COVID-19
antibody testing of Buchanan County residents wraps up at the end of next week
with results so far indicating very low numbers of residents with the
coronavirus.

More
than 1,300 residents have been tested by Mosaic Life Care so far. Results from
about 1,200 have returned with only 33 testing positive, six of whom tested
positive from a previous nasal swab.

Buchanan
County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the commission provided funding
for the testing in an effort to get a handle on the reach of COVID-19 locally.

“We’ve
heard really good things about the efficiency of this antibody testing,” Sawyer
says. “I’ve talked to a number of people that have had the test and said that
it went really smoothly.”

Sawyer
says the antibody testing should give health officials a good indication of the
spread of the coronavirus locally.

“I
think it’s a great opportunity,” Sawyer says. “The medical professionals at
Mosaic had felt like this would be a really good look at where we stand as a
community.”

Mosaic
Life Care is conducting the tests which continue through the end of next week. Testing ends on the 28th.

The
Buchanan County Commission is paying for the testing from federal funds
allocated the county. There have been some cancellations, opening slots for
county residents wanting to be tested.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCOVID-19
antibody testing of Buchanan County residents wraps up at the end of next week
with results so far indicating very low numbers of residents with the
coronavirus.More
than 1,300 residents have been tested by Mosaic Life Care so far. Results from
about 1,200 have returned with only 33 testing positive, six of whom tested
positive from a previous nasal swab.Buchanan
County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the commission provided funding
for the testing in an effort to get a handle on the reach of COVID-19 locally.“We’ve
heard really good things about the efficiency of this antibody testing,” Sawyer
says. “I’ve talked to a number of people that have had the test and said that
it went really smoothly.”Sawyer
says the antibody testing should give health officials a good indication of the
spread of the coronavirus locally.“I
think it’s a great opportunity,” Sawyer says. “The medical professionals at
Mosaic had felt like this would be a really good look at where we stand as a
community.”Mosaic
Life Care is conducting the tests which continue through the end of next week. Testing ends on the 28th.The
Buchanan County Commission is paying for the testing from federal funds
allocated the county. There have been some cancellations, opening slots for
county residents wanting to be tested.

Antibody testing indicates low COVID-19 rate in Buchanan County

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas death toll from the coronavirus pandemic rose to 411 on Wednesday as public health officials reported six more deaths.

The state Department of Health and Environment also reported on its website that Kansas had another 723 confirmed and probable cases since Monday, an increase of 2%, for a total of 35,890.

The actual number of cases is thought to be far higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of a lack of testing, particularly early in the pandemic.

Kansas has had 441 coronavirus clusters since the pandemic began, with 209 deaths at long-term care facilities, the health department said. Clusters at meatpacking plants accounted for 19 deaths and religious gatherings accounted for 12 deaths.

Health officials reported five clusters at Kansas colleges and universities associated with 57 coronavirus cases, with no hospitalizations or deaths associated with them.

Daycare facilities and schools were associated with 16 clusters associated with 78 cases, including one which required hospitalization.

Shawnee Mission, among the state’s largest school districts, plans to start classes online and suspend sports. But a neighboring school district is holding off on making a call as some parents urge them to reopen.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas death toll from the coronavirus pandemic rose to 411 on Wednesday as public health officials reported six more deaths.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F2680082192274634%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The state Department of Health and Environment also reported on its website that Kansas had another 723 confirmed and probable cases since Monday, an increase of 2%, for a total of 35,890.The actual number of cases is thought to be far higher because people can be infected without feeling ill and because of a lack of testing, particularly early in the pandemic.Kansas has had 441 coronavirus clusters since the pandemic began, with 209 deaths at long-term care facilities, the health department said. Clusters at meatpacking plants accounted for 19 deaths and religious gatherings accounted for 12 deaths.Health officials reported five clusters at Kansas colleges and universities associated with 57 coronavirus cases, with no hospitalizations or deaths associated with them.Daycare facilities and schools were associated with 16 clusters associated with 78 cases, including one which required hospitalization.Shawnee Mission, among the state’s largest school districts, plans to start classes online and suspend sports. But a neighboring school district is holding off on making a call as some parents urge them to reopen.--------

🎥  Pandemic death toll rises with 6 new deaths in Kansas

Buchanan County has federal funds remaining to help offset
losses due to the coronavirus pandemic or help aid in the fight against
COVID-19.

The state forwarded $10.2 million in federal funds allocated
by Congress to Buchanan County.

Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says he has been
speaking on a regular basis with the state Treasurer’s office about the
guidelines on how the money could be spent.

“It was really unique in that initially we got the money with
very little guidelines, but they felt like they were pretty tight guidelines,”
Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And as time went on, they
started looking at things and we started getting more interpretation as more
questions were asked and as more answers were put together.”

Buchanan County has allocated $6.2 million with four million
remaining.

The county provided about 275 local businesses with $5,000
dollar grants to help get through the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Money has been set aside for the school districts within the county, including
the St. Joseph public school district, as they prepare for the opening of
school. The Social Welfare Board has requested funds. Money likely will go to
fire departments in the county as well as parks departments. Sawyer says the
Buchanan County jail needs money to provide jail cells which can be quarantined.

Sawyer says determining what qualified for the funds was a bit
tricky at first.

“We feel pretty good about where we stand now, meaning that we’ve
got a good feel for what really fits and what may be just a little bit out of
the scope.”

Sawyer admits the county faced very difficult decisions in
spending the money.

“I lost some sleep over it just because we were worried about making
sure we got it set up right, that we had a good process in place, that we were
fair, that we were utilizing the money to the best of our ability to keep
people healthy and keep people safe in the county,” Sawyer says. “So, that was
our goal.”

The state distributed the federal funds to counties based on
their population.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County has federal funds remaining to help offset
losses due to the coronavirus pandemic or help aid in the fight against
COVID-19.The state forwarded $10.2 million in federal funds allocated
by Congress to Buchanan County.Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says he has been
speaking on a regular basis with the state Treasurer’s office about the
guidelines on how the money could be spent.“It was really unique in that initially we got the money with
very little guidelines, but they felt like they were pretty tight guidelines,”
Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And as time went on, they
started looking at things and we started getting more interpretation as more
questions were asked and as more answers were put together.”Buchanan County has allocated $6.2 million with four million
remaining.The county provided about 275 local businesses with $5,000
dollar grants to help get through the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Money has been set aside for the school districts within the county, including
the St. Joseph public school district, as they prepare for the opening of
school. The Social Welfare Board has requested funds. Money likely will go to
fire departments in the county as well as parks departments. Sawyer says the
Buchanan County jail needs money to provide jail cells which can be quarantined.Sawyer says determining what qualified for the funds was a bit
tricky at first.“We feel pretty good about where we stand now, meaning that we’ve
got a good feel for what really fits and what may be just a little bit out of
the scope.”Sawyer admits the county faced very difficult decisions in
spending the money.“I lost some sleep over it just because we were worried about making
sure we got it set up right, that we had a good process in place, that we were
fair, that we were utilizing the money to the best of our ability to keep
people healthy and keep people safe in the county,” Sawyer says. “So, that was
our goal.”The state distributed the federal funds to counties based on
their population.

Buchanan County has federal COVID-19 relief money left to distribute

Buchanan County reports COVID-19 cases have hit nearly 1,200 since the coronavirus pandemic began. There are 17 COVID-19 patients
hospitalized in St. Joseph.

Buchanan County reports 1,199 total cases; 1,039 confirmed and 160
probable. The county has recorded 10 coronavirus-related deaths.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 21,927 area residents with
1,039 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 231 tests.

Andrew County reports 114 cases; 95 confirmed and 19 probable.
Andrew County has had two coronavirus-related deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 51 cases.

Missouri health officials report nearly 70,000 COVID-19
cases with 1,402 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 35,167 cases, resulting in
405 deaths since counting began.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County reports COVID-19 cases have hit nearly 1,200 since the coronavirus pandemic began. There are 17 COVID-19 patients
hospitalized in St. Joseph.Buchanan County reports 1,199 total cases; 1,039 confirmed and 160
probable. The county has recorded 10 coronavirus-related deaths.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 21,927 area residents with
1,039 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 231 tests.Andrew County reports 114 cases; 95 confirmed and 19 probable.
Andrew County has had two coronavirus-related deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 51 cases.Missouri health officials report nearly 70,000 COVID-19
cases with 1,402 deaths.Kansas health officials report 35,167 cases, resulting in
405 deaths since counting began.

COVID-19 cases in Buchanan CO approach 12-Hundred; 17 hospitalized in St. Joseph

Buchanan County now reports total coronavirus cases have
topped one thousand with Mosaic Life Care reporting 17 COVID-19 patients
hospitalized in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph health officials say there has been a total of
1,193 cases since counting began; 1,038 have been confirmed
by lab tests with 155 probable cases. Buchanan County has recorded 10 deaths.

Andrew County health officials report 114 total cases; 95
confirmed and 19 probable. Andrew County has recorded two deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas now reports a total of 51 cases.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 21,745 area residents with 1,012 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 231 tests.

The state of Missouri reports 68,623 total cases
with 1,393 deaths.

In Kansas, total COVID-19 cases have topped 35,000 at 35,167 with 405 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports total coronavirus cases have
topped one thousand with Mosaic Life Care reporting 17 COVID-19 patients
hospitalized in St. Joseph.St. Joseph health officials say there has been a total of
1,193 cases since counting began; 1,038 have been confirmed
by lab tests with 155 probable cases. Buchanan County has recorded 10 deaths.Andrew County health officials report 114 total cases; 95
confirmed and 19 probable. Andrew County has recorded two deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas now reports a total of 51 cases.Mosaic Life Care has tested 21,745 area residents with 1,012 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 231 tests.The state of Missouri reports 68,623 total cases
with 1,393 deaths.In Kansas, total COVID-19 cases have topped 35,000 at 35,167 with 405 deaths.

Buchanan County now with more than 1K COVID-19 cases; 17 hospitalized in St. Joseph

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1282 to a total of 35,167 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 405, an increase of 3.

<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 1282 to a total of 35,167 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 405, an increase of 3.<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/2020/8/1597683997667.png" alt="August 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>August 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.

The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.

But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.

That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.

“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.

Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.

President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.

It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.

Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.

No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.

Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.

“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.

It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.

The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.

“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”

A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.

“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.

It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.

In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.

“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”

But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.

The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.

“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.___

Science, politics tied up in global race for a vaccine

Buchanan County reports a total of 1,165 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report five new cases since Thursday.

Buchanan County's daily report shows 1,014 cumulative cases have been confirmed by tests with 151 listed as probable.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,822 area residents with 972 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Friday, it is treating 14 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 191 tests.

Missouri health officials report a total of&nbsp;65,270 cumulative cases, resulting in 1,332 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 33,885 cases; 402 deaths.

Buchanan County reports a total of 1,165 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report five new cases since Thursday.Buchanan County's daily report shows 1,014 cumulative cases have been confirmed by tests with 151 listed as probable.Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,822 area residents with 972 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Friday, it is treating 14 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 191 tests.Missouri health officials report a total of&nbsp;65,270 cumulative cases, resulting in 1,332 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 33,885 cases; 402 deaths.

Buchanan Co. reports 1,165 total COVID-19 cases, 14 COVID-19 patients at Mosaic

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Kansas City will require residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public places until at least Jan. 16, Mayor Quinton<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1421/16"> Lucas announced Thursday.</a>

The mayor and Rex Archer, director of the city's health department, said cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Kansas City area, and the virus is likely to stay until a vaccine becomes widely available.

The order means people will be required to wear masks in indoor areas where social distancing is not possible. It includes some exceptions, such as people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear masks. Bars and restaurants will continue to be limited to 50% capacity.

Kansas City has seen increasing numbers of cases this summer, averaging at least 100 confirmed cases nearly every day for weeks.

The state of Missouri also has seen a steady increase in cases, and on Thursday added 1,267 more, bringing the state total to 63,797 since the pandemic began. Missouri reported two new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 1,325.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597411835075.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Kansas City will require residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public places until at least Jan. 16, Mayor Quinton<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1421/16"> Lucas announced Thursday.</a>The mayor and Rex Archer, director of the city's health department, said cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Kansas City area, and the virus is likely to stay until a vaccine becomes widely available.The order means people will be required to wear masks in indoor areas where social distancing is not possible. It includes some exceptions, such as people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear masks. Bars and restaurants will continue to be limited to 50% capacity.Kansas City has seen increasing numbers of cases this summer, averaging at least 100 confirmed cases nearly every day for weeks.The state of Missouri also has seen a steady increase in cases, and on Thursday added 1,267 more, bringing the state total to 63,797 since the pandemic began. Missouri reported two new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 1,325.

Kansas City extends COVID-19 restrictions to mid-January

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,160 COVID-19 cases since counting began.&nbsp;Health officials report 10 new cases since Wednesday.

Buchanan County says 1,009 cumulative cases have been confirmed by tests with 151 listed as probable.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,822 area residents with 961 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Thursday, it is treating 12 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 165 tests.

Missouri health officials report a total of 63,797 cumulative cases, resulting in 1,325 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 32,547 cases; 395 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,160 COVID-19 cases since counting began.&nbsp;Health officials report 10 new cases since Wednesday.Buchanan County says 1,009 cumulative cases have been confirmed by tests with 151 listed as probable.Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,822 area residents with 961 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Thursday, it is treating 12 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 165 tests.Missouri health officials report a total of 63,797 cumulative cases, resulting in 1,325 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 32,547 cases; 395 deaths.

Buchanan Co. reports 1,160 total COVID-19 cases, Twelve COVID-19 patients at Mosaic

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in three Kansas counties say a new state law is hurting their efforts to trace the contacts of people infected with COVID-19 by making it easier for them to refuse to cooperate.

Public health departments often rely on employers to find out who has been in close contact with those infected, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/HATC-special-edition-summary-of-HB2016" target="_blank">the coronavirus law</a>&nbsp;that was approved in June says “third parties,” such as employers and event hosts, must get consent from those who tested positive for COVID-19 and close contacts in order to share their information to public health agencies.

“Our disease investigators hold confidentiality to the utmost importance,” said Adrienne Byrne, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita. “So I’m not sure what all went behind that bill, but it has not been good for public health because being able to do contact tracing helps us identify people that might turn positive and get them out of circulation to help stop the spread of the disease.”

Kansas reported Wednesday that its confirmed and probable coronavirus cases were over 32,500, up more than 6,000 over the past two weeks.

While lawmakers deliberated the coronavirus response bill in June, Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020-news-releases/2020/06/01/ag-derek-schmidt-recommends-legislature-enact-law-during-special-session-to-regulate-contact-tracing" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that they include “a legal framework″ for protecting privacy and civil liberties. Schmidt spokesman John Milburn said in an email to the Associated Press that “the alternative to voluntary contact tracing is government-compelled contact tracing.”

“We do not believe Kansans should be threatened with government-imposed penalties if they decline to disclose with whom they associate or where they have been, at least not without judicial supervision,” he said.

The law passed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3a112f6630e3e1f48b7eafc1481ea3e6">weeks of dispute&nbsp;</a>between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top Republicans over her handling of the pandemic. Contact tracers and case investigators who violate the law can be charged with a class C misdemeanor.

“If we have to go in and try to get consent, it really just slows the whole process down,” Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s top public health official, said this week.

Coronavirus outbreaks in Wyandotte County have most commonly occurred at workplaces, said Elizabeth Groenweghe, the county health department’s chief epidemiologist.

The new law will “make it a bit more challenging to do the contact tracing in the workplace and help the workplace identify who needs to be quarantined, which could impact and perpetuate outbreaks within the workplace,” Groenweghe said.

The law also prevents people infected with COVID-19 and close contacts from being “compelled to participate in” contact tracing. Contact tracers and case investigators are now required to read a statement — or create their own version of it — informing recent close contacts that cooperating with health officials is voluntary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.

Elizabeth Holzschuh, a Johnson County epidemiologist, said she thinks the statement makes it easier for people to decline to participate.

“I think that in particular with a disease such as this, where the implications are so great at this moment in time, in the middle of a pandemic, I certainly think that greater participation would help us slow transmission,” Holzschuh said.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in three Kansas counties say a new state law is hurting their efforts to trace the contacts of people infected with COVID-19 by making it easier for them to refuse to cooperate.Public health departments often rely on employers to find out who has been in close contact with those infected, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/HATC-special-edition-summary-of-HB2016" target="_blank">the coronavirus law</a>&nbsp;that was approved in June says “third parties,” such as employers and event hosts, must get consent from those who tested positive for COVID-19 and close contacts in order to share their information to public health agencies.“Our disease investigators hold confidentiality to the utmost importance,” said Adrienne Byrne, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita. “So I’m not sure what all went behind that bill, but it has not been good for public health because being able to do contact tracing helps us identify people that might turn positive and get them out of circulation to help stop the spread of the disease.”Kansas reported Wednesday that its confirmed and probable coronavirus cases were over 32,500, up more than 6,000 over the past two weeks.While lawmakers deliberated the coronavirus response bill in June, Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020-news-releases/2020/06/01/ag-derek-schmidt-recommends-legislature-enact-law-during-special-session-to-regulate-contact-tracing" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that they include “a legal framework″ for protecting privacy and civil liberties. Schmidt spokesman John Milburn said in an email to the Associated Press that “the alternative to voluntary contact tracing is government-compelled contact tracing.”“We do not believe Kansans should be threatened with government-imposed penalties if they decline to disclose with whom they associate or where they have been, at least not without judicial supervision,” he said.The law passed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3a112f6630e3e1f48b7eafc1481ea3e6">weeks of dispute&nbsp;</a>between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top Republicans over her handling of the pandemic. Contact tracers and case investigators who violate the law can be charged with a class C misdemeanor.“If we have to go in and try to get consent, it really just slows the whole process down,” Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s top public health official, said this week.Coronavirus outbreaks in Wyandotte County have most commonly occurred at workplaces, said Elizabeth Groenweghe, the county health department’s chief epidemiologist.The new law will “make it a bit more challenging to do the contact tracing in the workplace and help the workplace identify who needs to be quarantined, which could impact and perpetuate outbreaks within the workplace,” Groenweghe said.The law also prevents people infected with COVID-19 and close contacts from being “compelled to participate in” contact tracing. Contact tracers and case investigators are now required to read a statement — or create their own version of it — informing recent close contacts that cooperating with health officials is voluntary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.Elizabeth Holzschuh, a Johnson County epidemiologist, said she thinks the statement makes it easier for people to decline to participate.“I think that in particular with a disease such as this, where the implications are so great at this moment in time, in the middle of a pandemic, I certainly think that greater participation would help us slow transmission,” Holzschuh said.___

Kansas officials say new COVID-19 law hurts contact tracing

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Staff members at USD 342, McLouth in Jefferson County, Kansas tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents and posted on the district's web site.

Per the district's established protocol, they have closed off the building so that it can be thoroughly clean and disinfected.

The building will remain closed through Friday and is scheduled to reopen Monday, according to the letter.

"We are also in contact with the Jefferson County Department of Health and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our McLouth family.&nbsp; The individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school until their isolation period is complete and they are symptom free."

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Jefferson County Health Department.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Staff members at USD 342, McLouth in Jefferson County, Kansas tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents and posted on the district's web site.Per the district's established protocol, they have closed off the building so that it can be thoroughly clean and disinfected.The building will remain closed through Friday and is scheduled to reopen Monday, according to the letter."We are also in contact with the Jefferson County Department of Health and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our McLouth family.&nbsp; The individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school until their isolation period is complete and they are symptom free."The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Jefferson County Health Department.

Kan. district closes school building after staff has COVID-19

UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the wording "out-of-state" to the section about mass gatherings of 500 or greater. That wording was left off of a news release sent to media, however it does appear in the information on the KDHE website.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list, removing the state of Florida and adding attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings greater than 500 people, according to a media release from the agency.

Additionally, those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain.

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

<a>Others needing to continue quarantining:</a>

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the wording "out-of-state" to the section about mass gatherings of 500 or greater. That wording was left off of a news release sent to media, however it does appear in the information on the KDHE website.TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list, removing the state of Florida and adding attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings greater than 500 people, according to a media release from the agency.Additionally, those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain.This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:<ul>
 <li><a>Attended/traveled to out-of-state mass gathering events of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.</a></li><li>Traveled to/from Florida between June 29 – August 11.&nbsp;</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.</li><li><a>International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow&nbsp;</a><a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Ftravelers%2Ffrom-other-countries.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cadde893d0d024bf0fc9908d83e22597a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637327664750923792&amp;sdata=yVP2xONlDfuahO%2F%2BZw%2BSmd5D9qZDYGMEGSOOvrpDjUg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">CDC guidance and protocols</a>.</li>
 </ul><a>Others needing to continue quarantining:</a><ul>
 <li>Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.</li><li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.</li>
 </ul>Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

UPDATE: Quarantine after out-of-state mass gatherings of 500+ 

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,128 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report 27 new cases over the weekend.

Buchanan County says 987 cases have been confirmed by tests with 141 listed as probable.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,100 area residents with 936 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Monday, it is treating 10 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 39 tests.

Missouri health officials report a total of 59,954 cases, resulting in 1,307 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 31,730 cases; 387 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,128 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report 27 new cases over the weekend.Buchanan County says 987 cases have been confirmed by tests with 141 listed as probable.Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,100 area residents with 936 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Monday, it is treating 10 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 39 tests.Missouri health officials report a total of 59,954 cases, resulting in 1,307 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 31,730 cases; 387 deaths.

Buchanan County reports over 1,120 COVID-19 cases

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/kdhe-secretary-warns-of-lethal-brew-yearns-for-mask-mandate-says-schools-not-yet-safe/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Bars and house 
parties are an antidote of choice among Kansans laboring with 
coronavirus frustration and willing to rub shoulders with friends or 
strangers.

Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said on the Kansas 
Reflector podcast these boozy environments also harbor perils of 
COVID-19 for anyone rejecting advice to social distance, wash hands and 
wear a mask.

“They just immerse in 
virus when they do that,” Norman said. “There’s usually music. When 
people speak loudly, there’s airborne droplets. And they’re very close 
to each other. It is absolutely a lethal brew.”

Norman said he was 
distressed only 15 of the state’s 105 counties embraced Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s recommendation of a mask mandate. The public health value of 
requiring people to cover their mouth and nose when in public has been 
undermined by government officials who discounted potential of the virus
 or viewed government edicts as infringement of individual liberties.

“I would love to see a 
mask&nbsp;mandate,” Norman said. “People can be outside and not&nbsp;have a mask 
on, if they’re distanced and they’re walking in a park or those kind of 
things. When you can’t control your environment, and you’re getting 
anywhere close to people, put a mask on.”

He said the state’s K-12 
education system and the colleges and universities weren’t prepared to 
resume in-person instruction in August.

Some local school boards 
decided to delay opening until after Labor Day in September, but the 
Kansas Board of Education rejected the governor’s proposal to hold off 
until Sept. 9. Kelly argued school districts needed more time to prepare
 for an educational environment invaded by COVID-19.

“The reason for that was 
pretty obvious. The number of cases is going up and, quite honestly, to 
make a safe environment for K through 12, or for that matter, higher ed.
 We’re not there yet,” the secretary said.

Norman said controversial 
decisions by the governor to close schools to in-person teaching in 
March and to issue a shelter-in-place directive in April were the two 
factors early in the pandemic that had a beneficial influence on spread 
of the virus.

The governor’s phased plan
 for reopening the state’s economy was initiated in May but subsequently
 derailed by the Kansas Legislature. It was anchored in health-related 
metrics that took into account needs of businesses to resume operations,
 he said.

“I’ve been a chief medical
 officer at very large health systems, and I know the importance of the 
bottom line. It’s always been top of mind.&nbsp;I don’t ever make 
recommendations in a vacuum,” Norman said. “And&nbsp;that’s true with schools
 as well. Schools are much more than just teaching and learning. It’s 
about socialization, nutrition, mental health.”

So far, the virus has been
 confirmed as a contributing factor in the death of 380 people and 
hospitalization of 1,875 individuals in Kansas. There have been 30,638 
positive tests and 285,874 negative tests for the virus across the 
state.

Here’s the top dozen 
counties of confirmed infections: Johnson, 5,637; Wyandotte, 4,961; 
Sedgwick, 4,935; Ford, 2,161; Finney, 1,706; Shawnee, 1,522; 
Leavenworth, 1,487, Seward, 1,144; Douglas, 717; and Lyon, 668, Riley, 
438; and Crawford, 395.

Norman, who has faced 
criticism from elected politicians and a skeptical public, said he 
continued to worry that not enough Kansans took COVID-19 seriously.

“We can’t make people take
 it seriously. Rules help,” he said. “I think what’s going to happen is 
that people are going to get ground down and will either say, ‘I guess 
we have to take this seriously and I’m going to personally be 
responsible for myself and maybe my family members.’ Or, are they the 
other? They can just say, ‘Heck with it. Let’s just throw open the 
doors. I’m done.’ "

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597071808051.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman says during a recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast that he would prefer mask mandates to curtail the spread of COVID-19. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman says during a recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast that he would prefer mask mandates to curtail the spread of COVID-19. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/873134704&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/health-secretary-lee-norman-yearns-for-mask-mandate" title="Health secretary Lee Norman warns of &#x27;lethal brew&#x27;" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Health secretary Lee Norman warns of &#x27;lethal brew&#x27;</a></div></div>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/kdhe-secretary-warns-of-lethal-brew-yearns-for-mask-mandate-says-schools-not-yet-safe/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Bars and house 
parties are an antidote of choice among Kansans laboring with 
coronavirus frustration and willing to rub shoulders with friends or 
strangers.Lee Norman, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said on the Kansas 
Reflector podcast these boozy environments also harbor perils of 
COVID-19 for anyone rejecting advice to social distance, wash hands and 
wear a mask.“They just immerse in 
virus when they do that,” Norman said. “There’s usually music. When 
people speak loudly, there’s airborne droplets. And they’re very close 
to each other. It is absolutely a lethal brew.”Norman said he was 
distressed only 15 of the state’s 105 counties embraced Gov. Laura 
Kelly’s recommendation of a mask mandate. The public health value of 
requiring people to cover their mouth and nose when in public has been 
undermined by government officials who discounted potential of the virus
 or viewed government edicts as infringement of individual liberties.“I would love to see a 
mask&nbsp;mandate,” Norman said. “People can be outside and not&nbsp;have a mask 
on, if they’re distanced and they’re walking in a park or those kind of 
things. When you can’t control your environment, and you’re getting 
anywhere close to people, put a mask on.”He said the state’s K-12 
education system and the colleges and universities weren’t prepared to 
resume in-person instruction in August.Some local school boards 
decided to delay opening until after Labor Day in September, but the 
Kansas Board of Education rejected the governor’s proposal to hold off 
until Sept. 9. Kelly argued school districts needed more time to prepare
 for an educational environment invaded by COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597072174250.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman sketches a chart showing a midsummer resurgence of infections in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman sketches a chart showing a midsummer resurgence of infections in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The reason for that was 
pretty obvious. The number of cases is going up and, quite honestly, to 
make a safe environment for K through 12, or for that matter, higher ed.
 We’re not there yet,” the secretary said.Norman said controversial 
decisions by the governor to close schools to in-person teaching in 
March and to issue a shelter-in-place directive in April were the two 
factors early in the pandemic that had a beneficial influence on spread 
of the virus.The governor’s phased plan
 for reopening the state’s economy was initiated in May but subsequently
 derailed by the Kansas Legislature. It was anchored in health-related 
metrics that took into account needs of businesses to resume operations,
 he said.“I’ve been a chief medical
 officer at very large health systems, and I know the importance of the 
bottom line. It’s always been top of mind.&nbsp;I don’t ever make 
recommendations in a vacuum,” Norman said. “And&nbsp;that’s true with schools
 as well. Schools are much more than just teaching and learning. It’s 
about socialization, nutrition, mental health.”So far, the virus has been
 confirmed as a contributing factor in the death of 380 people and 
hospitalization of 1,875 individuals in Kansas. There have been 30,638 
positive tests and 285,874 negative tests for the virus across the 
state.Here’s the top dozen 
counties of confirmed infections: Johnson, 5,637; Wyandotte, 4,961; 
Sedgwick, 4,935; Ford, 2,161; Finney, 1,706; Shawnee, 1,522; 
Leavenworth, 1,487, Seward, 1,144; Douglas, 717; and Lyon, 668, Riley, 
438; and Crawford, 395.Norman, who has faced 
criticism from elected politicians and a skeptical public, said he 
continued to worry that not enough Kansans took COVID-19 seriously.“We can’t make people take
 it seriously. Rules help,” he said. “I think what’s going to happen is 
that people are going to get ground down and will either say, ‘I guess 
we have to take this seriously and I’m going to personally be 
responsible for myself and maybe my family members.’ Or, are they the 
other? They can just say, ‘Heck with it. Let’s just throw open the 
doors. I’m done.’ "Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

🎙 KDHE secretary warns of ‘lethal brew,’ says schools not yet safe

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas researchers studying what they call “digital homelessness” have received an additional grant to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Americans who don’t have easy access to the internet.

Before the pandemic, people without their own devices or internet access often used local libraries to obtain those services, but many of those locations have been closed or greatly reduced their access during quarantine lockdowns.

“The folks we’re focused on don’t have a ‘digital home,’” said Bill Staples, principal investigator on the project, professor emeritus of sociology and director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://ipsr.ku.edu/SSRC/">Surveillance Studies Research Cente</a>r. “That is, their computing lives are resource-limited, transient, less private and more vulnerable to digital threats than those who own computers and access the web through broadband at their residences. When libraries closed, they were locked out of a digital life most of us take for granted.”

Staples and his colleagues want to find out how — and if — people experiencing digital homelessness are coping.

“There’s anecdotal information about libraries pumping Wi-Fi out into the parking lots,” he said. “Some libraries are helping, but we need to take a systematic look at what is going on.”

The research team is led by Staples; Perry Alexander, AT&amp;T Foundation Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering &amp; Computer Science and director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://ittc-research.ku.edu/">Information and Telecommunication Technology Center</a>; and Drew Davidson, assistant professor of electrical engineering &amp; computer science.

These KU scholars had already been&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2020/04/07/grant-will-fund-research-safeguard-public-internet-users">awarded a grant</a>&nbsp;from the National Science Foundation titled “Safeguarding and Enhancing the Experience of Public Internet Users,” funded through NSF’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program. The two-year, $516,000 grant will support research about how people who use public internet resources — like libraries — navigate the internet and what security threats they face.

NSF has now awarded the team an additional Rapid Response Research grant of $200,000 to look at how the pandemic has affected such users.

“We’re trying to get a before, during and after snapshot” of how the issue has evolved with the onset of the pandemic, Staples said.

As much as 30% of the American population lacks adequate broadband access at home. Researchers say this digital divide results from — and contributes to — widening economic inequality.&nbsp;

“I think this is an understudied population, and as such is a population that hasn’t been fully considered in the computing landscape,” Davidson said. “There’s an assumption as our lives move online that everybody can keep up, and that’s not the case. It’s important because the need is so great.”

“These people are digitally marginalized, socially and economically disadvantaged in a society in which internet has become a needed utility,” Staples said. “They cannot simply ‘work from home’ or e-learn new skills, nor can their children shift to ‘distance learning’ as millions have been asked to do. It’s like trying to get by without electricity in your house. It makes their lives that much more difficult and challenging.”

The new study will have three points of data collection. Users at the Lawrence Public Library, which has restored limited access to its computer lab, will be surveyed and some interviewed about their experiences. The researchers will also send an online survey to a representative sample of library directors across the United States to collect information on library policies and practices during the pandemic. Finally, team members will compile related stories from news sources around the country to capture what journalists have found out about was has been happening in their communities.&nbsp;

The team’s ultimate goal is to offer new tools to public internet users when they access the internet, including development of a device the team calls PUPS — public user privacy and security. The device is an isolated, portable, virtual computing environment on a USB stick, designed to provide a “digital home” to users, giving them a functional, seamless computing experience from one session and device to the next. There may be nontechnical solutions available as well, as researchers examine the contours of the issue more closely from both an engineering and a sociological perspective.

“I’m really happy we have this multidisciplinary team,” Davidson said. “I think there’s a lot of good that can be done.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/">Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research</a>’s staff assisted with development of this proposal and will manage this grant.

More information and results can be found at the project's&nbsp;<a href="https://ittc.ku.edu/padlock/dh">website</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596486373395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — University of Kansas researchers studying what they call “digital homelessness” have received an additional grant to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Americans who don’t have easy access to the internet.Before the pandemic, people without their own devices or internet access often used local libraries to obtain those services, but many of those locations have been closed or greatly reduced their access during quarantine lockdowns.“The folks we’re focused on don’t have a ‘digital home,’” said Bill Staples, principal investigator on the project, professor emeritus of sociology and director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://ipsr.ku.edu/SSRC/">Surveillance Studies Research Cente</a>r. “That is, their computing lives are resource-limited, transient, less private and more vulnerable to digital threats than those who own computers and access the web through broadband at their residences. When libraries closed, they were locked out of a digital life most of us take for granted.”Staples and his colleagues want to find out how — and if — people experiencing digital homelessness are coping.“There’s anecdotal information about libraries pumping Wi-Fi out into the parking lots,” he said. “Some libraries are helping, but we need to take a systematic look at what is going on.”The research team is led by Staples; Perry Alexander, AT&amp;T Foundation Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering &amp; Computer Science and director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://ittc-research.ku.edu/">Information and Telecommunication Technology Center</a>; and Drew Davidson, assistant professor of electrical engineering &amp; computer science.These KU scholars had already been&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2020/04/07/grant-will-fund-research-safeguard-public-internet-users">awarded a grant</a>&nbsp;from the National Science Foundation titled “Safeguarding and Enhancing the Experience of Public Internet Users,” funded through NSF’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program. The two-year, $516,000 grant will support research about how people who use public internet resources — like libraries — navigate the internet and what security threats they face.NSF has now awarded the team an additional Rapid Response Research grant of $200,000 to look at how the pandemic has affected such users.“We’re trying to get a before, during and after snapshot” of how the issue has evolved with the onset of the pandemic, Staples said.As much as 30% of the American population lacks adequate broadband access at home. Researchers say this digital divide results from — and contributes to — widening economic inequality.&nbsp;“I think this is an understudied population, and as such is a population that hasn’t been fully considered in the computing landscape,” Davidson said. “There’s an assumption as our lives move online that everybody can keep up, and that’s not the case. It’s important because the need is so great.”“These people are digitally marginalized, socially and economically disadvantaged in a society in which internet has become a needed utility,” Staples said. “They cannot simply ‘work from home’ or e-learn new skills, nor can their children shift to ‘distance learning’ as millions have been asked to do. It’s like trying to get by without electricity in your house. It makes their lives that much more difficult and challenging.”The new study will have three points of data collection. Users at the Lawrence Public Library, which has restored limited access to its computer lab, will be surveyed and some interviewed about their experiences. The researchers will also send an online survey to a representative sample of library directors across the United States to collect information on library policies and practices during the pandemic. Finally, team members will compile related stories from news sources around the country to capture what journalists have found out about was has been happening in their communities.&nbsp;The team’s ultimate goal is to offer new tools to public internet users when they access the internet, including development of a device the team calls PUPS — public user privacy and security. The device is an isolated, portable, virtual computing environment on a USB stick, designed to provide a “digital home” to users, giving them a functional, seamless computing experience from one session and device to the next. There may be nontechnical solutions available as well, as researchers examine the contours of the issue more closely from both an engineering and a sociological perspective.“I’m really happy we have this multidisciplinary team,” Davidson said. “I think there’s a lot of good that can be done.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/">Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research</a>’s staff assisted with development of this proposal and will manage this grant.More information and results can be found at the project's&nbsp;<a href="https://ittc.ku.edu/padlock/dh">website</a>.&nbsp;

KU studying how pandemic affects Americans without easy access to the internet

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties that have mask mandates in place have seen a rapid drop in cases, while counties that only recommend their use have seen no decrease in cases, the state’s top health official said Wednesday.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s top administrator, said Wednesday that overall statewide the numbers of new cases is favorable, but that the reduction of new cases is entirely in the counties that require masks be worn in public spaces.

After Gov. Laura Kelly put a mask mandate in place last month, 15 counties stayed with the mandate while 90 counties abandoned it, Norman said at a news conference Wednesday.

Norman pointed to a graph showing the seven-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 people comparing counties with the mask mandates with those counties that abandoned it. The favorable trend line down was entirely in the counties that required the use of masks, while the trend line for those without one was flat, he said.

“Do masks work? Here in this natural experiment called Kansas where we have essentially — not due to any great design, but it has worked out that way — some counties have been the control group with a no mask mandate and some have been the experimental group with masks,” Norman said. “The experimental group is winning the battle. All improvements in case development comes from those counties wearing masks.”

It is important to understand, he noted, that the 15 counties with mask mandates represent two-thirds of the state’s population and include the more urban cities with greater population densities. People in those counties rely more on mass transit there and tend to have more racial and ethnic minority populations that are more likely to be infected by COVID-19.

The declining coronavirus cases per capita in those more urban counties suggest the improvement in the trend lines could be even steeper in rural counties if they had mask mandates in place, he said.

The state health department on Wednesday reported that Kansas has confirmed 29,717 cases since the outbreak began, a 841 increase since the last update on Monday. The state reported 368 deaths, up three from Monday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified on its website Wednesday 370 outbreaks which have infected 7,853 people and led to 247 of the state’s 368 deaths.

Of particular concern was the 63 coronavirus cases tied to nine sports clusters because there have been a lot fewer sports this summer than there will be in the fall and winter when schools reopen, Norman said.

“Interestingly, we thought there would be a natural protection, if you will, in softball and baseball because you are out in the wide, open air for the most part, but we have had them essentially in all ... sports,” Norman said.

Other large clusters reported Wednesday include 136 at private businesses, 98 at long-term care facilities. Another 55 outbreaks were from gatherings, nine outbreaks tied to restaurants and bars that resulted in 221 coronavirus infections.

On Wednesday, the Shawnee County Health Department said they have multiple cases linked to Jeremiah Bullfrog Bar and Grille in Topeka, and warned people who were at the establishment July 24-25 and July 27-28 were at risk of exposure.

In Chanute, Kansas, 11 school administrators who attended a leadership retreat last week in Branson are in quarantine after six of them tested positive for the virus, the Kansas City-Star reported. Superintendent Kellen Adams said their symptoms range from minor to severe, with one being treated in a hospital ICU.

He defended the retreat, saying it was necessary to discuss details of how to operate schools during a global pandemic.

Chanute schools are scheduled to open to teachers on Aug. 10 and to students on Aug. 24. Adams said the outbreak among administrators has not, so far, changed that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545924801.png" alt="Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press conference in April." />
 <figcaption>Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press conference in April.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas counties that have mask mandates in place have seen a rapid drop in cases, while counties that only recommend their use have seen no decrease in cases, the state’s top health official said Wednesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F3181624445282231%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s top administrator, said Wednesday that overall statewide the numbers of new cases is favorable, but that the reduction of new cases is entirely in the counties that require masks be worn in public spaces.After Gov. Laura Kelly put a mask mandate in place last month, 15 counties stayed with the mandate while 90 counties abandoned it, Norman said at a news conference Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596718264258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman pointed to a graph showing the seven-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 people comparing counties with the mask mandates with those counties that abandoned it. The favorable trend line down was entirely in the counties that required the use of masks, while the trend line for those without one was flat, he said.“Do masks work? Here in this natural experiment called Kansas where we have essentially — not due to any great design, but it has worked out that way — some counties have been the control group with a no mask mandate and some have been the experimental group with masks,” Norman said. “The experimental group is winning the battle. All improvements in case development comes from those counties wearing masks.”It is important to understand, he noted, that the 15 counties with mask mandates represent two-thirds of the state’s population and include the more urban cities with greater population densities. People in those counties rely more on mass transit there and tend to have more racial and ethnic minority populations that are more likely to be infected by COVID-19.The declining coronavirus cases per capita in those more urban counties suggest the improvement in the trend lines could be even steeper in rural counties if they had mask mandates in place, he said.The state health department on Wednesday reported that Kansas has confirmed 29,717 cases since the outbreak began, a 841 increase since the last update on Monday. The state reported 368 deaths, up three from Monday.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified on its website Wednesday 370 outbreaks which have infected 7,853 people and led to 247 of the state’s 368 deaths.Of particular concern was the 63 coronavirus cases tied to nine sports clusters because there have been a lot fewer sports this summer than there will be in the fall and winter when schools reopen, Norman said.“Interestingly, we thought there would be a natural protection, if you will, in softball and baseball because you are out in the wide, open air for the most part, but we have had them essentially in all ... sports,” Norman said.Other large clusters reported Wednesday include 136 at private businesses, 98 at long-term care facilities. Another 55 outbreaks were from gatherings, nine outbreaks tied to restaurants and bars that resulted in 221 coronavirus infections.On Wednesday, the Shawnee County Health Department said they have multiple cases linked to Jeremiah Bullfrog Bar and Grille in Topeka, and warned people who were at the establishment July 24-25 and July 27-28 were at risk of exposure.In Chanute, Kansas, 11 school administrators who attended a leadership retreat last week in Branson are in quarantine after six of them tested positive for the virus, the Kansas City-Star reported. Superintendent Kellen Adams said their symptoms range from minor to severe, with one being treated in a hospital ICU.He defended the retreat, saying it was necessary to discuss details of how to operate schools during a global pandemic.Chanute schools are scheduled to open to teachers on Aug. 10 and to students on Aug. 24. Adams said the outbreak among administrators has not, so far, changed that.

Kansas counties with mask mandate show steep COVID-19 drop

Mosaic Life Care has now tested more than 19,000 area
residents for the coronavirus with slightly more than 900 testing positive for
COVID-19.

Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in St. Joseph
on Thursday

St. Joseph Mosaic President Dr. Davin Turner says very few
have had to be placed in the ICU unit and fewer still have had to be placed on
ventilators.

“Since COVID has hit, we did have that early phase where we
had more of those patients ending up on ventilators, but the percentage of
those patients still was very low,” Turner tells reporters. “And now we’re
seeing that number even lower, which is reassuring that we’re not seeing the
respiratory complications as severe.”

The official statistics released by Mosaic Thursday morning disclose
Mosaic has tested 19,449 area residents in its network, which includes
Maryville and Albany. Mosaic reports 901 tested positive with 10 hospitalized
in St. Joseph as of Thursday morning. Mosaic is awaiting results from 211
tests.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has now tested more than 19,000 area
residents for the coronavirus with slightly more than 900 testing positive for
COVID-19.Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in St. Joseph
on ThursdaySt. Joseph Mosaic President Dr. Davin Turner says very few
have had to be placed in the ICU unit and fewer still have had to be placed on
ventilators.“Since COVID has hit, we did have that early phase where we
had more of those patients ending up on ventilators, but the percentage of
those patients still was very low,” Turner tells reporters. “And now we’re
seeing that number even lower, which is reassuring that we’re not seeing the
respiratory complications as severe.”The official statistics released by Mosaic Thursday morning disclose
Mosaic has tested 19,449 area residents in its network, which includes
Maryville and Albany. Mosaic reports 901 tested positive with 10 hospitalized
in St. Joseph as of Thursday morning. Mosaic is awaiting results from 211
tests.Turner says the average hospital stay for a COVID patient is
11 days, but it varies widely.“But we have had some folks in our hospital for over 40 days
with COVID and some even longer than that,” according to Turner. “So, there’s
some folks who stay in an extended period of time. Most are staying five to
seven days and being able to go home.”The most COVID-19 patients hospitalized at one time totaled 21.When the coronavirus pandemic became increasingly serious,
elective surgeries at Mosaic were rescheduled as the hospitals and clinics
prepared to battle COVID-19. Mosaic began building a COVID-19 ward. It
increased testing at hospital entrances and took other steps to prevent a
coronavirus spread in the various facilities.The drop in income and rise in expenses took a toll on the bottom
line.“Initially, right after March 17th, we were
generating $7 million less in revenue on a weekly basis and that is a rough
number,” Turner says.Tuner says he is pleased with how Mosaic has handled the
pandemic so far, but adds a note of caution. Mosaic is keeping a close eye on
developments in Kansas City, which has seen an increase in cases.

Coronavirus Update