummy shots at some point must be offered real vaccine, complicating the search for answers.

And at least for now, pregnant women won't qualify because they weren't studied. Pfizer only recently began testing the vaccine in children as young as 12.

A decision on Pfizer's vaccine won't affect other COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the pipeline, which will be judged separately.

Brewing vaccine is more complex than typical drug manufacturing, yet the millionth dose to roll out of Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory must be the same purity and potency as every dose before and after.

That means the FDA decision isn’t just based on study data, but on its determination that the vaccine is being made correctly.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine -- and Moderna's shots -- are made with brand-new technology. They don’t contain the actual coronavirus. Instead, they’re made with a piece of genetic code for the “spike” protein that studs the virus.

That messenger RNA, or mRNA, instructs the body to make some harmless spike protein, training immune cells to recognize it if the real virus eventually comes along.

Another government group -- advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- decides who is first in line for scarce doses. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said he hopes that decision can be made at the same time as FDA’s.

The Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed has worked with states to line up how many doses they’d need to cover the populations offered vaccine first.

Pfizer will ship those supplies as ordered by the states -- only after FDA gives the OK.

Company projections of how much it will ship each month are just predictions, Baylor warned.

“It’s not like a pizza,” he said. Manufacturing is so complex that “you don’t necessarily end up with what you thought.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>BY LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical WriterPfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic -- but not until after a long, hard winter.The action comes days after Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech announced that its vaccine appears 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease in a large, ongoing study.The companies said that protection plus a good safety record means the vaccine should qualify for emergency use authorization, something the Food and Drug Administration can grant before the final testing is fully complete. In addition to Friday's FDA submission, they have already started “rolling” applications in Europe and the U.K. and intend to submit similar information soon.With the coronavirus surging around the U.S. and the world, the pressure is on for regulators to make a speedy decision.“Help is on the way,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert said on the eve of Pfizer's announcement, adding that it's too early to abandon masks and other protective measures. “We need to actually double down on the public health measures as we're waiting for that help to come.”Friday’s filing sets off a chain of events as the FDA and its independent advisers debate if the shots are ready. If so, still another government group will have to decide how the initial limited supplies are rationed out to anxiously awaiting Americans.How much vaccine is available and when is a moving target, but initial supplies will be scarce and rationed. About 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine may become available in December, 30 million in January and 35 million more in February and March, according to information presented to the National Academy of Medicine this week. Recipients will need two doses, three weeks apart.Not far behind is competitor Moderna Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine. Its early data suggests the shots are as strong as Pfizer’s, and that company expects to also seek emergency authorization within weeks.Here’s what happens next:MAKING THE DATA PUBLICThe public’s first chance to see how strong the evidence really is will come in early December at a public meeting of the FDA’s scientific advisers.So far, what's known is based only on statements from Pfizer and BioNTech. Of 170 infections detected to date, only eight were among people who'd received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot. On the safety side, the companies cites results from 38,000 study participants who've been tracked for two months after their second dose. That's a milestone FDA set because historically, vaccine side effects don't crop up later than that.“We’ll drill down on these data,” said FDA adviser Dr. Paul Offit of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Think of it like science on trial. A few days before the meeting, the FDA will release its own internal analysis. That sets the stage for the advisers’ daylong debate about any signs of safety concerns and how the new vaccine technology works before rendering a verdict.They’ll recommend not just whether FDA should allow broader use of the vaccine generally but if so, for whom. For example, is there enough proof the vaccine works as well for older, sicker adults as for younger, healthier people?There’s still no guarantee. “We don’t know what that vote’s going to be,” said former FDA vaccine chief Norman Baylor.EMERGENCY USE ISN’T THE SAME AS FULL APPROVALIf there's an emergency green light, “that vaccine is still deemed investigational. It’s not approved yet,” Dr. Marion Gruber, chief of FDA’s vaccine office, told the National Academy of Medicine this week.That means anyone offered an emergency vaccination must get a “fact sheet” describing potential benefits and risks before going through with the shot, she said.There will be a lot of unknowns. For example, the 95% protection rate is based on people who developed symptoms and then were tested for the virus. Can the vaccinated get infected but have no symptoms, able to spread the virus? How long does protection last?That’s why the 44,000-person study needs to keep running -- something difficult considering ethically, participants given dummy shots at some point must be offered real vaccine, complicating the search for answers.And at least for now, pregnant women won't qualify because they weren't studied. Pfizer only recently began testing the vaccine in children as young as 12.A decision on Pfizer's vaccine won't affect other COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the pipeline, which will be judged separately.MANUFACTURINGBrewing vaccine is more complex than typical drug manufacturing, yet the millionth dose to roll out of Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory must be the same purity and potency as every dose before and after.That means the FDA decision isn’t just based on study data, but on its determination that the vaccine is being made correctly.The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine -- and Moderna's shots -- are made with brand-new technology. They don’t contain the actual coronavirus. Instead, they’re made with a piece of genetic code for the “spike” protein that studs the virus.That messenger RNA, or mRNA, instructs the body to make some harmless spike protein, training immune cells to recognize it if the real virus eventually comes along.GETTING INTO PEOPLE’S ARMSAnother government group -- advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- decides who is first in line for scarce doses. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said he hopes that decision can be made at the same time as FDA’s.The Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed has worked with states to line up how many doses they’d need to cover the populations offered vaccine first.Pfizer will ship those supplies as ordered by the states -- only after FDA gives the OK.Company projections of how much it will ship each month are just predictions, Baylor warned.“It’s not like a pizza,” he said. Manufacturing is so complex that “you don’t necessarily end up with what you thought.”___

Pfizer seeking emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in US

St.
Joseph health officials report three additional coronavirus deaths in Buchanan
County, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 64.

Health
officials say one of the deaths, a man in his 70’s, had no known underlying health
condition. The other two, a woman in her 60’s and a woman in her 70’s, both had
underlying health conditions.

Buchanan
County also recorded 75 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the
total since the pandemic began to 5,325.

Andrew
County also reported an additional death, bringing its total to 13. Andrew
County also reported a surge in new cases, bringing its total to 993.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 363 cases.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 89 COVID-19 patients in its system; 80 in St. Joseph, six in
Maryville, and three in Albany.

Mosaic
has tested 48,686 area residents with 5,224 testing
positive.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report three additional coronavirus deaths in Buchanan
County, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 64.Health
officials say one of the deaths, a man in his 70’s, had no known underlying health
condition. The other two, a woman in her 60’s and a woman in her 70’s, both had
underlying health conditions.Buchanan
County also recorded 75 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the
total since the pandemic began to 5,325.Andrew
County also reported an additional death, bringing its total to 13. Andrew
County also reported a surge in new cases, bringing its total to 993.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 363 cases.Mosaic
Life Care reports 89 COVID-19 patients in its system; 80 in St. Joseph, six in
Maryville, and three in Albany.Mosaic
has tested 48,686 area residents with 5,224 testing
positive.

Buchanan CO records 3 additional deaths; 75 new COVID-19 cases

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly issued a new mask mandate Wednesday in hopes of lessening the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas after the state again reported another record seven-day increase in new cases.

(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)

State law still allows Kansas’ 105 counties to opt out of such an order from the Democratic governor, and most did when Kelly issued a similar order in July. But the state’s rolling seven-day average for new coronavirus cases is now more than nine times higher than it was than when her first order took effect.

Kelly’s order takes effect Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and only in counties that don’t yet have their own mask mandates, though that’s still a majority of them. Kelly said she was giving counties without mandates a week to draft their own alternatives. Her order requires people to wear a “face covering” in indoor public spaces and in public spaces outdoors where social distancing is not possible.

The governor’s Statehouse news conference Wednesday afternoon came only hours after state health department data showed that Kansas averaged 2,767 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. That’s slightly above the previous record of 2,741 for the seven days ending Monday. When Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">first mask order</a>&nbsp;took effect July 2, it was 289.

“We have reached a new stage in our fight with this virus, and how we choose to respond can turn the tide for our businesses, our hospitals and our schools,” Kelly said.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added 5,853 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Monday, increasing 4.8% it to 128,594. The state reported 60 new COVID-19-related deaths over two days, making the total 1,326.

The state averaged a record 44 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, up from the previous high of 41. The state health department reported 130 additional hospitalizations since Monday, bringing the pandemic total to 4,561.

The surge in cases is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">straining hospitals.</a>

In northeast Kansas, Lawrence Memorial Hospital transformed an ultrasound area last week into a five bed critical care unit, with non-infected patients moving in this week to free up room for coronavirus patients elsewhere in the hospital. A conference room and auditorium later could be transformed into patient care areas, said spokeswoman Rebecca Smith.

Dave Garnas, the administrator of the Cloud County Health Center in north-central Kansas, said patients who need care elsewhere are being sent as far away as the Kansas City area, about 170 miles (274 kilometers) away, or Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) away.

“And the process of finding a bed can sometimes take hours,” he said.

Perry Desbien, a nurse practitioner who works full-time in Smith Center in north-central Kansas, and part-time with a company that provides emergency staffing, said smaller hospitals need to transfer coronavirus patients as they get sicker and he has had to call six or seven other hospitals.

“The problem with this is by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point and now time is an urgent issue,” he said.

In northwest Kansas, Ben Kimball, a physician assistant, filled in recently at Decatur County’s small hospital and spent two hours trying to find a larger hospital that could care for a sick non-coronavirus patient who finally was flown to Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the west.

“If we find ourselves in a position where a lot of our regional hospitals are full, we could definitely be having a lot of trouble treating some of these patients that end up sicker,” he said.

Top Republican legislators have long clashed with Kelly over how to address the pandemic, arguing that local officials should determine whether there are mask mandates or restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. While Kelly kept a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">statewide stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>in place for five weeks, ending in early May, the Legislature later forced her to accept local control of pandemic-related rules.

“Community leaders will still have the final say and will make their own decisions on what’s best for their constituents,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said after the governor’s news conference.

Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-kansas-virus-outbreak-topeka-archive-9436c3901c2eaaf3ae46d1763804bed9">also have extracted public promises</a>&nbsp;from Kelly not to shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring.

“Mandates and lockdowns will not eliminate the virus no matter how extreme they are,” House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another Wichita Republican, said in a statement after the governor’s announcement.

But Kelly’s mask order could be more than symbolic. It will remain in effect in places where county commissions don’t take specific action to opt out or write their own rules. At least a dozen counties have tightened up their pandemic-related rules during the past two weeks, including some heavily Republican ones where voters went for President Donald Trump by wide margins in the presidential election.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly issued a new mask mandate Wednesday in hopes of lessening the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas after the state again reported another record seven-day increase in new cases.(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F854182115434980%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>State law still allows Kansas’ 105 counties to opt out of such an order from the Democratic governor, and most did when Kelly issued a similar order in July. But the state’s rolling seven-day average for new coronavirus cases is now more than nine times higher than it was than when her first order took effect.Kelly’s order takes effect Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, and only in counties that don’t yet have their own mask mandates, though that’s still a majority of them. Kelly said she was giving counties without mandates a week to draft their own alternatives. Her order requires people to wear a “face covering” in indoor public spaces and in public spaces outdoors where social distancing is not possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor’s Statehouse news conference Wednesday afternoon came only hours after state health department data showed that Kansas averaged 2,767 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. That’s slightly above the previous record of 2,741 for the seven days ending Monday. When Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">first mask order</a>&nbsp;took effect July 2, it was 289.“We have reached a new stage in our fight with this virus, and how we choose to respond can turn the tide for our businesses, our hospitals and our schools,” Kelly said.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added 5,853 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Monday, increasing 4.8% it to 128,594. The state reported 60 new COVID-19-related deaths over two days, making the total 1,326.The state averaged a record 44 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, up from the previous high of 41. The state health department reported 130 additional hospitalizations since Monday, bringing the pandemic total to 4,561.The surge in cases is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-e04e85728482b5e8bc60dfd54f7fded5">straining hospitals.</a>In northeast Kansas, Lawrence Memorial Hospital transformed an ultrasound area last week into a five bed critical care unit, with non-infected patients moving in this week to free up room for coronavirus patients elsewhere in the hospital. A conference room and auditorium later could be transformed into patient care areas, said spokeswoman Rebecca Smith.Dave Garnas, the administrator of the Cloud County Health Center in north-central Kansas, said patients who need care elsewhere are being sent as far away as the Kansas City area, about 170 miles (274 kilometers) away, or Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) away.“And the process of finding a bed can sometimes take hours,” he said.Perry Desbien, a nurse practitioner who works full-time in Smith Center in north-central Kansas, and part-time with a company that provides emergency staffing, said smaller hospitals need to transfer coronavirus patients as they get sicker and he has had to call six or seven other hospitals.“The problem with this is by the time you transfer these patients out they already are very ill at that point and now time is an urgent issue,” he said.In northwest Kansas, Ben Kimball, a physician assistant, filled in recently at Decatur County’s small hospital and spent two hours trying to find a larger hospital that could care for a sick non-coronavirus patient who finally was flown to Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the west.“If we find ourselves in a position where a lot of our regional hospitals are full, we could definitely be having a lot of trouble treating some of these patients that end up sicker,” he said.Top Republican legislators have long clashed with Kelly over how to address the pandemic, arguing that local officials should determine whether there are mask mandates or restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. While Kelly kept a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">statewide stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>in place for five weeks, ending in early May, the Legislature later forced her to accept local control of pandemic-related rules.“Community leaders will still have the final say and will make their own decisions on what’s best for their constituents,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said after the governor’s news conference.Republican leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-kansas-virus-outbreak-topeka-archive-9436c3901c2eaaf3ae46d1763804bed9">also have extracted public promises</a>&nbsp;from Kelly not to shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring.“Mandates and lockdowns will not eliminate the virus no matter how extreme they are,” House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another Wichita Republican, said in a statement after the governor’s announcement.But Kelly’s mask order could be more than symbolic. It will remain in effect in places where county commissions don’t take specific action to opt out or write their own rules. At least a dozen counties have tightened up their pandemic-related rules during the past two weeks, including some heavily Republican ones where voters went for President Donald Trump by wide margins in the presidential election.___

🎥  Kan. counties have until Nov. 25 to act on new mask mandate

TOPEKA— Gov. Laura Kelly announced new measures designed to control the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas as the state experiences its biggest surge in new cases of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and&nbsp;an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas’ economy.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”

E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”

Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf">Click here to view E.O. #20-68&nbsp;</a>

In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.

This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.

Wednesday's announcement came as public health officials warn that the state’s residents need to be more vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding gatherings. The Democratic governor has promised publicly that she won’t shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring. The Republican-controlled Legislature also forced her in June to accept local control over pandemic restrictions.

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60

TOPEKA— Gov. Laura Kelly announced new measures designed to control the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas as the state experiences its biggest surge in new cases of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Due to technical issue in Topeka, the first moments of the broadcast had no audio)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F854182115434980%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and&nbsp;an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas’ economy.“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf">Click here to view E.O. #20-68&nbsp;</a>In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.Wednesday's announcement came as public health officials warn that the state’s residents need to be more vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding gatherings. The Democratic governor has promised publicly that she won’t shut down businesses statewide again, as she did for five weeks in the spring. The Republican-controlled Legislature also forced her in June to accept local control over pandemic restrictions.&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. issues new statewide mask mandate 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,853 to a total of 128,594 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,326, an increase of 60<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605725430339.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

St.
Joseph health officials report three additional coronavirus-related deaths and
102 new COVID-19 cases while hospitalizations have gone back up.

Health
officials say a man in his 40’s, a woman in her 60’s, and a woman in her 70’s,
all with underlying health conditions, have died from COVID-19.

Buchanan
County now reports a total of 5,250 cases, resulting in 61 deaths.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 92 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in its system as of
Wednesday morning; 80 in St. Joseph, eight in Maryville, and four in Albany.

Mosaic
has now tested 48,266 area residents with 5,109 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 701 tests.

Andrew
County reports 877 total cases with 12 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 344 total cases.

Missouri
health officials report 248,886, resulting in
3,453 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 122,741 total cases and 1,266
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report three additional coronavirus-related deaths and
102 new COVID-19 cases while hospitalizations have gone back up.Health
officials say a man in his 40’s, a woman in her 60’s, and a woman in her 70’s,
all with underlying health conditions, have died from COVID-19.Buchanan
County now reports a total of 5,250 cases, resulting in 61 deaths.Mosaic
Life Care reports 92 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in its system as of
Wednesday morning; 80 in St. Joseph, eight in Maryville, and four in Albany.Mosaic
has now tested 48,266 area residents with 5,109 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 701 tests.Andrew
County reports 877 total cases with 12 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 344 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 248,886, resulting in
3,453 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 122,741 total cases and 1,266
deaths.

Health officials report more COVID-19 deaths; 102 new cases

Though coronavirus numbers are up, Buchanan County Presiding
Commissioner Lee Sawyer sees some optimism developing in the fight against COVID-19.

Sawyer points out though the number of new cases and
hospitalizations have risen of late, efforts to develop a vaccine seem to be
bearing fruit.

“I think there’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic,” Sawyer
says. “It’s not been a fun time to sacrifice some of the things that you’d like
to do and would want to do, but I do think that there’s some real reason to be
optimistic looking forward. But it doesn’t necessarily help right now.”

St. Joseph health officials reported on Tuesday three
additional coronavirus-related deaths as well as 102 new cases of COVID-19. On
Monday, Buchanan County reported four deaths and 133 new cases. The county now
has totaled 5,250 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, resulting in 61
deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reported 95 COVID-19 patients in its system
as of Tuesday morning; 82 in St. Joseph, nine in Maryville, and four in Albany.

Sawyer cautions residents to continue wearing masks, keeping
six feet of distance with others, and washing hands frequently and thoroughly.

Federal money forwarded Buchanan County by the state to fight
COVID-19 has largely been spent, according to Sawyer. Buchanan County received
$10.2 million in federal funds, an allocation based on county population.

Sawyer says the County Commission has worked hard to make the
money count.

“We have distributed over 300 of the small business grants,
which were the $5,000 small business grant. We have gotten some really good
feedback from some folks on that, that that really made a difference in keeping
them going. I don’t know if that will be enough of a help for everybody, but we
certainly hope so and that was the design,” Sawyer says.

School districts in the county have been reimbursed for some
of the money spent to prepare school buildings for in-class teaching. Money
also has been used for additional testing to determine the spread of the
coronavirus in the county.

“So, we’re not completely at zero, but we’re pretty close,”
according to Sawyer. “If you look at what we’ve allocated that we said we would
reimburse, we’re really close to using it all. We just have a little bit left.”

Sawyer says the county faces a December 30th
deadline to spend the money.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThough coronavirus numbers are up, Buchanan County Presiding
Commissioner Lee Sawyer sees some optimism developing in the fight against COVID-19.Sawyer points out though the number of new cases and
hospitalizations have risen of late, efforts to develop a vaccine seem to be
bearing fruit.“I think there’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic,” Sawyer
says. “It’s not been a fun time to sacrifice some of the things that you’d like
to do and would want to do, but I do think that there’s some real reason to be
optimistic looking forward. But it doesn’t necessarily help right now.”St. Joseph health officials reported on Tuesday three
additional coronavirus-related deaths as well as 102 new cases of COVID-19. On
Monday, Buchanan County reported four deaths and 133 new cases. The county now
has totaled 5,250 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, resulting in 61
deaths.Mosaic Life Care reported 95 COVID-19 patients in its system
as of Tuesday morning; 82 in St. Joseph, nine in Maryville, and four in Albany.Sawyer cautions residents to continue wearing masks, keeping
six feet of distance with others, and washing hands frequently and thoroughly.Federal money forwarded Buchanan County by the state to fight
COVID-19 has largely been spent, according to Sawyer. Buchanan County received
$10.2 million in federal funds, an allocation based on county population.Sawyer says the County Commission has worked hard to make the
money count.“We have distributed over 300 of the small business grants,
which were the $5,000 small business grant. We have gotten some really good
feedback from some folks on that, that that really made a difference in keeping
them going. I don’t know if that will be enough of a help for everybody, but we
certainly hope so and that was the design,” Sawyer says.School districts in the county have been reimbursed for some
of the money spent to prepare school buildings for in-class teaching. Money
also has been used for additional testing to determine the spread of the
coronavirus in the county.“So, we’re not completely at zero, but we’re pretty close,”
according to Sawyer. “If you look at what we’ve allocated that we said we would
reimburse, we’re really close to using it all. We just have a little bit left.”Sawyer says the county faces a December 30th
deadline to spend the money.

Presiding Commissioner sees some glimmer of hope in COVID-19 fight

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">performed entirely at home</a> and delivers results in 30 minutes.

The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use.

The FDA granted emergency authorization to the single-use <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">test kit from Lucira Health</a>, a California manufacturer.

The company’s test allows users to swab themselves to collect a nasal sample. The sample is then swirled in a vial of laboratory solution that plugs into a portable device. Results are displayed as lights labeled positive or negative.

To date, the FDA has authorized nearly 300 tests for coronavirus. The vast majority require a nasal swab performed by a health professional and must be processed at laboratories using high-tech equipment. A handful of tests allow people to collect their own sample at home — a nasal swab or saliva — that’s then shipped to a lab, which usually means waiting days for results.

Health experts have called for options to allow people to test themselves at home, reducing turnaround times and the potential spread of the virus to others, including health care workers. Rapid test results are critical to quickly quarantining those who are infected and tracing their contacts. But for months, U.S. testing has been plagued by slow results due to bottlenecks as testing laboratories. There are other rapid tests but most require a small, special machine operated by a health professional to develop results

“Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to protect themselves and those around them,” Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s devices center, said in a statement.

Lucira did not immediately respond to a request for additional details after business hours Tuesday.

The Lucira COVID-19 test grew out of research the company was doing to develop an at-home flu test, according to the company’s website. Lucira adapted its technology to detect COVID-19 after the outbreak.

The test uses technology similar to genetic laboratory-based tests that are the standard tool for COVID-19 screening. That’s different than most rapid tests currently used in the U.S., which look for viral proteins called antigens — not the virus itself.

Anyone that tests positive should isolate and seek care from a health professional, the FDA said in its release. Those who test negative but still have coronavirus symptoms should consult a doctor; a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 infection.

The FDA said Lucira’s test was also authorized for use in doctor’s offices and testing sites. Currently all U.S. testing sites must report results to state and federal health authorities tracking the pandemic. Doctors will be required to report the home test results.

“If the results are not reported back, it may be difficult to figure out what is happening in the community at large,” said Dr. Alberto Gutierrez, former head of the FDA’s testing office, in an interview before the announcement.

More than two dozen companies have been racing for months to develop the first, rapid home-based test for COVID-19. However, the FDA outlined a number of study requirements for manufacturers.

These hurdles have less to do with COVID-19 specifically, and more to do with decades-long concerns about whether people without any medical training can accurately screen themselves and interpret the results.

The FDA has only ever approved one home test for an infectious disease — an HIV test. And even commonplace over-the-counter tests— such as home pregnancy kits — were subject to years of scrutiny before FDA allowed their use in the 1970s.

Experts say that careful approach is warranted for coronavirus.

“I think increased testing closer to patients, including in the home, is the way of the future,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic, in an interview before the announcement was made. “But there are considerations that have to be addressed to make sure that this is done in a safe and effective way.”

FDA regulators authorized the new test using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental products during public health crises. In normal times, the FDA requires evidence of safety and effectiveness before clearing a new test. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards.

The FDA release did not disclose the test’s accuracy or the study results that regulators used to make the decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605699600232.png" alt="photo courtesy Lucira Health" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Lucira Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">performed entirely at home</a> and delivers results in 30 minutes.The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use.The FDA granted emergency authorization to the single-use <a href="https://www.lucirahealth.com/">test kit from Lucira Health</a>, a California manufacturer.The company’s test allows users to swab themselves to collect a nasal sample. The sample is then swirled in a vial of laboratory solution that plugs into a portable device. Results are displayed as lights labeled positive or negative.To date, the FDA has authorized nearly 300 tests for coronavirus. The vast majority require a nasal swab performed by a health professional and must be processed at laboratories using high-tech equipment. A handful of tests allow people to collect their own sample at home — a nasal swab or saliva — that’s then shipped to a lab, which usually means waiting days for results.Health experts have called for options to allow people to test themselves at home, reducing turnaround times and the potential spread of the virus to others, including health care workers. Rapid test results are critical to quickly quarantining those who are infected and tracing their contacts. But for months, U.S. testing has been plagued by slow results due to bottlenecks as testing laboratories. There are other rapid tests but most require a small, special machine operated by a health professional to develop results“Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to protect themselves and those around them,” Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s devices center, said in a statement.Lucira did not immediately respond to a request for additional details after business hours Tuesday.The Lucira COVID-19 test grew out of research the company was doing to develop an at-home flu test, according to the company’s website. Lucira adapted its technology to detect COVID-19 after the outbreak.The test uses technology similar to genetic laboratory-based tests that are the standard tool for COVID-19 screening. That’s different than most rapid tests currently used in the U.S., which look for viral proteins called antigens — not the virus itself.Anyone that tests positive should isolate and seek care from a health professional, the FDA said in its release. Those who test negative but still have coronavirus symptoms should consult a doctor; a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 infection.The FDA said Lucira’s test was also authorized for use in doctor’s offices and testing sites. Currently all U.S. testing sites must report results to state and federal health authorities tracking the pandemic. Doctors will be required to report the home test results.“If the results are not reported back, it may be difficult to figure out what is happening in the community at large,” said Dr. Alberto Gutierrez, former head of the FDA’s testing office, in an interview before the announcement.More than two dozen companies have been racing for months to develop the first, rapid home-based test for COVID-19. However, the FDA outlined a number of study requirements for manufacturers.These hurdles have less to do with COVID-19 specifically, and more to do with decades-long concerns about whether people without any medical training can accurately screen themselves and interpret the results.The FDA has only ever approved one home test for an infectious disease — an HIV test. And even commonplace over-the-counter tests— such as home pregnancy kits — were subject to years of scrutiny before FDA allowed their use in the 1970s.Experts say that careful approach is warranted for coronavirus.“I think increased testing closer to patients, including in the home, is the way of the future,” said Dr. Robin Patel of the Mayo Clinic, in an interview before the announcement was made. “But there are considerations that have to be addressed to make sure that this is done in a safe and effective way.”FDA regulators authorized the new test using their emergency powers to quickly speed the availability of experimental products during public health crises. In normal times, the FDA requires evidence of safety and effectiveness before clearing a new test. But during public health emergencies the agency can lower those standards.The FDA release did not disclose the test’s accuracy or the study results that regulators used to make the decision.___

FDA allows 1st rapid virus test that gives results at home

St. Joseph health officials report four additional coronavirus-related
deaths as well as a continued surge in new COVID-19 cases. Hospitalizations are
up, too.

Officials say two women in their 50’s, a woman in her 80’s,
and a man in his 80’s all with underlying health conditions died from COVID-19.

Buchanan County also recorded 133 new COVID-19 cases on Monday
to go with 38 on Saturday and 46 on Sunday, bringing the county total since the
pandemic began to 5,148.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 82 COVID-19 patients
at its St. Joseph hospital as of Tuesday morning, up from 74. Nine patients are
now being treated in Maryville, up from three. Four patients are now being treated
in Albany, up one from the day before.

Mosaic has now tested 47,866 area residents with 5,020 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 635 tests.

Andrew County reports 877 total cases, resulting in 12 deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 344 cases.

Missouri health officials report 243,169 total
cases, resulting in 3,386 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 122,741 cases and
1,266 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report four additional coronavirus-related
deaths as well as a continued surge in new COVID-19 cases. Hospitalizations are
up, too.Officials say two women in their 50’s, a woman in her 80’s,
and a man in his 80’s all with underlying health conditions died from COVID-19.Buchanan County also recorded 133 new COVID-19 cases on Monday
to go with 38 on Saturday and 46 on Sunday, bringing the county total since the
pandemic began to 5,148.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 82 COVID-19 patients
at its St. Joseph hospital as of Tuesday morning, up from 74. Nine patients are
now being treated in Maryville, up from three. Four patients are now being treated
in Albany, up one from the day before.Mosaic has now tested 47,866 area residents with 5,020 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 635 tests.Andrew County reports 877 total cases, resulting in 12 deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 344 cases.Missouri health officials report 243,169 total
cases, resulting in 3,386 deaths.Kansas health officials report 122,741 cases and
1,266 deaths.

St. Joseph health officials report 4 COVID-19 deaths; hospitalizations up

Area health officials worry fatigue has set in in the fight
against COVID-19.

The number of new cases and hospitalizations lately have risen
to numbers not seen even in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrew County Health Department Nurse Manager Jayne White sees
the fatigue settling in throughout northwest Missouri.

“We’re all tired of this, believe us, we are as well, but now’s
not the time to give up or act like it’s just going to go away on its own,
because it’s not,” White tells St. Joseph Post. “We have to do these things to
decrease the spread and try to prevent the situation from getting any worse
than it already is.”

Andrew County reports new cases have jumped dramatically. In August,
the county counted a little more than two cases a day. Now, the county has seen
nearly 13 ½ cases daily. Andrew County has recorded 877 cases since the pandemic
began, resulting in 12 deaths.

White says now is the time for all area residents to redouble their
efforts.

“When you’re running a marathon, when you get tired you have
to power through that and that’s kind of where we’re at right now,” according
to White. “We need to as a community power through and do the right thing and
probably now so more than ever.”

White says residents need to wear masks, maintain social
distance, and wash hands thoroughly and frequently.

Andrew County Health Administrator Andrew Hoffman says wearing
a mask is important.

“Masks do work. They’ve been using them in hospital settings
for decades. That’s pretty clear evidence that masks work,” Hoffman tells St.
Joseph Post. “That’s why they wear them in hospital settings and other health
care settings.”

White says small communities are known for rallying together.

“Now’s the time that we need (for) everybody to rally together
and put your differences aside and do the right thing, which is wear a mask if
you’re going to be out in public. Even if you think you’re not going to come in
contact with people, put your mask on and do the right thing.” 

And, now is not the time to tough it out.

“And the biggest thing that people can do is please, please,
please, if you’re sick, stay home.”

The Andrew County Health Department is now under emergency
operations due to the big jump in coronavirus cases. WIC services will continue
by phone or curbside. Other services are suspended until further notice. Doors
are closed as the Andrew County Health Department to concentrate on the
response to COVID-19.

Buchanan County reported 79 new cases on Friday, bringing its
total to 4,931.

Mosaic Life Care reported 74 COVID-19 patients at its St.
Joseph hospital Monday morning, six in Maryville, and three in Albany.

Mosaic has testing more than 47,000 area residents with 4,920
testing positive.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostArea health officials worry fatigue has set in in the fight
against COVID-19.The number of new cases and hospitalizations lately have risen
to numbers not seen even in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.Andrew County Health Department Nurse Manager Jayne White sees
the fatigue settling in throughout northwest Missouri.“We’re all tired of this, believe us, we are as well, but now’s
not the time to give up or act like it’s just going to go away on its own,
because it’s not,” White tells St. Joseph Post. “We have to do these things to
decrease the spread and try to prevent the situation from getting any worse
than it already is.”Andrew County reports new cases have jumped dramatically. In August,
the county counted a little more than two cases a day. Now, the county has seen
nearly 13 ½ cases daily. Andrew County has recorded 877 cases since the pandemic
began, resulting in 12 deaths.White says now is the time for all area residents to redouble their
efforts.“When you’re running a marathon, when you get tired you have
to power through that and that’s kind of where we’re at right now,” according
to White. “We need to as a community power through and do the right thing and
probably now so more than ever.”White says residents need to wear masks, maintain social
distance, and wash hands thoroughly and frequently.Andrew County Health Administrator Andrew Hoffman says wearing
a mask is important.“Masks do work. They’ve been using them in hospital settings
for decades. That’s pretty clear evidence that masks work,” Hoffman tells St.
Joseph Post. “That’s why they wear them in hospital settings and other health
care settings.”White says small communities are known for rallying together.“Now’s the time that we need (for) everybody to rally together
and put your differences aside and do the right thing, which is wear a mask if
you’re going to be out in public. Even if you think you’re not going to come in
contact with people, put your mask on and do the right thing.” And, now is not the time to tough it out.“And the biggest thing that people can do is please, please,
please, if you’re sick, stay home.”The Andrew County Health Department is now under emergency
operations due to the big jump in coronavirus cases. WIC services will continue
by phone or curbside. Other services are suspended until further notice. Doors
are closed as the Andrew County Health Department to concentrate on the
response to COVID-19.Buchanan County reported 79 new cases on Friday, bringing its
total to 4,931.Mosaic Life Care reported 74 COVID-19 patients at its St.
Joseph hospital Monday morning, six in Maryville, and three in Albany.Mosaic has testing more than 47,000 area residents with 4,920
testing positive.

Area health officials worry about COVID-19 fatigue

St.
Joseph health officials report 71 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and one
additional death.

Officials
say a man in his 60’s with underlying health conditions died of COVID-19, bringing
the Buchanan County death toll since the pandemic began to 54.

Buchanan
County also recorded 122 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. Buchanan County
has had a total of 4,852 cases.

Mosaic
Life Care reports an easing of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Mosaic reports 75 coronavirus
patients as of Thursday morning in the St. Joseph hospital with two in
Maryville and one in Albany. Mosaic reported 82 coronavirus patients at St.
Joseph at its peak.

Mosaic
has now tested 46,523 area residents with 4,766 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results on 438 tests.

Andrew
County reports eight new cases and 114 new cases in the past week, bringing the
county total to 877.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 287 cases.

Missouri
health officials report 225,371 total cases and 3,339 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report a total of 109,225 cases with 1,215
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 71 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and one
additional death.Officials
say a man in his 60’s with underlying health conditions died of COVID-19, bringing
the Buchanan County death toll since the pandemic began to 54.Buchanan
County also recorded 122 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. Buchanan County
has had a total of 4,852 cases.Mosaic
Life Care reports an easing of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Mosaic reports 75 coronavirus
patients as of Thursday morning in the St. Joseph hospital with two in
Maryville and one in Albany. Mosaic reported 82 coronavirus patients at St.
Joseph at its peak.Mosaic
has now tested 46,523 area residents with 4,766 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results on 438 tests.Andrew
County reports eight new cases and 114 new cases in the past week, bringing the
county total to 877.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 287 cases.Missouri
health officials report 225,371 total cases and 3,339 deaths.Kansas
health officials report a total of 109,225 cases with 1,215
deaths.

Buchanan County records 71 new  COVID-19 cases, one death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.

The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

Coronavirus Update