Mosaic Life Care has now tested more than 18,000 area residents
and reports nine COVID-19 patients in the St. Joseph hospital as of Thursday
morning.

Mosaic says of the 18,167 people tested, 844 have tested
positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic is awaiting results from 244 tests.

Buchanan County reports a total of 1,070 cases of the coronavirus
since the counting began; 948 confirmed and 122 probable. Buchanan County has
reported a total of 10 deaths.

Andrew County reports 80 cases while Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 41.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports a
total of 46,750 cases since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The
state has recorded 1,220 deaths.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 26,870
total cases with 349 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has now tested more than 18,000 area residents
and reports nine COVID-19 patients in the St. Joseph hospital as of Thursday
morning.Mosaic says of the 18,167 people tested, 844 have tested
positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic is awaiting results from 244 tests.Buchanan County reports a total of 1,070 cases of the coronavirus
since the counting began; 948 confirmed and 122 probable. Buchanan County has
reported a total of 10 deaths.Andrew County reports 80 cases while Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 41.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports a
total of 46,750 cases since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The
state has recorded 1,220 deaths.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 26,870
total cases with 349 deaths.

Mosaic COVID-19 testing tops 18K with 9 hospitalized in St. Joseph

An infectious disease specialist emphasizes COVID-19 is far
from over and encourages the public to keep wearing masks, washing hands, and
keeping at a safe distance from others.

Dr. Scott Folk of Mosaic Life Care says the country is still
seeing too many people becoming infected with the coronavirus. Folk adds we
continue to see the death toll mount.

“I think that we could do a little bit better as a country in
terms of protecting ourselves and making sure that we social distance and wash
our hands and wear a mask at every opportunity,” Folk tells reporters. “I think
that’s crucial right now. And I think, like it or not, I think we’re going to
be stuck if you will with that pattern until a vaccine comes along.”

Folk doesn’t expect a vaccine until the first quarter of next
year at the earliest.

Mosaic will be conducting a mass antibody screening of Buchanan
County residents and workers next week. The Buchanan County Commission
allocated $250,000 to Mosaic and the Community Alliance to conduct the antibody
tests. The money comes from the Congressionally approved CARES Act, passed to
ease the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic and support efforts in
fighting it.

Mosaic hopes to draw blood from about 2,500 volunteers at the
St. Joseph campus. If you are interested in participating, click <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/testing">here</a> for
details.

Folk cautions that even those who test positive for the coronavirus
cannot be confident they will never get the coronavirus again.

“A positive antibody test means that you have been exposed,
but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re immune to reinfection,” according
to Folk. “You might be for a short period of time, yes, but we don’t know how
long that period is. It’s simply a way to know if a person has previously been
exposed to COVID.”

The mass testing set for next week will give health officials
a better understanding of how much the coronavirus has spread in the community.

Folk says COVID-19 has fallen into a pattern:&nbsp; 40% of those who test positive display no
symptoms, 40% display mild symptoms, while 15% experience severe symptoms requiring
hospitalization, and 5% require intensive care, including a ventilator.

Folk says both the anti-body testing and the PCR testing, the
nasal swab, give health officials more information to work with.

“The antibody test does not tell exactly when a person had
COVID. It could have been a month or two months or three months ago,” Folk
says. “But the PCR test is more useful as a test in real-time, so to speak, to
tell if a person is actively infected now with COVID.”

Buchanan County now reports 1,047 cases of COVID-19, resulting
in 10 deaths, since counting began.

St. Joseph health officials say there have been a total of 933
confirmed cases with 114 probable cases since counting began.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 17,324 area residents with 810
testing positive. Mosaic reports six patients in the St. Joseph hospital are
being treated for COVID-19. Mosaic is awaiting results from 305 tests as of
Tuesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595955053031.jpeg" alt="Dr. Scott Folk/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Scott Folk/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn infectious disease specialist emphasizes COVID-19 is far
from over and encourages the public to keep wearing masks, washing hands, and
keeping at a safe distance from others.Dr. Scott Folk of Mosaic Life Care says the country is still
seeing too many people becoming infected with the coronavirus. Folk adds we
continue to see the death toll mount.“I think that we could do a little bit better as a country in
terms of protecting ourselves and making sure that we social distance and wash
our hands and wear a mask at every opportunity,” Folk tells reporters. “I think
that’s crucial right now. And I think, like it or not, I think we’re going to
be stuck if you will with that pattern until a vaccine comes along.”Folk doesn’t expect a vaccine until the first quarter of next
year at the earliest.Mosaic will be conducting a mass antibody screening of Buchanan
County residents and workers next week. The Buchanan County Commission
allocated $250,000 to Mosaic and the Community Alliance to conduct the antibody
tests. The money comes from the Congressionally approved CARES Act, passed to
ease the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic and support efforts in
fighting it.Mosaic hopes to draw blood from about 2,500 volunteers at the
St. Joseph campus. If you are interested in participating, click <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/testing">here</a> for
details.Folk cautions that even those who test positive for the coronavirus
cannot be confident they will never get the coronavirus again.“A positive antibody test means that you have been exposed,
but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re immune to reinfection,” according
to Folk. “You might be for a short period of time, yes, but we don’t know how
long that period is. It’s simply a way to know if a person has previously been
exposed to COVID.”The mass testing set for next week will give health officials
a better understanding of how much the coronavirus has spread in the community.Folk says COVID-19 has fallen into a pattern:&nbsp; 40% of those who test positive display no
symptoms, 40% display mild symptoms, while 15% experience severe symptoms requiring
hospitalization, and 5% require intensive care, including a ventilator.Folk says both the anti-body testing and the PCR testing, the
nasal swab, give health officials more information to work with.“The antibody test does not tell exactly when a person had
COVID. It could have been a month or two months or three months ago,” Folk
says. “But the PCR test is more useful as a test in real-time, so to speak, to
tell if a person is actively infected now with COVID.”Buchanan County now reports 1,047 cases of COVID-19, resulting
in 10 deaths, since counting began.St. Joseph health officials say there have been a total of 933
confirmed cases with 114 probable cases since counting began.Mosaic Life Care has tested 17,324 area residents with 810
testing positive. Mosaic reports six patients in the St. Joseph hospital are
being treated for COVID-19. Mosaic is awaiting results from 305 tests as of
Tuesday morning.

Infectious disease expert:  coronavirus pandemic far from over

Buchanan County now reports 1,047 cases of COVID-19,
resulting in 10 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports this morning it has now tested 17,324 area residents
with 810 testing positive. Mosaic reports six patients in the St. Joseph
hospital this morning are being treated for COVID-19. Mosaic is awaiting results from 305 tests.

Andrew County health officials report 87 total cases; 73
confirmed and 14 probable.

Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 40 cases.

COVID-19 cases in Missouri have now topped 43,000 since
counting began with 1,201 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 26,172 cases
with 335 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports 1,047 cases of COVID-19,
resulting in 10 deaths.St. Joseph health officials say there have been a total of 933
confirmed cases with 114 probable cases since counting began.Mosaic Life Care reports this morning it has now tested 17,324 area residents
with 810 testing positive. Mosaic reports six patients in the St. Joseph
hospital this morning are being treated for COVID-19. Mosaic is awaiting results from 305 tests.Andrew County health officials report 87 total cases; 73
confirmed and 14 probable.Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 40 cases.COVID-19 cases in Missouri have now topped 43,000 since
counting began with 1,201 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 26,172 cases
with 335 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports slightly more than 1K COVID-19 cases

Buchanan County is allocating $250,000 in federal funds to
conduct a massive anti-body testing of county residents to aid in the fight
against COVID-19.

The county is partnering with Mosaic Life Care in the hopes of
testing as many as 2,500 residents.

Mosaic CEO Dr. Mark Laney says the St. Joseph hospital has
been able to handle the number of coronavirus cases coming its way.

“On any given day, right now, there’s probably 200 to 225
patients in the hospital that don’t have COVID,” Laney tells reporters in a
Monday news conference. “Recently, we’ve had 10 patients, but it’s actually
dwindled down, I think we had six this morning and none in the ICU.”

Mosaic and county officials hope the testing gives health
officials a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19 in the area, which
could lead to better strategies to combat the virus.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county will allocate funds forwarded to the county from state officials. The
money comes from the CARES Act approved by Congress to respond to the economic
damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as fund various local responses
to COVID-19.

“Buchanan County is very excited to help to fund this process
as part of this CARES Act funding which came through the state actually from
the federal government, through the state, and we have been working very closely
with the state on just how we can spend this money to best impact, to keep our
county healthy and safe,” Sawyer says.

Laney says anti-body testing isn’t done to determine
treatment.

“It’s more of an answer relative to the public health,” Laney
says. “What degree of herd immunity do we as a county have, if any?”

Testing through the drawing of blood will begin next week on
the Mosaic St. Joseph campus. Those interested can sign up through the Mosaic
web site. Registration is set to begin on Tuesday, July 28th, at <a href="http://www.MyMLC.com/testing">www.MyMLC.com/testing</a>.

“This testing is only going to be available to individuals 12
years of age and above and we will not be doing testing on individuals that
have previously tested positive on the nasal swab, PCR test,” Laney says.

As of Monday, Mosaic had tested 17,324 area
residents with 803 testing positive for COVID-19. Mosaic says six patients are
currently being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595875731135.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney addresses a news conference as Buchanan County Presiding Commission Lee Sawyer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney addresses a news conference as Buchanan County Presiding Commission Lee Sawyer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County is allocating $250,000 in federal funds to
conduct a massive anti-body testing of county residents to aid in the fight
against COVID-19.The county is partnering with Mosaic Life Care in the hopes of
testing as many as 2,500 residents.Mosaic CEO Dr. Mark Laney says the St. Joseph hospital has
been able to handle the number of coronavirus cases coming its way.“On any given day, right now, there’s probably 200 to 225
patients in the hospital that don’t have COVID,” Laney tells reporters in a
Monday news conference. “Recently, we’ve had 10 patients, but it’s actually
dwindled down, I think we had six this morning and none in the ICU.”Mosaic and county officials hope the testing gives health
officials a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19 in the area, which
could lead to better strategies to combat the virus.Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county will allocate funds forwarded to the county from state officials. The
money comes from the CARES Act approved by Congress to respond to the economic
damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as fund various local responses
to COVID-19.“Buchanan County is very excited to help to fund this process
as part of this CARES Act funding which came through the state actually from
the federal government, through the state, and we have been working very closely
with the state on just how we can spend this money to best impact, to keep our
county healthy and safe,” Sawyer says.Laney says anti-body testing isn’t done to determine
treatment.“It’s more of an answer relative to the public health,” Laney
says. “What degree of herd immunity do we as a county have, if any?”Testing through the drawing of blood will begin next week on
the Mosaic St. Joseph campus. Those interested can sign up through the Mosaic
web site. Registration is set to begin on Tuesday, July 28th, at <a href="http://www.MyMLC.com/testing">www.MyMLC.com/testing</a>.“This testing is only going to be available to individuals 12
years of age and above and we will not be doing testing on individuals that
have previously tested positive on the nasal swab, PCR test,” Laney says.As of Monday, Mosaic had tested 17,324 area
residents with 803 testing positive for COVID-19. Mosaic says six patients are
currently being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

Massive anti-body COVID-19 testing to be conducted in Buchanan County

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press

The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.

There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.

The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.

“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.

Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.

In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”

“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”

Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.

But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.

The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.

Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.

That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.

“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.

It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.

Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.

“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”

That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.

If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.

Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.

“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.

Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.

“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858673337.png" alt="Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated PressThe world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.___

Virus vaccine put to final test in thousands of volunteers

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.

The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.

“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”

On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.

The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.

According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable."

"It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible."

"Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;

The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595848915739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable.""It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible.""Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.------------

Officials: Future shutdowns inevitable in Kansas City due to virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.

The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.

“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.

But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.

“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.

With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.

Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.

Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.

“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.

But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.

Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.

On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.

Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.

Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.

“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.

Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.

The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.

It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.

The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.

The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.

Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.

The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595844870529.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.___

Extra unemployment aid expires, federal eviction moratorium to end

Buchanan County has recorded
its 10th COVID-19 related death as the county updates its
coronavirus count to 1,033 cases since counting began.

St. Joseph health officials
reported on Thursday 900 have been confirmed through tests with 133 listed as
probable.

The 10th
coronavirus-related death was a man in his 80s who had underlying health
issues.

Mosaic Health Care has now
tested 16,874 area residents with 762 testing positives as of Friday. Mosaic
reports six COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in St. Joseph as for Friday
morning.

Andrew County health
officials report 82 total cases since counting began; 69 confirmed and 13
probable.

Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 34 cases.

Missouri health officials report
37,700 cases with 1,179 deaths.

Kansas reports 24,104 cases with 308 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County has recorded
its 10th COVID-19 related death as the county updates its
coronavirus count to 1,033 cases since counting began.St. Joseph health officials
reported on Thursday 900 have been confirmed through tests with 133 listed as
probable.The 10th
coronavirus-related death was a man in his 80s who had underlying health
issues.Mosaic Health Care has now
tested 16,874 area residents with 762 testing positives as of Friday. Mosaic
reports six COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in St. Joseph as for Friday
morning.Mosaic is awaiting results
on 398 tests.Andrew County health
officials report 82 total cases since counting began; 69 confirmed and 13
probable.Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 34 cases.Missouri health officials report
37,700 cases with 1,179 deaths.Kansas reports 24,104 cases with 308 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports 1,000 COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths

The St. Joseph Health Department on Thursday reported a 10th COVID-19 death.

According to the health department, the individual was a&nbsp;man in his 80s who had underlying health issues.

As of July 23rd,&nbsp;the Health Department is reporting a total of&nbsp;1033&nbsp;cases in Buchanan County since counting began.&nbsp;That includes&nbsp;900&nbsp;confirmed cases and&nbsp;133&nbsp;probable cases.

The St. Joseph Health Department on Thursday reported a 10th COVID-19 death.According to the health department, the individual was a&nbsp;man in his 80s who had underlying health issues.As of July 23rd,&nbsp;the Health Department is reporting a total of&nbsp;1033&nbsp;cases in Buchanan County since counting began.&nbsp;That includes&nbsp;900&nbsp;confirmed cases and&nbsp;133&nbsp;probable cases.

Buchanan County reports 10th COVID-19 death

Buchanan County now reports 1,029 total cases of
COVID-19 since counting began, 917 of which have been confirmed with the others
probable cases.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 16,292 area
residents with 737 testing positive. There are seven patients currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph with the coronavirus.

Andrew County health officials are reporting 82 cases; 69
confirmed and 13 probable with one death.

Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 34 cases.

Missouri health officials say the state has had a total of
36,063 cases of COVID with 1,159 deaths.

Kansas is reporting a total of 24,104 with 308
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports 1,029 total cases of
COVID-19 since counting began, 917 of which have been confirmed with the others
probable cases.Buchanan County counts nine deaths.Mosaic Life Care has tested 16,292 area
residents with 737 testing positive. There are seven patients currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph with the coronavirus.Mosaic is awaiting results on 216 tests.Andrew County health officials are reporting 82 cases; 69
confirmed and 13 probable with one death.Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 34 cases.Missouri health officials say the state has had a total of
36,063 cases of COVID with 1,159 deaths.Kansas is reporting a total of 24,104 with 308
deaths.

Buchanan County tops 1K COVID-19 cases; 7 hospitalized in St. Joseph

The Maryville City Council, on Wednesday, unanimously approved an ordinance requiring face coverings in public.

According to a press release, over the past week, the Nodaway County Health Department has confirmed nearly three dozen new positive cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;

"With several thousand Northwest Missouri State University students from across the country and world returning to Maryville in the coming weeks, face coverings may prevent further exponential growth in positive cases. Face coverings and social distancing mandates are made in an attempt to prevent additional mitigation actions, such as shelter-in-place orders, closure of nonessential business, and restrictions on gathering sizes."

<a href="https://www.maryville.org/files/documents/PressReleasenews111831292072220-112539AMb.pdf">The press release</a> also states that enforcement of the ordinance will focus on education and working to promote reducing the spread of COVID-19, however fines may be issued to achieve compliance.&nbsp;

The ordinance goes into effect&nbsp;Monday, July 27th.

To view the full ordinance, <a href="https://www.maryville.org/newsview.aspx?nid=11183">click here</a>.

The Maryville City Council, on Wednesday, unanimously approved an ordinance requiring face coverings in public.According to a press release, over the past week, the Nodaway County Health Department has confirmed nearly three dozen new positive cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;"With several thousand Northwest Missouri State University students from across the country and world returning to Maryville in the coming weeks, face coverings may prevent further exponential growth in positive cases. Face coverings and social distancing mandates are made in an attempt to prevent additional mitigation actions, such as shelter-in-place orders, closure of nonessential business, and restrictions on gathering sizes."<a href="https://www.maryville.org/files/documents/PressReleasenews111831292072220-112539AMb.pdf">The press release</a> also states that enforcement of the ordinance will focus on education and working to promote reducing the spread of COVID-19, however fines may be issued to achieve compliance.&nbsp;The ordinance goes into effect&nbsp;Monday, July 27th.To view the full ordinance, <a href="https://www.maryville.org/newsview.aspx?nid=11183">click here</a>.

Maryville City Council issues ordinance requiring masks in public

Savannah
public schools has suspended all boy’s athletics through the end of the month
in wake of a student-athlete testing positive for COVID-19.

Savannah
school officials say they have been working with the Andrew County Health
Department to contact anyone who might have been in contact with the infected
student. The decision to suspend athletics comes out of an abundance of
caution, according to school officials.

The
Andrew County Health Department believes it has talked with everyone identified
as a close contact.

The
Savannah school officials say COVID-19 is thought
to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets
from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. The school district urges everyone
to take the following preventive measures:&nbsp;

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to regular seasonal
influenza and allergies.&nbsp; Symptoms may include but are not limited to
fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, sinus pressure, lethargy, loss of taste/smell, and in some
cases has caused pneumonia.

Savannah R-3 District &amp; the Andrew County Health Department
are continuing to monitor this situation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSavannah
public schools has suspended all boy’s athletics through the end of the month
in wake of a student-athlete testing positive for COVID-19.Savannah
school officials say they have been working with the Andrew County Health
Department to contact anyone who might have been in contact with the infected
student. The decision to suspend athletics comes out of an abundance of
caution, according to school officials.The
Andrew County Health Department believes it has talked with everyone identified
as a close contact.The
Savannah school officials say COVID-19 is thought
to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets
from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. The school district urges everyone
to take the following preventive measures:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Stay home when you are sick</li><li>Wash your hands regularly,
 especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming
 food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds.</li><li>Avoid coughing or sneezing into
 your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue,
 then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough/sneeze into
 your arm.</li><li>As much as you can, avoid
 touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.</li><li>Maintain at least 6 feet away
 from those who do not live with you or wear a face covering.</li>
 </ul>The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to regular seasonal
influenza and allergies.&nbsp; Symptoms may include but are not limited to
fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, sinus pressure, lethargy, loss of taste/smell, and in some
cases has caused pneumonia.Savannah R-3 District &amp; the Andrew County Health Department
are continuing to monitor this situation.

Savannah schools suspend boy's sports in wake of positive COVID-19 test

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.

As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?

“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.

“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.

The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.

Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.

“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”

By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”

“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.

“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.

But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.

“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.

If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.

And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”

Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595414351557.png" alt="President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366343118.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366561351.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump embraces masks in an about-face

Cases of COVID-19 have topped 1,000 in Buchanan County
and, with the reporting of three more deaths over the weekend, the county now
reports nine coronavirus-related deaths.

St. Joseph health officials say three women, two in their 80s
and one in her 90s, died this past weekend of COVID-19 related illnesses. All had underlying medical
conditions.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 16,055 area
residents with 714 testing positive for COVID-19. Nine patients are
hospitalized in St. Joseph. Mosaic is awaiting results from 325 tests.

Officially, the county reports 901 confirmed cases with 109
probable.

Andrew County reports 77 cases; 66 confirmed and 11 probable
with one death.

Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 32 cases.

Missouri health officials report 33,624 cases since
counting began with a total of 1,132 deaths.

Kansas health officials have recorded 23,334 cases
with 307 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCases of COVID-19 have topped 1,000 in Buchanan County
and, with the reporting of three more deaths over the weekend, the county now
reports nine coronavirus-related deaths.St. Joseph health officials say three women, two in their 80s
and one in her 90s, died this past weekend of COVID-19 related illnesses. All had underlying medical
conditions.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 16,055 area
residents with 714 testing positive for COVID-19. Nine patients are
hospitalized in St. Joseph. Mosaic is awaiting results from 325 tests.Officially, the county reports 901 confirmed cases with 109
probable.Andrew County reports 77 cases; 66 confirmed and 11 probable
with one death.Doniphan County, Kansas now reports 32 cases.Missouri health officials report 33,624 cases since
counting began with a total of 1,132 deaths.Kansas health officials have recorded 23,334 cases
with 307 deaths.

COVID-19 cases top 1K in Buchanan County; 9 hospitalized in St. Joseph

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.

She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.

More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.

Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.

There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.

Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595338227926.png" alt=" A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

Kelly: Masks non-negotiable in schools, pleads for delaying classes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.

Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.

But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”

Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.

Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.

“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.

She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”

The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.

On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.

Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.

McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268522690.png" alt="President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump acknowledged a “big flareup” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House on Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a full payroll tax repeal that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595268489369.png" alt="President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92e4b9699100a5b02fa603508115809c">Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning</a>&nbsp;again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count — 140,800 — than any other country.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as a $600 boost in jobless aid is set to expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.On Capitol Hill, McConnell faces not just pressure from the White House but also splits within his ranks, which have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.Mnuchin and Meadows will meet privately Tuesday with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount. The cut in unemployment assistance is designed to ensure that jobless people do not receive a greater benefit than if they were working. Regular state benefits vary widely and the measure would peg the federal bonus payment to a percentage of the state benefit.McConnell’s package may also send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, likely $75,000, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing and insisting on the payroll tax cut, Republicans said.At Monday’s White House meeting, Trump said he wants a full payroll tax repeal, said one Republican who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Trump then put economist Art Laffer on speakerphone. Laffer is part of a conservative group favoring the tax break. The GOP leaders indicated only a partial repeal would be included in the coming bill.Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because it is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. The tax is already being deferred for employers under the previous virus relief package. Supporters say cutting it now for employees would put money in people’s pockets and stimulate the economy, but detractors warn it would do little for out-of-work Americans and add to the nation’s rising debt load. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion.GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battled over priorities.GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”Economist Stephen Moore, who is part of the conservative group promoting the payroll tax cut, is also backing a health care provision to prevent surprise medical billing. Moore was not part of the meeting but said both were discussed at the White House.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea9b97cabecae5c91595aab05dd7f6d">leading health professionals</a>&nbsp;straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.”Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short, reviving a strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion effort</a>, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a8a5903bf4c651a2add77c643ddcdd2e">stated his own priorities</a>. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track the virus to contain its spread. Another Republican familiar with the process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession, and a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units approved in the last bill is about to expire.___

Coronavirus Update