Mosaic Life Care officials say the increase in COVID-19 cases
has not taken them by surprise.

Cases are up slightly in Buchanan County and the region since
the lifting of restrictions, mainly from a dramatic increase in the number of
patients and employees at the Living Community of St. Joseph testing positive
for the coronavirus.

But Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the
medical network anticipated the increase.

“We did believe that when we opened up that we would see an
increased number of cases as people went back out and went to large gatherings
where most are not wearing masks,” Turner tells reporters.

Mosaic has had to hospitalize some patients with COVID-19; a
few have been placed on ventilators. Mosaic has the capacity to treat 352
infectious patients in St. Joseph away from the general hospital population.

Turner says care has been taken to accommodate the special
needs of those infected with the coronavirus.

“Inside our facility we have over 100 negative-pressure rooms
available to protect those that would have COVID-19 or other contagious
diseases,” Turner says. “Understand, on a regular day prior to COVID, we would
have multiple people in isolation, because they may be in the hospital for a
contagious disease.”

Mosaic recommends residents were masks when out in public.
Mosaic requires all employees and visitors to the hospital to wear masks.

Turner says the St. Joseph hospital remains on COVID-19
footing.

“We are not back to normal operations. You shouldn’t believe
that we are,” Turner says. “We have a tiered system. We are currently at Tier
5. So, what does that mean? We’ve restricted visitors. We do not allow visitors
in COVID-positive patient rooms unless there are very special circumstances.”

Mosaic has tested 12,581 area residents since the pandemic
began with 563 testing positive for COVID-19. Twelve patients are currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph. The St. Joseph hospital had a total of 21 patients
being treated for the coronavirus at one time. Mosaic is awaiting results from
36 tests.

Buchanan County now reports a total of 884 COVID-19 cases
since counting began as the total cases at the Living Community of St. Joseph
climbs.

The Living Community reports 28 residents and 29 employees
have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Andrew County this weekend reported its first death from COVID-19,
a man in his 50s with no underlying medical conditions who had been diagnosed
with the coronavirus on June 9th. Andrew County reports a total of
55 cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care officials say the increase in COVID-19 cases
has not taken them by surprise.Cases are up slightly in Buchanan County and the region since
the lifting of restrictions, mainly from a dramatic increase in the number of
patients and employees at the Living Community of St. Joseph testing positive
for the coronavirus.But Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the
medical network anticipated the increase.“We did believe that when we opened up that we would see an
increased number of cases as people went back out and went to large gatherings
where most are not wearing masks,” Turner tells reporters.Mosaic has had to hospitalize some patients with COVID-19; a
few have been placed on ventilators. Mosaic has the capacity to treat 352
infectious patients in St. Joseph away from the general hospital population.Turner says care has been taken to accommodate the special
needs of those infected with the coronavirus.“Inside our facility we have over 100 negative-pressure rooms
available to protect those that would have COVID-19 or other contagious
diseases,” Turner says. “Understand, on a regular day prior to COVID, we would
have multiple people in isolation, because they may be in the hospital for a
contagious disease.”Mosaic recommends residents were masks when out in public.
Mosaic requires all employees and visitors to the hospital to wear masks.Turner says the St. Joseph hospital remains on COVID-19
footing.“We are not back to normal operations. You shouldn’t believe
that we are,” Turner says. “We have a tiered system. We are currently at Tier
5. So, what does that mean? We’ve restricted visitors. We do not allow visitors
in COVID-positive patient rooms unless there are very special circumstances.”Mosaic has tested 12,581 area residents since the pandemic
began with 563 testing positive for COVID-19. Twelve patients are currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph. The St. Joseph hospital had a total of 21 patients
being treated for the coronavirus at one time. Mosaic is awaiting results from
36 tests.Buchanan County now reports a total of 884 COVID-19 cases
since counting began as the total cases at the Living Community of St. Joseph
climbs.The Living Community reports 28 residents and 29 employees
have tested positive for the coronavirus.Andrew County this weekend reported its first death from COVID-19,
a man in his 50s with no underlying medical conditions who had been diagnosed
with the coronavirus on June 9th. Andrew County reports a total of
55 cases.

Mosaic Life Care says it is prepared should COVID-19 cases spike

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 12,531 residents
with 562 testing positive for COVID-19. Eleven patients are hospitalized in St.
Joseph. Mosaic awaits results from 24 tests.

Doniphan County reports 26 cases as the Kansas Department of
Health reports nearly 15,919 cases, resulting in 277 deaths.

The Missouri Department of Health reports 23,436
cases with 1,028 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports a total of 884 COVID-19 cases
since counting began as the total cases at the Living Community of St. Joseph
climbs.The Living Community reports 28 residents and 29 employees
have tested positive for the coronavirus.Andrew County this weekend reported its first death from COVID-19,
a man in his 50s with no underlying medical conditions who had been diagnosed
with the coronavirus on June 9th. Andrew County reports a total of
55 cases.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 12,531 residents
with 562 testing positive for COVID-19. Eleven patients are hospitalized in St.
Joseph. Mosaic awaits results from 24 tests.Doniphan County reports 26 cases as the Kansas Department of
Health reports nearly 15,919 cases, resulting in 277 deaths.The Missouri Department of Health reports 23,436
cases with 1,028 deaths.

Buchanan County approaches 900 COVID-19 cases

LAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk.

 A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.

Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.

“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”

More than 130 Kansans submitted answers to the social media survey, open only for a 96-hour window.

No respondents reported having COVID-19. Only 8% said they had family members diagnosed, while 41% said they knew someone in their community or place of work with COVID-19. Respondents appraised their knowledge of the pandemic as above average, and their responses to questions about the virus confirmed that.

“We wanted to understand what their concept of risk was. We were pleasantly surprised, but we also need to take it with a grain of salt, because the sample skewed toward highly educated participants,” Geana said.

Those results are consistent with online surveys, which tend to be answered more by highly educated people and women, Geana said.

Among the significant findings was where people reported getting information about the pandemic.

 The top source was Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's daily media briefings, which were also rated as the most trustworthy. 

Information from search engines such as Google or Bing was second in terms of usage, with 60% of respondents saying they used them daily. 

National newspapers such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal were third in terms of use, while discussions with family, friends and co-workers followed.

As far as mediated sources of information, public television and national newspapers were the most trusted media sources, while local or regional papers, commercial television, cable news, liberal and conservative media sources followed. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the least trusted source of information.

A high level of knowledge among respondents was not surprising, but the lack of trust in social media was, Geana said.

“We somewhat expected that (high level of knowledge) because it was a salient issue. People had to stay at home because of COVID-19, so they were watching a lot of TV because of it, reading a lot of news because of COVID-19, etc. That was very surprising,” Geana said of the observed lack of trust in social media. 

“In addition to media, in terms of trust, medical professionals are the most trusted people, but co-workers, family and friends are important, because you talk with them more, often through social media channels. Well, we found that they are not as trusted as we expected. Probably a lot of the recent scandals involving social media influenced the trust that people have in it nowadays.”

The findings also showed a relationship between people’s level of knowledge and their willingness to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

 Those who reported strong feelings about precautionary measures put in place by the state government to slow the spread were also less likely to take precautionary measures. That was also in line with previous findings that people’s risk perceptions were related to the severity of the outbreak in their community.

“If I believe a mask will not help me, I am more likely not to wear one, even though I have access to information that tells me that is dangerous and I could get COVID-19,” Geana said of the findings.

The study is the first of two, and the second part will include further information on the perception of risk about contracting COVID-19 as states started to reopen, with survey data taken in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593644529174.png" alt="A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted." />
 <figcaption>A graph from the University of Kansas&nbsp;study shows the information sources survey respondents trusted. The scores range from 1, least trusted, to 5, most trusted.</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — New information emerges about the novel coronavirus on a daily basis, sometimes confirming, other times contradicting what we thought we knew the day before. Our reaction to this constant information flow depends not only on our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic but also our sources, environment and how we estimate risk. A recent University of Kansas study found that while Kansas survey participants relied on multiple sources about reliable COVID-19 information, they tended to prefer local authorities and distrust social media.Mugur Geana, associate professor of journalism &amp; mass communications and director of KU’s Center for Excellence in Health Communications to Underserved Populations, wrote the study, which will be published in the June issue of the&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.ku.edu/kjm/article/view/13821">Kansas Journal of Medicine.</a>&nbsp;The study showed responses consistent with the state’s status, at the time, as an area with relatively few cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593641032679.jpeg" alt="Mugur Geana" />
 <figcaption>Mugur Geana</figcaption>
 </figure>“When we did this survey in April, information was changing very fast,” Geana said. “We wanted to make sure we captured a window in which data available to people did not vary widely.”More than 130 Kansans submitted answers to the social media survey, open only for a 96-hour window.No respondents reported having COVID-19. Only 8% said they had family members diagnosed, while 41% said they knew someone in their community or place of work with COVID-19. Respondents appraised their knowledge of the pandemic as above average, and their responses to questions about the virus confirmed that.“We wanted to understand what their concept of risk was. We were pleasantly surprised, but we also need to take it with a grain of salt, because the sample skewed toward highly educated participants,” Geana said.Those results are consistent with online surveys, which tend to be answered more by highly educated people and women, Geana said.Among the significant findings was where people reported getting information about the pandemic. The top source was Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's daily media briefings, which were also rated as the most trustworthy. Information from search engines such as Google or Bing was second in terms of usage, with 60% of respondents saying they used them daily. National newspapers such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal were third in terms of use, while discussions with family, friends and co-workers followed.As far as mediated sources of information, public television and national newspapers were the most trusted media sources, while local or regional papers, commercial television, cable news, liberal and conservative media sources followed. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the least trusted source of information.A high level of knowledge among respondents was not surprising, but the lack of trust in social media was, Geana said.“We somewhat expected that (high level of knowledge) because it was a salient issue. People had to stay at home because of COVID-19, so they were watching a lot of TV because of it, reading a lot of news because of COVID-19, etc. That was very surprising,” Geana said of the observed lack of trust in social media. “In addition to media, in terms of trust, medical professionals are the most trusted people, but co-workers, family and friends are important, because you talk with them more, often through social media channels. Well, we found that they are not as trusted as we expected. Probably a lot of the recent scandals involving social media influenced the trust that people have in it nowadays.”The findings also showed a relationship between people’s level of knowledge and their willingness to take precautions to protect themselves and others. Those who reported strong feelings about precautionary measures put in place by the state government to slow the spread were also less likely to take precautionary measures. That was also in line with previous findings that people’s risk perceptions were related to the severity of the outbreak in their community.“If I believe a mask will not help me, I am more likely not to wear one, even though I have access to information that tells me that is dangerous and I could get COVID-19,” Geana said of the findings.The study is the first of two, and the second part will include further information on the perception of risk about contracting COVID-19 as states started to reopen, with survey data taken in May.

KU study gauges how Kansans get info on COVID-19 and who they trust 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported another big increase in confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, capping its worst two-week spike since the pandemic began and coming as a statewide mask mandate from the governor took effect.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has had 15,919 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, up 929, or 6.2% since only Wednesday. Kansas also has reported 277 COVID-19-related deaths, up five in two days.

Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Thursday requiring people to wear masks in public and in their workplaces because of a surge in cases, and it took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. She and her top public health administrator said that if the state doesn’t reverse the surge, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d205da04a32ace8ecffd4b5e8a6fb481">won’t be safe to reopen public schools</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 519,000 K-12 students in August.

Kansas reported an average of 276 new coronavirus cases a day over the past two weeks — the largest 14-day average since the state confirmed its first case March 7. The previous peak was 271 on May 11.

Kelly called the surge in cases in Kansas and across the nation “alarming,” adding in an emailed statement, “Until there is a vaccine, masks are our best defense to help keep our families and neighbors healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

The state released its latest figures shortly before a meeting of the City Council in Wichita, Kansas’ largest city, to consider a mask requirement.

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple called the meeting a day after the city’s home county rejected a mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243979262.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reported.</a>

The Sedgwick County Commission voted 3-2 on Thursday to strongly recommend but not require that local residents follow Kelly’s order.

“The idea that we ‘strongly suggest’ people take this advice has failed,” Whipple said. “There’s no evidence that shows that strategy has worked, and now we are in a much worse position.”

Kansas has reported an increase of 6,701, or nearly 73% in confirmed coronavirus cases since Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26. The Democratic governor’s decision left the decision on the rules to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of complaints from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the state’s economy.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s mask order</a>&nbsp;comes with no criminal penalties for people who don’t wear masks, but violators face a potential civil fine of up to $2,500 if local prosecutors decide to go to court. She and other state officials don’t expect the order to be vigorously enforced but hope it will encourage people to wear masks.

Whipple was a Democratic Kansas House member before being elected mayor last year. Among the biggest critics of Kelly’s mask order are two conservative Republican legislative leaders from Wichita, Senate President Susan Wagle and House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins.

During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, several Sedgwick County commissioners questioned whether a mask mandate could be enforced and suggested that educating residents about the importance of wearing masks would be the better tactic.

“No one wants to be the mask police,” said Commissioner David Dennis, a Republican.

Johnson County and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area are mandating mask wearing, as is Douglas County in northeast Kansas, home to the main University of Kansas campus.

Counties can opt out of Kelly’s mask order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers. But the state constitution gives cities broad power to set their own policies, independent of counties or the state.

Nearly 76% of Sedgwick County’s 516,000 residents, some 399,000 people, live in Wichita. The county’s confirmed coronavirus cases have nearly tripled since May 26, from 537 to 1,564, with 196 new reported cases in the past two days alone.

The governor’s order says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.

Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.

The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported another big increase in confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, capping its worst two-week spike since the pandemic began and coming as a statewide mask mandate from the governor took effect.The state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has had 15,919 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, up 929, or 6.2% since only Wednesday. Kansas also has reported 277 COVID-19-related deaths, up five in two days.Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Thursday requiring people to wear masks in public and in their workplaces because of a surge in cases, and it took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. She and her top public health administrator said that if the state doesn’t reverse the surge, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d205da04a32ace8ecffd4b5e8a6fb481">won’t be safe to reopen public schools</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 519,000 K-12 students in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593795912528.png" alt="July 3, 2020 KDHE Image" />
 <figcaption>July 3, 2020 KDHE Image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas reported an average of 276 new coronavirus cases a day over the past two weeks — the largest 14-day average since the state confirmed its first case March 7. The previous peak was 271 on May 11.Kelly called the surge in cases in Kansas and across the nation “alarming,” adding in an emailed statement, “Until there is a vaccine, masks are our best defense to help keep our families and neighbors healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”The state released its latest figures shortly before a meeting of the City Council in Wichita, Kansas’ largest city, to consider a mask requirement.Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple called the meeting a day after the city’s home county rejected a mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article243979262.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle reported.</a>The Sedgwick County Commission voted 3-2 on Thursday to strongly recommend but not require that local residents follow Kelly’s order.“The idea that we ‘strongly suggest’ people take this advice has failed,” Whipple said. “There’s no evidence that shows that strategy has worked, and now we are in a much worse position.”Kansas has reported an increase of 6,701, or nearly 73% in confirmed coronavirus cases since Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26. The Democratic governor’s decision left the decision on the rules to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of complaints from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was moving too slowly to reopen the state’s economy.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s mask order</a>&nbsp;comes with no criminal penalties for people who don’t wear masks, but violators face a potential civil fine of up to $2,500 if local prosecutors decide to go to court. She and other state officials don’t expect the order to be vigorously enforced but hope it will encourage people to wear masks.Whipple was a Democratic Kansas House member before being elected mayor last year. Among the biggest critics of Kelly’s mask order are two conservative Republican legislative leaders from Wichita, Senate President Susan Wagle and House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins.During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, several Sedgwick County commissioners questioned whether a mask mandate could be enforced and suggested that educating residents about the importance of wearing masks would be the better tactic.“No one wants to be the mask police,” said Commissioner David Dennis, a Republican.Johnson County and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area are mandating mask wearing, as is Douglas County in northeast Kansas, home to the main University of Kansas campus.Counties can opt out of Kelly’s mask order under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a new pandemic law</a>&nbsp;that took effect in June and resulted from a compromise between Kelly and lawmakers. But the state constitution gives cities broad power to set their own policies, independent of counties or the state.Nearly 76% of Sedgwick County’s 516,000 residents, some 399,000 people, live in Wichita. The county’s confirmed coronavirus cases have nearly tripled since May 26, from 537 to 1,564, with 196 new reported cases in the past two days alone.The governor’s order says Kansas residents must wear masks in indoor public spaces, while seeking health care or using public transportation. It also says people must wear them outdoors in public when they can’t remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others.Businesses must require employees to wear masks in places frequented by the public or if they prepare food.The requirement would not apply to children under 6, the deaf, or people with medical conditions that make breathing through a mask difficult or who can’t remove a mask without assistance.

Kansas sees worst 2-week COVID-19 spike since pandemic began

Andrew County health officials today reported the county’s
first death from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Andrew County Health Department states a man in his 50s
with no underlying medical conditions has died of COVID-19. The man was
diagnosed with the coronavirus on June 9th.

Andrew County reports a total of 54 cases since counting
began; 50 confirmed and four probable. The county says 41 people who tested
positive have recovered.

Buchanan County reports 880 total cases. Doniphan County,
Kansas reports 26 cases.

Mosaic Life Care reports testing 12,060 area residents with
539 testing positive for the coronavirus. Fifteen patients are being treated at
the St. Joseph hospital for COVID-19, a few on ventilators. Mosaic is awaiting
the results from 205 tests.

Missouri health officials report 22,283 total cases statewide,
resulting in 1,022 deaths. Kansas health officials report 14,990 statewide cases
and 272 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAndrew County health officials today reported the county’s
first death from the coronavirus pandemic.The Andrew County Health Department states a man in his 50s
with no underlying medical conditions has died of COVID-19. The man was
diagnosed with the coronavirus on June 9th.Andrew County reports a total of 54 cases since counting
began; 50 confirmed and four probable. The county says 41 people who tested
positive have recovered.Buchanan County reports 880 total cases. Doniphan County,
Kansas reports 26 cases.Mosaic Life Care reports testing 12,060 area residents with
539 testing positive for the coronavirus. Fifteen patients are being treated at
the St. Joseph hospital for COVID-19, a few on ventilators. Mosaic is awaiting
the results from 205 tests.Missouri health officials report 22,283 total cases statewide,
resulting in 1,022 deaths. Kansas health officials report 14,990 statewide cases
and 272 deaths.

Andrew County records 1st death from COVID-19

St. Joseph residents will not be required to wear masks while
in public.

The St. Joseph City Council has decided against taking that
step, though concerns have arisen over an increase in COVID-19 cases, primarily
due to an outbreak in The Living Community.

Council members will review a proposal to mandate the wearing
of masks when they meet again next Thursday in their weekly meeting to monitor
the coronavirus pandemic.

The Living Community reports 22 residents and 15 employees
have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Buchanan County reports 880 total cases; the number of cases since
official counting began. Andrew County reports 54 cases of COVID-19. Doniphan
County, Kansas records 26 cases.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 12,060 area residents with 539
testing positive for the coronavirus. Fifteen patients are being treated at the
St. Joseph hospital for COVID-19, a few on ventilators. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 205 tests.

The Missouri Department of Health reports 22,283 total cases
statewide, resulting in 1,022 deaths. Kansas health officials report 14,990
statewide cases and 272 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph residents will not be required to wear masks while
in public.The St. Joseph City Council has decided against taking that
step, though concerns have arisen over an increase in COVID-19 cases, primarily
due to an outbreak in The Living Community.A requirement remains a possibility.Council members will review a proposal to mandate the wearing
of masks when they meet again next Thursday in their weekly meeting to monitor
the coronavirus pandemic.The Living Community reports 22 residents and 15 employees
have tested positive for the coronavirus.Buchanan County reports 880 total cases; the number of cases since
official counting began. Andrew County reports 54 cases of COVID-19. Doniphan
County, Kansas records 26 cases.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 12,060 area residents with 539
testing positive for the coronavirus. Fifteen patients are being treated at the
St. Joseph hospital for COVID-19, a few on ventilators. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 205 tests.The Missouri Department of Health reports 22,283 total cases
statewide, resulting in 1,022 deaths. Kansas health officials report 14,990
statewide cases and 272 deaths.

No mask mandate for St. Joseph, yet; numbers up in Buchanan County

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Leaders of Missouri’s largest metropolitan areas are now requiring face coverings in response to the surge in confirmed coronavirus cases, but many other places across the state are leaving it up to individuals to decide.

Kansas City and Jackson County began requiring face coverings for residents in public earlier this week, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1daa739b156a7d7d0e57705e321cc5d1">St. Louis city and county</a>&nbsp;leaders on Wednesday announced similar measures. Some other cities and counties are encouraging, but not requiring masks, including Springfield.

“I wear a mask to protect you” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said Thursday at a news conference. “You wear a mask to protect me.”

Missouri is among several states seeing big increases in confirmed cases of virus that causes COVID-19 since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b46885a2495c6b6e9503cd2a549fda2">economy reopened</a>. Since June 16 the state has had no rules on social distancing, though Republican Gov. Mike Parson has repeatedly urged caution and stressed personal responsibility. Adding to the concern is the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, when many people are expected to gather at parties, festivals and fireworks displays.

The state health department has reported nearly 2,900 newly confirmed cases in the past week, including 376 cases and two deaths on Wednesday. The state has seen 21,927 confirmed cases, including 1,017 deaths, since the pandemic began. Hospitalizations also are starting to rise.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

But leaders of many cities and counties are standing firm against any mask mandate.

“When it comes to masks, I have faith that the citizens of St. Charles County will do the right thing without government coercion,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, a Republican, said in a statement. “I will continue to do everything I can to remind our citizens that, along with the freedom to decide, they have a responsibility to protect the health of others by wearing a mask.”

St. Charles County, near St. Louis, is Missouri’s third-largest county with 402,000 residents. Leaders of another St. Louis-area county, Franklin, also are not requiring face coverings for its 104,000 residents.

Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker, a Republican, said the commission “will continue to support the choice of the individual to keep themselves and others as safe as possible with their lifestyle choices.”

St. Charles County has reported 1,064 confirmed coronavirus cases, the fifth-highest total in the state, and 74 deaths. Franklin County has reported 208 confirmed cases and 18 deaths.

Smaller towns are saying no to mandatory masks, too. The Carthage City Council in southwestern Missouri on Wednesday rejected proposals to combat the spread of the virus, including limiting park gatherings to 10 people or fewer and requiring face coverings.

City leaders in St. Joseph and Columbia are still deciding whether to mandate face coverings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182496457.png" alt="Kansas City Missouri may Quinton Lucas removes his face mask prior to a press conference in April" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Missouri may Quinton Lucas removes his face mask prior to a press conference in April</figcaption>
 </figure>O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Leaders of Missouri’s largest metropolitan areas are now requiring face coverings in response to the surge in confirmed coronavirus cases, but many other places across the state are leaving it up to individuals to decide.Kansas City and Jackson County began requiring face coverings for residents in public earlier this week, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1daa739b156a7d7d0e57705e321cc5d1">St. Louis city and county</a>&nbsp;leaders on Wednesday announced similar measures. Some other cities and counties are encouraging, but not requiring masks, including Springfield.“I wear a mask to protect you” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said Thursday at a news conference. “You wear a mask to protect me.”Missouri is among several states seeing big increases in confirmed cases of virus that causes COVID-19 since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b46885a2495c6b6e9503cd2a549fda2">economy reopened</a>. Since June 16 the state has had no rules on social distancing, though Republican Gov. Mike Parson has repeatedly urged caution and stressed personal responsibility. Adding to the concern is the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, when many people are expected to gather at parties, festivals and fireworks displays.The state health department has reported nearly 2,900 newly confirmed cases in the past week, including 376 cases and two deaths on Wednesday. The state has seen 21,927 confirmed cases, including 1,017 deaths, since the pandemic began. Hospitalizations also are starting to rise.The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.But leaders of many cities and counties are standing firm against any mask mandate.“When it comes to masks, I have faith that the citizens of St. Charles County will do the right thing without government coercion,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, a Republican, said in a statement. “I will continue to do everything I can to remind our citizens that, along with the freedom to decide, they have a responsibility to protect the health of others by wearing a mask.”St. Charles County, near St. Louis, is Missouri’s third-largest county with 402,000 residents. Leaders of another St. Louis-area county, Franklin, also are not requiring face coverings for its 104,000 residents.Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker, a Republican, said the commission “will continue to support the choice of the individual to keep themselves and others as safe as possible with their lifestyle choices.”St. Charles County has reported 1,064 confirmed coronavirus cases, the fifth-highest total in the state, and 74 deaths. Franklin County has reported 208 confirmed cases and 18 deaths.Smaller towns are saying no to mandatory masks, too. The Carthage City Council in southwestern Missouri on Wednesday rejected proposals to combat the spread of the virus, including limiting park gatherings to 10 people or fewer and requiring face coverings.City leaders in St. Joseph and Columbia are still deciding whether to mandate face coverings.

Missouri jurisdictions divided on requiring face coverings

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

Governor signs order requiring masks be worn in public, at work

Hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington today will focus on the
effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, soon.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt chairs the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies holding
the hearings with federal health officials. Blunt says though the number of
cases is rising, that doesn’t necessarily mean deaths will spike.

“I think it’s unlikely that the death toll will have any commensurate
comparison to the death toll earlier where people that were being tested were
almost universally people that were already sick,” Blunt tells reporters on a
conference call.

Blunt says testing has greatly increased, including testing at
the workplace.

“We’ve seen that particularly in the close workplace
situations that we have in the livestock and poultry processing facilities in
our state and other places,” according to Blunt.

Locally, Mosaic Life Care had tested 11,801 area residents as
of Wednesday morning. Of those, 530 tested positive for COVID-19. Eighteen
COVID-19 patients are hospitalized at the St. Joseph hospital.

The Missouri Department of Health reports nearly 400,000
Missourians have been tested with nearly 22,000 testing positive for the
coronavirus, resulting in slightly more than 1,000 deaths.

Though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, the coronavirus
remains a threat which Blunt says must be taken seriously.

“Wearing that mask, thinking about social distancing, having
tests and therapeutics and eventually a vaccine is what moves us through this
and I hope we have the discipline as a society to do the right thing and I
believe we will.”

Federal officials scheduled to
  testify today include National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis
  Collins, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert
  Redfield, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
  Dr. Gary Disbrow.

The federal government has
  dubbed the effort to find a COVID-19 vaccine Operation Warp Speed.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHearings on Capitol Hill in Washington today will focus on the
effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, soon.U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt chairs the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies holding
the hearings with federal health officials. Blunt says though the number of
cases is rising, that doesn’t necessarily mean deaths will spike.“I think it’s unlikely that the death toll will have any commensurate
comparison to the death toll earlier where people that were being tested were
almost universally people that were already sick,” Blunt tells reporters on a
conference call.Blunt says testing has greatly increased, including testing at
the workplace.“We’ve seen that particularly in the close workplace
situations that we have in the livestock and poultry processing facilities in
our state and other places,” according to Blunt.Locally, Mosaic Life Care had tested 11,801 area residents as
of Wednesday morning. Of those, 530 tested positive for COVID-19. Eighteen
COVID-19 patients are hospitalized at the St. Joseph hospital.The Missouri Department of Health reports nearly 400,000
Missourians have been tested with nearly 22,000 testing positive for the
coronavirus, resulting in slightly more than 1,000 deaths.Though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, the coronavirus
remains a threat which Blunt says must be taken seriously.“Wearing that mask, thinking about social distancing, having
tests and therapeutics and eventually a vaccine is what moves us through this
and I hope we have the discipline as a society to do the right thing and I
believe we will.”Federal officials scheduled to
 testify today include National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis
 Collins, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert
 Redfield, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
 Dr. Gary Disbrow.The federal government has
 dubbed the effort to find a COVID-19 vaccine Operation Warp Speed.

Effort to find COVID-19 vaccine the focus of Congressional hearings

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.

Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”

Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.

Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.

Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.

One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.

The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.

“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”

Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.

Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.

Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”

Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.

“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”

The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.

The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.

Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.

Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593684498845.png" alt="During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."" />
 <figcaption>During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F574144539956381%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 top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.___

🎥  Dr. Lee Norman: Kansas blew chance for coronavirus respite

St. Joseph city officials encourage you to wear a mask when
out in public, but the city has yet to make masks mandatory.

Mayor Bill McMurray says he’s leery of taking that step,
hoping St. Joseph residents will see the wisdom of wearing masks to contain the
spread of COVID-19.

“When you go to a grocery store or when you otherwise are out
in public at another retail establishment, just wear the mask,” Murray says
during a call to the KFEQ Hotline. “It will protect others. And recent
guidelines from the CDC say it might even protect you.”

St. Joseph City Council members will meet Thursday afternoon
to discuss whether to issue an order to require residents wear masks while in
public. Kansas City and Jackson County have decided to make masks mandatory as
has the state of Kansas.

McMurray isn’t sure requiring masks is the right step.

“We really want you to wear them so that you can protect
everyone and yourself and, most of all, so we can keep these numbers down,”
Murray says. “We don’t want to become another community where we have a huge
spike in numbers and then we have to adopt draconian measures again. I don’t
want to go down that road.”

Buchanan County now reports 869 cases of COVID-19 since
counting began.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,801 area residents with 530
testing positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic reports 18 people are being
treated for COVID-19 at the St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results
from 126 tests.

Living Community of St. Joseph reports one resident and one
employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Living Community officials
now report a total of 22 residents and 13 employees have tested positive.

St. Joseph health officials do want residents to wear masks in
public as they attempt to keep COVID-19 from spreading.

St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says
wearing a mask during this coronavirus pandemic only makes sense.

“Wearing a mask is going to protect you to some degree and the
people around you to an even greater degree,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post. “Washing
your hands, keeping that six-foot distance; all these are things that we can do
to protect ourselves.”

Malita says she understands some residents don’t want to wear
masks at all. She says the city isn’t attempting to limit anyone’s freedom,
just limit the spread of COVID-19.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials encourage you to wear a mask when
out in public, but the city has yet to make masks mandatory.Mayor Bill McMurray says he’s leery of taking that step,
hoping St. Joseph residents will see the wisdom of wearing masks to contain the
spread of COVID-19.“When you go to a grocery store or when you otherwise are out
in public at another retail establishment, just wear the mask,” Murray says
during a call to the KFEQ Hotline. “It will protect others. And recent
guidelines from the CDC say it might even protect you.”St. Joseph City Council members will meet Thursday afternoon
to discuss whether to issue an order to require residents wear masks while in
public. Kansas City and Jackson County have decided to make masks mandatory as
has the state of Kansas.McMurray isn’t sure requiring masks is the right step.“We really want you to wear them so that you can protect
everyone and yourself and, most of all, so we can keep these numbers down,”
Murray says. “We don’t want to become another community where we have a huge
spike in numbers and then we have to adopt draconian measures again. I don’t
want to go down that road.”Buchanan County now reports 869 cases of COVID-19 since
counting began.Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,801 area residents with 530
testing positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic reports 18 people are being
treated for COVID-19 at the St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results
from 126 tests.Living Community of St. Joseph reports one resident and one
employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Living Community officials
now report a total of 22 residents and 13 employees have tested positive.St. Joseph health officials do want residents to wear masks in
public as they attempt to keep COVID-19 from spreading.St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says
wearing a mask during this coronavirus pandemic only makes sense.“Wearing a mask is going to protect you to some degree and the
people around you to an even greater degree,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post. “Washing
your hands, keeping that six-foot distance; all these are things that we can do
to protect ourselves.”Malita says she understands some residents don’t want to wear
masks at all. She says the city isn’t attempting to limit anyone’s freedom,
just limit the spread of COVID-19.

St. Joseph and masks:  requested, not mandated, yet

Missouri reaches a grim milestone as deaths from COVID-19 top
one thousand.

The Missouri Department of Health reports 21,551 cases resulting
in 1,015 deaths.

Gov. Mike Parson says the coronavirus pandemic is a real
tragedy.

“Lots of people have lots of different spins they put on
everything, but that’s a thousand people that lost their lives due to COVID-19.
I think we all need to remember that,” Parson tells reporters during his
coronavirus briefing at the state Capitol. “A lot of affected people out there,
a lot of family members who have been affected by COVID-19 and will continue to
be affected by COVID-19.”

The Living Community of St. Joseph reports one resident and
one employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Living Community officials
now report a total of 22 residents and 13 employees have tested positive.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,801 area residents with 530 testing positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic reports 18 people are currently being
treated for COVID-19 at the St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results
from 126 tests.

Andrew County reports 51 cases of COVID-19 with Doniphan County, Kansas
reporting 26.

Kansas Department of Health officials report 14,443 with 270
deaths.

This article has been updated since first published.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri reaches a grim milestone as deaths from COVID-19 top
one thousand.The Missouri Department of Health reports 21,551 cases resulting
in 1,015 deaths.Gov. Mike Parson says the coronavirus pandemic is a real
tragedy.“Lots of people have lots of different spins they put on
everything, but that’s a thousand people that lost their lives due to COVID-19.
I think we all need to remember that,” Parson tells reporters during his
coronavirus briefing at the state Capitol. “A lot of affected people out there,
a lot of family members who have been affected by COVID-19 and will continue to
be affected by COVID-19.”Parson says the virus is not going away.The Living Community of St. Joseph reports one resident and
one employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Living Community officials
now report a total of 22 residents and 13 employees have tested positive.Buchanan County now reports 869 cases of COVID-19 since
counting began.Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,801 area residents with 530 testing positive for the coronavirus. Mosaic reports 18 people are currently being
treated for COVID-19 at the St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results
from 126 tests.Andrew County reports 51 cases of COVID-19 with Doniphan County, Kansas
reporting 26.Kansas Department of Health officials report 14,443 with 270
deaths.This article has been updated since first published.

Missouri tops 1,000 COVID-19 deaths; Living Community reports 22 cases

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>

The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.

Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.

Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”

In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

University of Kansas backs away from in-person requirement

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.

“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.

“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”

Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.

“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. 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:

Others who need to continue quarantining:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly arrived at Monday's press briefing wearing a mask</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly held a press briefing  Monday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in Kansas.&nbsp; She announced that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space will be required to wear a mask. Local officials will be responsible for enforcing the mandate, according to the governor.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3154697867948519%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>“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has added two states to the quarantine list: South Carolina and Florida and removed Maryland. This is in effect for persons arriving in or returning to Kansas&nbsp; June 29, and moving forward. 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:Traveled to:<ul>
 <li>South Carolina and Florida on or after June 29.</li><li>Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas on or after June 17.</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.</li><li>International travel on or after March 15.</li>
 </ul>Others who need to continue quarantining:<ul>
 <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>

🎥  Gov. Kelly mandates all Kansans wear masks starting July 3

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 905 to a total of 14,443, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 270<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/2020/6/1593450200744.png" alt="Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 29, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

Buchanan County reports 855 cases of COVID-19 with Missouri
now reporting 20,575 cases with the death toll approaching one thousand.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,360 residents with 516
testing positive for the coronavirus. Ten patients are currently hospitalized
in St. Joseph. Mosaic awaits results from 32 tests.

Andrew County now reports 49 cases with Doniphan County,
Kansas reporting 26.

The Missouri Department of Health reports 997 deaths related to COVID-19.

The Kansas Department of Health has recorded 13,500
cases, resulting in 264 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County reports 855 cases of COVID-19 with Missouri
now reporting 20,575 cases with the death toll approaching one thousand.Mosaic Life Care has tested 11,360 residents with 516
testing positive for the coronavirus. Ten patients are currently hospitalized
in St. Joseph. Mosaic awaits results from 32 tests.Andrew County now reports 49 cases with Doniphan County,
Kansas reporting 26.The Missouri Department of Health reports 997 deaths related to COVID-19.The Kansas Department of Health has recorded 13,500
cases, resulting in 264 deaths.

Buchanan County reports 855 COVID-19 cases as Missouri nears 1,000 deaths

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.

“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”

KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593397742835.png" alt="Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.“In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.”KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify locations throughout Kansas which would benefit from this service. The Mobile Testing Unit is a van outfitted with COVID-19 laboratory-sampling equipment that can travel to locations and areas as requested. Currently, the Mobile Testing Unit is tentatively scheduled through mid-July. It will make its first appearance in conjunction with an Advent Health/Mercy and Truth Medical Missions event in Wyandotte County on June 27. For information regarding that event or future events, please reach out to the organizing entity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193586788.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman answers questions during a governor's press conference in early June</figcaption>
 </figure>“We recognize there are disparities with COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “Part of our testing strategy in Kansas is to alleviate the barriers to getting tested.”The lab testing is provided at no cost to any individual seeking testing. There is also no cost to the community. The test being performed is a diagnostic test, meaning it will say if the individual currently has COVID-19. The Mobile Testing Unit will collect the samples while at each site and then send them to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories for processing. Results will be available to individuals in approximately 1-2 days through the partnering local health department or health organization.If you are interested in having the Mobile Testing Unit in your community, KDHE encourages people to coordinate with their local health departments or also reach out to our&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov" target="_blank">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coronavirus Update