A St. Joseph financial advisor says investors need to pause and
think before they do anything in these volatile financial times.

COVID-19 has shaken the national economy, and initially, sent
the markets into a freefall.

Nick Gertsema with Gertsema Wealth Advisors says panic does
nobody any good.

“My number one tip would be breathe,” Gertsema tells St. Joseph
Post. “Take a deep breath. There’s a lot of panic. There’s a lot of fear. There’s
a lot of irrational thinking. But panic and fear are not investment strategies.”

Gertsema doesn’t necessarily say investors should simply stay
the course. He says investors need to take a long, hard look at their plan and
adjust if necessary. But he says the economy will bounce back, the stock
markets will regain their footing, and those who stick to their plan will
profit.

Emotions can rise and fall with the Stock Market. Gertsema advises
this isn’t the time to give in to your emotions.

“Emotion causes you to do the wrong thing at the wrong time
for the wrong reasons,” according to Gertsema. “Sometimes, when you see
volatility in the market place, your first thought is I need to make a trade, I
need to change something, I need to make an adjustment. And then, sometimes
action for the sake of action may be more detrimental to the portfolio than
helpful.”

Gertsema says the negative impact COVID-19 restrictions had on
the economy rival many past recessions, but adds this economic downturn is
different. Gertsema says the 2011 recession was an event-triggered recession.

“What we’re looking at now is different just because with
COVID-19, we don’t have a firm understanding of when we’re going to be done
with it or the damage that it’s done,” Gertsema says. “I mean, historically, we
went from the lowest unemployment in 50 years to the highest unemployment in 80
in roughly two months.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph financial advisor says investors need to pause and
think before they do anything in these volatile financial times.COVID-19 has shaken the national economy, and initially, sent
the markets into a freefall.Nick Gertsema with Gertsema Wealth Advisors says panic does
nobody any good.“My number one tip would be breathe,” Gertsema tells St. Joseph
Post. “Take a deep breath. There’s a lot of panic. There’s a lot of fear. There’s
a lot of irrational thinking. But panic and fear are not investment strategies.”Gertsema doesn’t necessarily say investors should simply stay
the course. He says investors need to take a long, hard look at their plan and
adjust if necessary. But he says the economy will bounce back, the stock
markets will regain their footing, and those who stick to their plan will
profit.Emotions can rise and fall with the Stock Market. Gertsema advises
this isn’t the time to give in to your emotions.“Emotion causes you to do the wrong thing at the wrong time
for the wrong reasons,” according to Gertsema. “Sometimes, when you see
volatility in the market place, your first thought is I need to make a trade, I
need to change something, I need to make an adjustment. And then, sometimes
action for the sake of action may be more detrimental to the portfolio than
helpful.”Gertsema says the negative impact COVID-19 restrictions had on
the economy rival many past recessions, but adds this economic downturn is
different. Gertsema says the 2011 recession was an event-triggered recession.“What we’re looking at now is different just because with
COVID-19, we don’t have a firm understanding of when we’re going to be done
with it or the damage that it’s done,” Gertsema says. “I mean, historically, we
went from the lowest unemployment in 50 years to the highest unemployment in 80
in roughly two months.”

Financial advisor cautions against giving in to emotions during market turmoil

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.

The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.

The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.

State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.

“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”

The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.

“What we’re seeing … is the good result from cohorting inmates away from those that aren’t (positive,” Norman told reporters last week.

Meatpacking plants in Kansas have been linked to at least 2,767 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. The report says those cases include the Tyson plant near Garden City in Finney County, 503 cases at a National Beef plant in Ford County, 342 cases at a Cargill facility in Ford County and 317 cases at a National beef plant in Seward County

Before the state report was released, local officials were reluctant to release details of the outbreaks at meatpacking plants.

“We have not been publicly reporting on private business or private business COVID-19 status,” Ford County administrator Jonathan Gilbert wrote in an email. “Ford County is a relatively small community and commenting on any cases/number of cases related to a private business can allow for the identification of individual COVID-19 status and we want to avoid that.”

Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company’s Kansas facilities are “operating near capacity” but would not provide an update on the number of cases currently associated with the plants.

She said Tyson has implemented a number of safety measures, including employee temperature checks before each shift, providing mandatory face masks, and putting physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms.

National Beef spokesman Keith Welty declined to comment on details of safety measures the company has taken at its plants and did not respond to questions about the level of production at each facility.

“Our focus throughout this COVID-19 situation has been to take the necessary steps to protect the health, wellness and safety of our employees while operating our processing plants producing high quality products to meet the demand of our customers across the United States,” Welty wrote in an email.

Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the facility is currently operating at about 80% capacity. He said Cargill has implemented temperature checks, installed protective barriers at the plant and has been providing masks to workers. The company is also giving employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589303013090.png" alt="Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic" />
 <figcaption>Coronavirus testing in Wichita&nbsp; -image courtesy&nbsp;HealthCore Clinic</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Lansing Correctional Facility is largest single source of Kansas’ 10,393 coronavirus cases, followed by a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant near Garden City, according to a report by state health officials.The Kansas public health report on the outbreak was generated from Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, which has been gathering government documents related to the coronavirus from around the country. The confidential report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lists details of every outbreak in the state as of May 19.The Lansing prison is linked to at least 846 cases of the virus and six deaths. The Tyson plant had 571 virus cases and one death, according to the report. Several other meatpacking plants in the state also had sizable coronavirus outbreaks.State officials provided the report to county health departments and left it up to local officials to decide whether to release details of outbreaks in their areas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman acknowledged that some states routinely release details of outbreaks.“You could argue that that’s a good idea as well because you may not be able to ... contact trace everyone,” Norman said. “So an argument could be made both ways. We prefer to let that go to the county.”The confined conditions at the Lansing prison made it easy for the virus to spread among inmates, but state health officials have said the facility has made significant progress at containing the coronavirus.“What we’re seeing … is the good result from cohorting inmates away from those that aren’t (positive,” Norman told reporters last week.Meatpacking plants in Kansas have been linked to at least 2,767 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. The report says those cases include the Tyson plant near Garden City in Finney County, 503 cases at a National Beef plant in Ford County, 342 cases at a Cargill facility in Ford County and 317 cases at a National beef plant in Seward CountyBefore the state report was released, local officials were reluctant to release details of the outbreaks at meatpacking plants.“We have not been publicly reporting on private business or private business COVID-19 status,” Ford County administrator Jonathan Gilbert wrote in an email. “Ford County is a relatively small community and commenting on any cases/number of cases related to a private business can allow for the identification of individual COVID-19 status and we want to avoid that.”Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company’s Kansas facilities are “operating near capacity” but would not provide an update on the number of cases currently associated with the plants.She said Tyson has implemented a number of safety measures, including employee temperature checks before each shift, providing mandatory face masks, and putting physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms.National Beef spokesman Keith Welty declined to comment on details of safety measures the company has taken at its plants and did not respond to questions about the level of production at each facility.“Our focus throughout this COVID-19 situation has been to take the necessary steps to protect the health, wellness and safety of our employees while operating our processing plants producing high quality products to meet the demand of our customers across the United States,” Welty wrote in an email.Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the facility is currently operating at about 80% capacity. He said Cargill has implemented temperature checks, installed protective barriers at the plant and has been providing masks to workers. The company is also giving employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for absences related to COVID-19For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Confidential report details virus outbreaks in Kansas 

Buchanan County health officials now report a total of 740
COVID-19 cases. The county has recorded two deaths.

Andrew County reports 32 cases with Doniphan County reporting 18
cases.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 7,228 people with
369 testing positive for the coronavirus. Eight patients are hospitalized
in St. Joseph. Mosaic is awaiting results from 194 tests.

The total number of cases in Missouri has now topped 14,000 with 789 deaths. Kansas health officials report slightly more than 10,000 cases with 222 deaths.

This article has been updated since first published.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County health officials now report a total of 740
COVID-19 cases. The county has recorded two deaths.Andrew County reports 32 cases with Doniphan County reporting 18
cases.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 7,228 people with
369 testing positive for the coronavirus. Eight patients are hospitalized
in St. Joseph. Mosaic is awaiting results from 194 tests.The total number of cases in Missouri has now topped 14,000 with 789 deaths. Kansas health officials report slightly more than 10,000 cases with 222 deaths.This article has been updated since first published.

Buchanan County reports 740 total COVID-19 cases

Any Missouri resident wanting to get tested for COVID-19 has
an opportunity next Tuesday in St. Joseph.

The state of Missouri has purchased 400 test kits for the city
of St. Joseph.

City Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says any
resident of Missouri can be tested whether showing symptoms or not.

“But many medical offices are following guidelines to not test
people unless they have symptoms. This testing of 400 residents gives those
people an opportunity to get tested; those people who do not have symptoms can
get tested here,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post.

Anyone interested is encouraged to register. Anyone who
registers is guaranteed to be tested. There is no charge for the tests.

Testing will take place between 2pm and 7pm on Tuesday in
downtown St. Joseph. The exact location has yet to be chosen. Testing for
COVID-19 involves using a swab to take a sample from inside the nose and can be
uncomfortable.

Malita says any Missouri residents can receive the free test.

“What this does is gives us a snapshot of where our community
is at this point,” Malita says, “because we anticipate that there will be a
high, high percentage of people who test negative at an event like this.”

Malita says the free tests will not only provide residents
peace of mind, they will provide the city some valuable information as well.

“There is so much we don’t know about COVID-19 and that’s part
of why testing events like this are important,” according to Malita. “It does
give us an idea of where we are at as a community and the infection rate.”

Click <a href="https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7">here</a> to register for COVID-19 testing on Tuesday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAny Missouri resident wanting to get tested for COVID-19 has
an opportunity next Tuesday in St. Joseph.The state of Missouri has purchased 400 test kits for the city
of St. Joseph.City Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says any
resident of Missouri can be tested whether showing symptoms or not.“But many medical offices are following guidelines to not test
people unless they have symptoms. This testing of 400 residents gives those
people an opportunity to get tested; those people who do not have symptoms can
get tested here,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post.Anyone interested is encouraged to register. Anyone who
registers is guaranteed to be tested. There is no charge for the tests.Testing will take place between 2pm and 7pm on Tuesday in
downtown St. Joseph. The exact location has yet to be chosen. Testing for
COVID-19 involves using a swab to take a sample from inside the nose and can be
uncomfortable.Malita says any Missouri residents can receive the free test.“What this does is gives us a snapshot of where our community
is at this point,” Malita says, “because we anticipate that there will be a
high, high percentage of people who test negative at an event like this.”Malita says the free tests will not only provide residents
peace of mind, they will provide the city some valuable information as well.“There is so much we don’t know about COVID-19 and that’s part
of why testing events like this are important,” according to Malita. “It does
give us an idea of where we are at as a community and the infection rate.”Click <a href="https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7">here</a> to register for COVID-19 testing on Tuesday.

Free COVID-19 testing in downtown St. Joseph Tuesday

By ELLE MOXLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-06-03/kansas-school-districts-funding-looks-good-on-paper-but-deep-cuts-are-expected-this-fall-due-to-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas school districts are trying to budget for some pretty big unknowns right now.

No
 one knows if it will even be safe to have students in schools in 
August, and everyone’s worried about the $650 million hole COVID-19 blew
 in the state’s budget. Administrators are worried that if the state’s 
economy doesn’t rebound soon, they’ll have to make deep cuts in the 
middle of next school year.

“There’s not a superintendent that 
isn’t preparing for something like that,” said Glen Suppes, the 
superintendent of the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg. “We 
continue to hear optimism from (state education) Commissioner Randy 
Watson, and that schools are a priority for the governor.

“But I’m anxious to see how the tax revenues are going to come in.”

The
 fiscal year 2021 budget that Kansas lawmakers passed in March, before 
the pandemic hit, looked pretty good for public education. K-12 schools 
got an additional $120 million, money that the state’s high court has 
said needs to be spent on schools following <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-03-29/times-nearly-up-for-kansas-lawmakers-to-resolve-school-spending" target="_blank">a years-long funding battle</a>.

“The
 problem is that budget, when it was passed, was based on numbers last 
November that have dramatically changed,” said Mark Tallman with the 
Kansas Association of School Boards.

Because of the pandemic, 
Kansas is facing a huge budget shortfall. In an April 20 memo, the 
Kansas Legislative Research Department forecasted an 8% overall decline 
in revenue for the coming fiscal year.

Tallman said in a state that spends more than half its revenue on education, there’s no way cuts won’t touch K-12 schools.

“There
 are certainly things the governor and legislature could do, but all of 
those are kind of bad choices. In a simple world, if you just ... cut 8%
 out of the budget, you're taking very major cuts,” Tallman said.

In
 a big district like Shawnee Mission in Johnson County, an 8% cut would 
be the difference between ending the school year with a $7 million 
surplus — and a $13 million deficit.

And that’s before factoring 
in raises, which are top-of-mind in Shawnee Mission after a protracted 
contract dispute with the teachers union that dragged on for most of the
 school year that just ended.

“I guess I’m one of those that’s 
really concerned about the revenue,” board member Brad Stratton said 
during a budget workshop last week.

Stratton, who was first 
elected to the school board in 2015, wants to budget cautiously for the 
upcoming school year because he knows what happens when revenue 
collections fall short: Education pays the price.

“KSDE (the 
Kansas Department of Education) is presenting one number, and then 
there’s the reality our legislators and governor are going to have to 
face,” Stratton said.

Until
 lawmakers tell the state Department of Education otherwise, though, 
schools are stuck with the optimistic, pre-pandemic numbers.

But 
Kansas school superintendents can’t afford to be quite so optimistic. 
Suppes, the Smoky Valley superintendent, needs to make decisions about 
staffing now before the fiscal year resets July 1.

“Are we going 
to be paying coaches that may not coach a sport in the fall if we're 
shut down? Are we going to be paying bus drivers? And if we don't, yes, 
the district saves money, but on the other hand, there's another family 
without an income,” he said.

On top of that, Suppes says 
superintendents still don’t know what school will look like in the fall 
after the pandemic wiped out the final two months of this past school 
year. 

“Can we touch the playground equipment? Can we sit in the 
lunch room together where we have plexiglass between us at all times?” 
Suppes said. “And how will we even pass through the corridor safely?”

In
 a normal budget year, Wichita Public Schools Chief Financial Officer 
Susan Willis runs four or five budget scenarios. This year, she said 
she’s running 15.

Not only is Willis trying to account for how 
school might be changed by the coronavirus, but she also is trying to 
factor in the timing of potential budget cuts.

“What does it mean 
if they let us start the year with the increase that is due under the 
formula, but they come in with a cut in December? What are our options 
at that point?” Willis said.

Willis
 said Kansas schools are used to dealing with financial uncertainty. 
There was the Great Recession, the tax cuts imposed by former Gov. Sam 
Brownback and the prolonged school funding fight.

“But what makes 
this extremely challenging is we’re not as familiar with how we adapt 
the academic school year ... if we have to social distance,” Willis 
said.

Kansas has gotten $2 billion dollars from the federal 
government to pay for coronavirus-related expenses, like protective gear
 and ventilators. But that money isn’t meant to shore up state budgets. 
That kind of aid could still come — it did during the Great Recession — 
but according to Marguerite Roza, states shouldn’t count on it.

“We
 can’t even sort of look back at the last recession and say, ‘Here’s how
 we know this plays out’ because this is different,” said Roza, who runs
 the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, a research center for 
education financial policy.

Roza said states that delay making 
inevitable budget cuts could fare worse than states that act now to 
restrict spending. Missouri has already slashed K-12 funding by more 
than $130 million. Colorado has warned schools that significant cuts are
 coming.

But Kansas lawmakers have historically waited for the revenue consensus to come out in November before balancing the budgets.

“If
 states wait longer to revise their budget projections or announce any 
K-12 funding impact, that will send districts further into the future 
before making any spending changes, which could require deeper cuts,” 
Roza said. “The idea is if you can’t start saving money now, you’ll have
 to save more and more suddenly.”

Elle Moxley covers education for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591215691151.png" alt="Kansas schools face major uncertainty entering the 2020-21 school year, with many school administrators expecting drastic cuts in the fall once the state's budget fully absorbs the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Kansas schools face major uncertainty entering the 2020-21 school year, with many school administrators expecting drastic cuts in the fall once the state's budget fully absorbs the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By ELLE MOXLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-06-03/kansas-school-districts-funding-looks-good-on-paper-but-deep-cuts-are-expected-this-fall-due-to-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas school districts are trying to budget for some pretty big unknowns right now.No
 one knows if it will even be safe to have students in schools in 
August, and everyone’s worried about the $650 million hole COVID-19 blew
 in the state’s budget. Administrators are worried that if the state’s 
economy doesn’t rebound soon, they’ll have to make deep cuts in the 
middle of next school year.“There’s not a superintendent that 
isn’t preparing for something like that,” said Glen Suppes, the 
superintendent of the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg. “We 
continue to hear optimism from (state education) Commissioner Randy 
Watson, and that schools are a priority for the governor.“But I’m anxious to see how the tax revenues are going to come in.”<h2>‘You’re talking very major cuts’</h2>The
 fiscal year 2021 budget that Kansas lawmakers passed in March, before 
the pandemic hit, looked pretty good for public education. K-12 schools 
got an additional $120 million, money that the state’s high court has 
said needs to be spent on schools following <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-03-29/times-nearly-up-for-kansas-lawmakers-to-resolve-school-spending" target="_blank">a years-long funding battle</a>.“The
 problem is that budget, when it was passed, was based on numbers last 
November that have dramatically changed,” said Mark Tallman with the 
Kansas Association of School Boards.Because of the pandemic, 
Kansas is facing a huge budget shortfall. In an April 20 memo, the 
Kansas Legislative Research Department forecasted an 8% overall decline 
in revenue for the coming fiscal year.Tallman said in a state that spends more than half its revenue on education, there’s no way cuts won’t touch K-12 schools.“There
 are certainly things the governor and legislature could do, but all of 
those are kind of bad choices. In a simple world, if you just ... cut 8%
 out of the budget, you're taking very major cuts,” Tallman said.In
 a big district like Shawnee Mission in Johnson County, an 8% cut would 
be the difference between ending the school year with a $7 million 
surplus — and a $13 million deficit.And that’s before factoring 
in raises, which are top-of-mind in Shawnee Mission after a protracted 
contract dispute with the teachers union that dragged on for most of the
 school year that just ended.“I guess I’m one of those that’s 
really concerned about the revenue,” board member Brad Stratton said 
during a budget workshop last week.Stratton, who was first 
elected to the school board in 2015, wants to budget cautiously for the 
upcoming school year because he knows what happens when revenue 
collections fall short: Education pays the price.“KSDE (the 
Kansas Department of Education) is presenting one number, and then 
there’s the reality our legislators and governor are going to have to 
face,” Stratton said.<h2>Factoring in cuts and the coronavirus</h2>Until
 lawmakers tell the state Department of Education otherwise, though, 
schools are stuck with the optimistic, pre-pandemic numbers.But 
Kansas school superintendents can’t afford to be quite so optimistic. 
Suppes, the Smoky Valley superintendent, needs to make decisions about 
staffing now before the fiscal year resets July 1.“Are we going 
to be paying coaches that may not coach a sport in the fall if we're 
shut down? Are we going to be paying bus drivers? And if we don't, yes, 
the district saves money, but on the other hand, there's another family 
without an income,” he said.On top of that, Suppes says 
superintendents still don’t know what school will look like in the fall 
after the pandemic wiped out the final two months of this past school 
year. “Can we touch the playground equipment? Can we sit in the 
lunch room together where we have plexiglass between us at all times?” 
Suppes said. “And how will we even pass through the corridor safely?”In
 a normal budget year, Wichita Public Schools Chief Financial Officer 
Susan Willis runs four or five budget scenarios. This year, she said 
she’s running 15.Not only is Willis trying to account for how 
school might be changed by the coronavirus, but she also is trying to 
factor in the timing of potential budget cuts.“What does it mean 
if they let us start the year with the increase that is due under the 
formula, but they come in with a cut in December? What are our options 
at that point?” Willis said.<h2>A new kind of challenge</h2>Willis
 said Kansas schools are used to dealing with financial uncertainty. 
There was the Great Recession, the tax cuts imposed by former Gov. Sam 
Brownback and the prolonged school funding fight.“But what makes 
this extremely challenging is we’re not as familiar with how we adapt 
the academic school year ... if we have to social distance,” Willis 
said.Kansas has gotten $2 billion dollars from the federal 
government to pay for coronavirus-related expenses, like protective gear
 and ventilators. But that money isn’t meant to shore up state budgets. 
That kind of aid could still come — it did during the Great Recession — 
but according to Marguerite Roza, states shouldn’t count on it.“We
 can’t even sort of look back at the last recession and say, ‘Here’s how
 we know this plays out’ because this is different,” said Roza, who runs
 the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, a research center for 
education financial policy.Roza said states that delay making 
inevitable budget cuts could fare worse than states that act now to 
restrict spending. Missouri has already slashed K-12 funding by more 
than $130 million. Colorado has warned schools that significant cuts are
 coming.But Kansas lawmakers have historically waited for the revenue consensus to come out in November before balancing the budgets.“If
 states wait longer to revise their budget projections or announce any 
K-12 funding impact, that will send districts further into the future 
before making any spending changes, which could require deeper cuts,” 
Roza said. “The idea is if you can’t start saving money now, you’ll have
 to save more and more suddenly.”Elle Moxley covers education for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.

Kan. school funding looks good on paper, but deep cuts expected

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A coronavirus outbreak at a Kansas City paper plant has infected more than 200 people, health officials announced Tuesday.

The Kansas City Health Department said the first employee at Aspen Paper Products tested positive in mid-May. As cases continued to increase, Aspen tested all its employees on Friday and Saturday. The Kansas City plant employs about 850 people.

Health officials are working with Aspen to increase cleaning and personal protection equipment.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A coronavirus outbreak at a Kansas City paper plant has infected more than 200 people, health officials announced Tuesday.The Kansas City Health Department said the first employee at Aspen Paper Products tested positive in mid-May. As cases continued to increase, Aspen tested all its employees on Friday and Saturday. The Kansas City plant employs about 850 people.Health officials are working with Aspen to increase cleaning and personal protection equipment.

Virus outbreak at Kansas City paper plant infects 200-plus

Buchanan County now reports 723 total cases of COVID-19 while
Kansas health officials say total coronavirus cases there have topped 10,000.

Buchanan County and St. Joseph city health officials report
723 COVID-19 cases with 653 confirmed and 70 possible. There have been two
deaths recorded for Buchanan County.

Andrew County continues to report 30 COVID-19 cases with the
number of cases rising in Doniphan County, Kansas; now at 17.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 6,633 people with 339 testing positive. Eleven people are currently hospitalized in St. Joseph with
one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 206 tests.

Missouri health officials report 13,327 cases
with 775 deaths.

Kansas health officials now report 10,011 cases with
217 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports 723 total cases of COVID-19 while
Kansas health officials say total coronavirus cases there have topped 10,000.Buchanan County and St. Joseph city health officials report
723 COVID-19 cases with 653 confirmed and 70 possible. There have been two
deaths recorded for Buchanan County.Andrew County continues to report 30 COVID-19 cases with the
number of cases rising in Doniphan County, Kansas; now at 17.Mosaic Life Care has tested 6,633 people with 339 testing positive. Eleven people are currently hospitalized in St. Joseph with
one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 206 tests.Missouri health officials report 13,327 cases
with 775 deaths.Kansas health officials now report 10,011 cases with
217 deaths.

Buchanan County COVID-19 cases top 700; Kansas tops 10K

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19, according to materials prepared for the nation’s governors. That number is partial and likely to go higher.

A letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 60,000 cases of coronavirus illness among nursing home residents. A copy of the letter to governors and an accompanying chart were provided to The Associated Press.

The toll among nursing home staffers was sobering, with more than 34,400 getting sick and nearly 450 dying from the coronavirus.

“This data, and anecdotal reports across the country, clearly show that nursing homes have been devastated by the virus,” wrote CDC Director Robert Redfield and CMS Administrator Seema Verma to governors.

The numbers had been promised by the end of May, but they’re not a complete picture. The letter said the data are based on reports received as of May 24 from about 80% of the nation’s 15,400 nursing homes.

The nationwide data collection is part of an effort to assess and respond to the pandemic’s heavy toll on nursing homes. Facilities are also being required to report COVID cases to the families of residents.

CMS, which is responsible for nursing home quality standards, also told the governors it is increasing penalties for nursing homes failing to comply with longstanding infection control requirements.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d16f87a77e39f6521d3e4c59e1713a2c">federal watchdog report</a>&nbsp;last month found a “persistent” pattern of infection control problems in nursing homes even before the coronavirus. The Government Accountability Office said that about 40% of the nursing homes inspected in each of the past two years were cited for problems with infection control and prevention.

Although the first wave of the pandemic may be easing in much of the country, that doesn’t mean nursing homes are in any less danger. Experts say in a virus rebound they can again become the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0e8c1c97df30f81321fdc114437f268f">tragic scenes of death and despair</a>, as well as a risk for the broader community.

“What is going on in a nursing home can be a barometer for where the virus is,” said Tamara Konetzka, a research professor at the University of Chicago, who specializes in long-term care issues. “You’ve got to be watching out and expecting a lot of cases in that community as well.”

It’s widely agreed that prompt, methodical, ongoing testing of residents and staff is the key to making nursing homes safer, but a White House recommendation for states to test all residents within two weeks failed to produce desired results.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/681479be1d9f1a0fea4d64b1a44d5b9e">A recent AP review found a patchwork of progress</a>, with only a handful of states meeting the goal. Nationwide, about 1.4 million elderly and disabled residents live in some 15,400 facilities.

The nursing home industry says money is one of the main obstacles to widespread testing, particularly to pay for testing of staff, who number more than 1 million people. An industry trade group, the American Health Care Association, estimates it would cost $672 million for a one-time test for all residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. And that would not solve the problem, since public health experts recommend ongoing testing.

Another hurdle is that many nursing homes don’t have established relationships with medical labs to quickly turn around results.

Mark Parkinson, head of the nursing home association, says the cost of a well-designed national testing program could reach into the billions of dollars.

“It’s very important in the next stimulus bill not to just order testing,” said Parkinson, adding that Congress needs to provide the money as well.

Federal officials at CMS have recommended a one-time test for all residents and staff, as well as weekly retesting of staff. Facilities should retest residents weekly until none test positive. CMS administrator Verma says states should use “extreme caution” before reopening nursing homes to visitors.

Some policy experts are hoping that the loss of life in nursing homes will lead state and national leaders to overhaul policies toward the industry, long a stepchild of the health care system.

“This is not a nursing home problem; this is a health system problem,” said Terry Fulmer, president of the John A. Hartford Foundation, which works to improve care for older adults. “Every system produces the outcome it is set up for. If you set up a system where the sickest and frailest people are in locations that are forgotten about and ignored, where the staff is paid less, why should that surprise anyone?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589905440854.png" alt="There were 76 positive cases and 14 deaths reported as of May 18 at Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas -google image" />
 <figcaption>There were 76 positive cases and 14 deaths reported as of May 18 at Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19, according to materials prepared for the nation’s governors. That number is partial and likely to go higher.A letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 60,000 cases of coronavirus illness among nursing home residents. A copy of the letter to governors and an accompanying chart were provided to The Associated Press.The toll among nursing home staffers was sobering, with more than 34,400 getting sick and nearly 450 dying from the coronavirus.“This data, and anecdotal reports across the country, clearly show that nursing homes have been devastated by the virus,” wrote CDC Director Robert Redfield and CMS Administrator Seema Verma to governors.The numbers had been promised by the end of May, but they’re not a complete picture. The letter said the data are based on reports received as of May 24 from about 80% of the nation’s 15,400 nursing homes.The nationwide data collection is part of an effort to assess and respond to the pandemic’s heavy toll on nursing homes. Facilities are also being required to report COVID cases to the families of residents.CMS, which is responsible for nursing home quality standards, also told the governors it is increasing penalties for nursing homes failing to comply with longstanding infection control requirements.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d16f87a77e39f6521d3e4c59e1713a2c">federal watchdog report</a>&nbsp;last month found a “persistent” pattern of infection control problems in nursing homes even before the coronavirus. The Government Accountability Office said that about 40% of the nursing homes inspected in each of the past two years were cited for problems with infection control and prevention.Although the first wave of the pandemic may be easing in much of the country, that doesn’t mean nursing homes are in any less danger. Experts say in a virus rebound they can again become the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0e8c1c97df30f81321fdc114437f268f">tragic scenes of death and despair</a>, as well as a risk for the broader community.“What is going on in a nursing home can be a barometer for where the virus is,” said Tamara Konetzka, a research professor at the University of Chicago, who specializes in long-term care issues. “You’ve got to be watching out and expecting a lot of cases in that community as well.”It’s widely agreed that prompt, methodical, ongoing testing of residents and staff is the key to making nursing homes safer, but a White House recommendation for states to test all residents within two weeks failed to produce desired results.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/681479be1d9f1a0fea4d64b1a44d5b9e">A recent AP review found a patchwork of progress</a>, with only a handful of states meeting the goal. Nationwide, about 1.4 million elderly and disabled residents live in some 15,400 facilities.The nursing home industry says money is one of the main obstacles to widespread testing, particularly to pay for testing of staff, who number more than 1 million people. An industry trade group, the American Health Care Association, estimates it would cost $672 million for a one-time test for all residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. And that would not solve the problem, since public health experts recommend ongoing testing.Another hurdle is that many nursing homes don’t have established relationships with medical labs to quickly turn around results.Mark Parkinson, head of the nursing home association, says the cost of a well-designed national testing program could reach into the billions of dollars.“It’s very important in the next stimulus bill not to just order testing,” said Parkinson, adding that Congress needs to provide the money as well.Federal officials at CMS have recommended a one-time test for all residents and staff, as well as weekly retesting of staff. Facilities should retest residents weekly until none test positive. CMS administrator Verma says states should use “extreme caution” before reopening nursing homes to visitors.Some policy experts are hoping that the loss of life in nursing homes will lead state and national leaders to overhaul policies toward the industry, long a stepchild of the health care system.“This is not a nursing home problem; this is a health system problem,” said Terry Fulmer, president of the John A. Hartford Foundation, which works to improve care for older adults. “Every system produces the outcome it is set up for. If you set up a system where the sickest and frailest people are in locations that are forgotten about and ignored, where the staff is paid less, why should that surprise anyone?”

Nearly 26,000 nursing home COVID-19 deaths reported to feds

Buchanan County now reports 700 cases of coronavirus as
Missouri tops 13,000.

Buchanan County and St. Joseph city health officials report a total of 634 confirmed
cases with 66 probable cases. Buchanan County has recorded two deaths related
to COVID-19.

Andrew County reports 30 cases of COVID-19 with Doniphan
County, Kansas recording 13.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 6,382 people
with 337 testing positive for COVID-19. Twelve patients are currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph with one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 31 tests.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports
13,147 cases statewide with 772 deaths.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 9,719 cases resulting in 208 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports 700 cases of coronavirus as
Missouri tops 13,000.Buchanan County and St. Joseph city health officials report a total of 634 confirmed
cases with 66 probable cases. Buchanan County has recorded two deaths related
to COVID-19.Andrew County reports 30 cases of COVID-19 with Doniphan
County, Kansas recording 13.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 6,382 people
with 337 testing positive for COVID-19. Twelve patients are currently
hospitalized in St. Joseph with one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 31 tests.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports
13,147 cases statewide with 772 deaths.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 9,719 cases resulting in 208 deaths.

COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County hit 700

The St. Jo Frontier Casino, closed since COVID-19 restrictions were put
in place in mid-March, will reopen Monday.

Affinity Gaming, which owns the St. Joseph casino that sits on the bank
of the Missouri River, announced it will reopen in accordance with authority
granted Missouri’s 13 casinos by the Missouri Gaming Commission.

“We are very excited to reopen our doors and welcome
back our community,” Michael Tamburelli, VP &amp; General Manager for St. Jo
Frontier Casino, said in a written statement released by Affinity.

There will be increased safety and
sanitation policies to ensure the safety and health of both guests and
employees when the casino reopens Monday, according to Affinity. Seating will
be configured to allow for appropriate social distancing. The casino will receive
a deep cleaning and be sanitized each night, the company says. Hand sanitizer
and disinfectant will be available throughout the property. Employees will be
required to have their temperature checked before entering the property and
will also be required to wear face masks.

The first hour of operation will be
reserved for guests who are 50 years old and older to
provide them with easy access, less waiting, better slot machine availability,
and a fresh facility after the nightly deep cleaning of the property. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590769363520.jpeg" alt="Slot machines at St. Jo Frontier Casino/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Slot machines at St. Jo Frontier Casino/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe St. Jo Frontier Casino, closed since COVID-19 restrictions were put
in place in mid-March, will reopen Monday.Affinity Gaming, which owns the St. Joseph casino that sits on the bank
of the Missouri River, announced it will reopen in accordance with authority
granted Missouri’s 13 casinos by the Missouri Gaming Commission.“We are very excited to reopen our doors and welcome
back our community,” Michael Tamburelli, VP &amp; General Manager for St. Jo
Frontier Casino, said in a written statement released by Affinity.There will be increased safety and
sanitation policies to ensure the safety and health of both guests and
employees when the casino reopens Monday, according to Affinity. Seating will
be configured to allow for appropriate social distancing. The casino will receive
a deep cleaning and be sanitized each night, the company says. Hand sanitizer
and disinfectant will be available throughout the property. Employees will be
required to have their temperature checked before entering the property and
will also be required to wear face masks.The first hour of operation will be
reserved for guests who are 50 years old and older to
provide them with easy access, less waiting, better slot machine availability,
and a fresh facility after the nightly deep cleaning of the property.

St. Jo Frontier Casino set to reopen Monday

Buchanan County is approaching 700 cases of COVID-19 with
Buchanan County and St. Joseph health officials now reporting 681 cases of coronavirus;
621 confirmed with 60 probable cases.

Buchanan County has recorded two deaths related to COVID-19.

Andrew County reports 30 cases with Doniphan County reporting
12.

Mosaic Life Care has tested nearly 6,000 people with 307
testing positive. Fourteen are hospitalized in St. Joseph with one hospitalized
in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 226 tests.

Missouri health officials report 12,673 cases with 707 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 9, 337 cases with 205 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County is approaching 700 cases of COVID-19 with
Buchanan County and St. Joseph health officials now reporting 681 cases of coronavirus;
621 confirmed with 60 probable cases.Buchanan County has recorded two deaths related to COVID-19.Andrew County reports 30 cases with Doniphan County reporting
12.Mosaic Life Care has tested nearly 6,000 people with 307
testing positive. Fourteen are hospitalized in St. Joseph with one hospitalized
in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 226 tests.Missouri health officials report 12,673 cases with 707 deaths.Kansas health officials report 9, 337 cases with 205 deaths.

Buchanan County approaching 700 COVID-19 cases

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Great Clips has temporarily closed its salons in Springfield, Missouri, after threatening messages that followed news that two hairstylists potentially exposed 140 clients to the coronavirus.

Great Clips Inc., which has thousands of franchises in the U.S. and Canada, said in a statement Thursday that its locations in Springfield decided to close after “repeated threats.”

“To protect the safety of everyone, the local franchisees made the decision to temporarily close salons in the Springfield area," the statement read. "They are working closely with law enforcement officials as the officials conduct a thorough investigation of these threats.”

It wasn't immediately clear how many stores were closed or when they'll reopen. The company didn't respond to emails seeking further information.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abab24fa86efb702a259185e3074273">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that a hairstylist at Great Clips served 84 clients over eight days in mid-May while experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

A co-worker of that stylist is now sick, and the health department said 56 other clients were potentially exposed by the second stylist from May 16 to May 20.

The stylists and all of their clients wore face masks, health officials said. All of the clients were being tested and Goddard said some results were expected to be announced Friday.

Springfield police spokeswoman Jasmine Bailey said the first threat came from a Facebook message to an employee on Saturday. The second threat was phoned to a salon Wednesday.

Bailey said that in both cases, the messages “were threatening to shut the place down" because the stylists potentially exposed people to the virus. She declined to give further details.

Bailey said it was too soon the know if the threats came from the same person.

Salons were allowed to reopen in Missouri under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9282e2eb4a4b53871dc1f0103c12ab9a">Gov. Mike Parson’s order&nbsp;</a>that went into effect May 5, despite concerns from some about the close proximity required for barbers and hairstylists to work with their clients.

In Michigan, an appeals court on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/04017ef299916dad882b3afa8782df37">ordered a barber to close</a>&nbsp;and to stop defying that state’s coronavirus restrictions. The barber, 77-year-old Karl Manke, said he didn’t intend to comply.

Greene County, which includes Springfield, has had 128 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths during the pandemic, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

About 27,000 Missourians applied for unemployment benefits last week, according to data released Thursday. Nationally, about 2.1 million Americans applied for benefits, a sign that companies are still slashing jobs, even as more businesses reopen and rehire some laid-off employees.

Mayor Quinton Lucas announced updated guidelines that relax rules for businesses, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article243055216.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. The new guidance begins Sunday and expires July 5.

Lucas said during a news conference that his order means any Kansas City business can reopen unless barred by state guidelines. He said there is no limit on the size of outdoor gatherings, but indoor gatherings must not exceed 50% of a building's capacity.

Also in Kansas City, about 30 protesters outside the Jackson County Courthouse staged a “die-in” to raise concerns about evictions during the pandemic.

Tenants urged Presiding Circuit Court Judge David Byrn to extend protections to renters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article243057936.html">the Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>reported. Earlier Thursday, Lucas said his staff had also contacted Byrn’s office, pushing for an extension of the court’s eviction moratorium.

Deaths from the coronavirus in Missouri have topped 700. The state health department on Thursday cited 11 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 707. It also reported 181 new confirmed cases, bringing the state's total to 12,673.

Parson said he was extending the first phase of his reopening plan through June 15. It was originally scheduled to expire Sunday. He said the decision was not because of any setback but to ensure that the state is ready to move to the next phase.

The first phase of the plan requires social distancing, typically 6 feet of space, though with some exceptions. Some businesses also are required to put limits on indoor occupancy. The governor has not outlined what the next phase will entail.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Great Clips has temporarily closed its salons in Springfield, Missouri, after threatening messages that followed news that two hairstylists potentially exposed 140 clients to the coronavirus.Great Clips Inc., which has thousands of franchises in the U.S. and Canada, said in a statement Thursday that its locations in Springfield decided to close after “repeated threats.”“To protect the safety of everyone, the local franchisees made the decision to temporarily close salons in the Springfield area," the statement read. "They are working closely with law enforcement officials as the officials conduct a thorough investigation of these threats.”It wasn't immediately clear how many stores were closed or when they'll reopen. The company didn't respond to emails seeking further information.The Springfield-Greene County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abab24fa86efb702a259185e3074273">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that a hairstylist at Great Clips served 84 clients over eight days in mid-May while experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.A co-worker of that stylist is now sick, and the health department said 56 other clients were potentially exposed by the second stylist from May 16 to May 20.The stylists and all of their clients wore face masks, health officials said. All of the clients were being tested and Goddard said some results were expected to be announced Friday.Springfield police spokeswoman Jasmine Bailey said the first threat came from a Facebook message to an employee on Saturday. The second threat was phoned to a salon Wednesday.Bailey said that in both cases, the messages “were threatening to shut the place down" because the stylists potentially exposed people to the virus. She declined to give further details.Bailey said it was too soon the know if the threats came from the same person.Salons were allowed to reopen in Missouri under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9282e2eb4a4b53871dc1f0103c12ab9a">Gov. Mike Parson’s order&nbsp;</a>that went into effect May 5, despite concerns from some about the close proximity required for barbers and hairstylists to work with their clients.In Michigan, an appeals court on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/04017ef299916dad882b3afa8782df37">ordered a barber to close</a>&nbsp;and to stop defying that state’s coronavirus restrictions. The barber, 77-year-old Karl Manke, said he didn’t intend to comply.Greene County, which includes Springfield, has had 128 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths during the pandemic, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.About 27,000 Missourians applied for unemployment benefits last week, according to data released Thursday. Nationally, about 2.1 million Americans applied for benefits, a sign that companies are still slashing jobs, even as more businesses reopen and rehire some laid-off employees.Mayor Quinton Lucas announced updated guidelines that relax rules for businesses, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article243055216.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. The new guidance begins Sunday and expires July 5.Lucas said during a news conference that his order means any Kansas City business can reopen unless barred by state guidelines. He said there is no limit on the size of outdoor gatherings, but indoor gatherings must not exceed 50% of a building's capacity.Also in Kansas City, about 30 protesters outside the Jackson County Courthouse staged a “die-in” to raise concerns about evictions during the pandemic.Tenants urged Presiding Circuit Court Judge David Byrn to extend protections to renters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article243057936.html">the Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>reported. Earlier Thursday, Lucas said his staff had also contacted Byrn’s office, pushing for an extension of the court’s eviction moratorium.Deaths from the coronavirus in Missouri have topped 700. The state health department on Thursday cited 11 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 707. It also reported 181 new confirmed cases, bringing the state's total to 12,673.Parson said he was extending the first phase of his reopening plan through June 15. It was originally scheduled to expire Sunday. He said the decision was not because of any setback but to ensure that the state is ready to move to the next phase.The first phase of the plan requires social distancing, typically 6 feet of space, though with some exceptions. Some businesses also are required to put limits on indoor occupancy. The governor has not outlined what the next phase will entail.___

Missouri Great Clips sites close after virus-related threats

Governor Mike Parson addressed Missouri's economic reopening plan during his Thursday news conference.

He announced he is extending the Phase 1 Order through Monday, June 15.

"We are very pleased with how well Phase 1 has gone so far. Businesses, communities, and Missourians across the state have been implementing health &amp; safety measures, and we are encouraged by data across the state.

Extending Phase 1 through June 15 aligns with our other Executive Orders, as well as the State of Emergency in Missouri.

Additionally, some communities across the state are farther along than others when it comes to reopening and economic recovery. Extending the Order will give these communities more time to prepare and align with us at the state level as we continue working toward Phase 2.

I want to assure you that our efforts ARE showing positive results. We are in a good place with our recovery pillars – testing, PPE, hospital capacity and data.

We're extending Phase 1 NOT because we have taken steps back, but we want to be sure we are fully prepared for Phase 2."

A strategic “re-opening” of Missouri’s economy cannot be successful without proactive steps taken to mitigate risk of COVID-19 resurgence by our state’s businesses, communities, and citizens."

Governor Mike Parson addressed Missouri's economic reopening plan during his Thursday news conference.He announced he is extending the Phase 1 Order through Monday, June 15.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F274689203657402%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>"We are very pleased with how well Phase 1 has gone so far. Businesses, communities, and Missourians across the state have been implementing health &amp; safety measures, and we are encouraged by data across the state.Extending Phase 1 through June 15 aligns with our other Executive Orders, as well as the State of Emergency in Missouri.Additionally, some communities across the state are farther along than others when it comes to reopening and economic recovery. Extending the Order will give these communities more time to prepare and align with us at the state level as we continue working toward Phase 2.I want to assure you that our efforts ARE showing positive results. We are in a good place with our recovery pillars – testing, PPE, hospital capacity and data.We're extending Phase 1 NOT because we have taken steps back, but we want to be sure we are fully prepared for Phase 2."A strategic “re-opening” of Missouri’s economy cannot be successful without proactive steps taken to mitigate risk of COVID-19 resurgence by our state’s businesses, communities, and citizens."

🎥  Gov. Parson extending Phase 1 recovery in Missouri

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Construction has resumed at the national biosecurity lab in Manhattan after a brief shutdown because a worker tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials stopped the work Tuesday to clean potentially contaminated areas where the worker might have been. Work resumed on Wednesday. Project officials did not provide the ill worker’s gender, age or county of residence.

Workers at the site are not being routinely tested for COVID-19 but they are required to wear face coverings, follow social distancing and answer health screening questions when they arrive at work.&nbsp;

Manhattan, Kan. (AP) —Construction on a national biosecurity lab in Manhattan has been halted after a worker tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.

Work was stopped Tuesday on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility when the positive test was confirmed, said program manager Timothy Barr.

The employee is with McCarthy Mortenson Joint Venture, the construction contractor for NBAF.

The contractor will determine what areas, tools and materials might need additional cleaning and disinfection while construction is stalled.

Officials did not estimate how long the site might be closed but did not expect an extended shutdown.

The worker is not from Riley County but no information about the person was released.

Disruptions caused by the coronavirus to the supply and labor chain have already delayed the project. Officials said in April that the lab’s original commission date of May 2021 has been delayed by at least 2.5 months.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Construction has resumed at the national biosecurity lab in Manhattan after a brief shutdown because a worker tested positive for COVID-19.Officials stopped the work Tuesday to clean potentially contaminated areas where the worker might have been. Work resumed on Wednesday. Project officials did not provide the ill worker’s gender, age or county of residence.Workers at the site are not being routinely tested for COVID-19 but they are required to wear face coverings, follow social distancing and answer health screening questions when they arrive at work.&nbsp;---------Manhattan, Kan. (AP) —Construction on a national biosecurity lab in Manhattan has been halted after a worker tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.Work was stopped Tuesday on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility when the positive test was confirmed, said program manager Timothy Barr.The employee is with McCarthy Mortenson Joint Venture, the construction contractor for NBAF.The contractor will determine what areas, tools and materials might need additional cleaning and disinfection while construction is stalled.Officials did not estimate how long the site might be closed but did not expect an extended shutdown.The worker is not from Riley County but no information about the person was released.Disruptions caused by the coronavirus to the supply and labor chain have already delayed the project. Officials said in April that the lab’s original commission date of May 2021 has been delayed by at least 2.5 months.

Update: Construction resumes at biosecurity lab in Manhattan

Buchanan County now reports 668 COVID-19 cases as Missouri nears 700 coronavirus deaths and Kansas tops 200 deaths.

Buchanan County and St. Joseph health officials say 608 of the cases are confirmed with 60 probable.

A spike in coronavirus cases has been reported by the
Tri-County Health Department, which also is reporting its first COVID-19 death.
Tri-county reports 30 cases total, 21 in Gentry County. Gentry County only had
four cases a week ago. Tri-County also includes Dekalb and Worth Counties.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested more than 5,600 area
residents with 299 testing positive. Nineteen have been hospitalized in St.
Joseph with one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 196 tests.

Andrew County reports 30 cases of COVID-19, all but one
confirmed.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a dozen cases.

Missouri now reports nearly 12,500 cases of COVID-19
and 696 deaths.

Kansas health officials say the state has 9,337
cases with 205 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County now reports 668 COVID-19 cases as Missouri nears 700 coronavirus deaths and Kansas tops 200 deaths.Buchanan County and St. Joseph health officials say 608 of the cases are confirmed with 60 probable.The county has recorded two deaths.A spike in coronavirus cases has been reported by the
Tri-County Health Department, which also is reporting its first COVID-19 death.
Tri-county reports 30 cases total, 21 in Gentry County. Gentry County only had
four cases a week ago. Tri-County also includes Dekalb and Worth Counties.Mosaic Life Care has now tested more than 5,600 area
residents with 299 testing positive. Nineteen have been hospitalized in St.
Joseph with one hospitalized in Albany. Mosaic is awaiting results from 196 tests.Andrew County reports 30 cases of COVID-19, all but one
confirmed.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a dozen cases.Missouri now reports nearly 12,500 cases of COVID-19
and 696 deaths.Kansas health officials say the state has 9,337
cases with 205 deaths.

Buchanan County up to 668 COVID-19 cases; Missouri nears 700 deaths

The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte Co.

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-05-27/at-least-8-lawsuits-are-now-pending-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-deaths">Kansas News Service</a>

At least eight lawsuits have now been filed against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation, the Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home <a href="https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">where 132 patients and staff have tested positive for COVID-19</a> and 36 have died.

Attorneys
 representing the nursing home on Tuesday transferred all eight cases to
 federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. They had originally been filed in
 Wyandotte County District Court.

Defendants are allowed to move 
civil actions from state to federal court if there’s a basis for federal
 jurisdiction. In all eight cases, Riverbend’s attorneys invoked the 
federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a law that 
authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services to issue a declaration in response to a public health 
emergency.

Such a declaration provides immunity from liability to 
health care providers who prescribe and administer medications and other
 measures amid public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel
 Stahle, an attorney who represents families in four of the eight cases,
 said she will seek to have the cases sent back to state court.

“This happened in Wyandotte County and should be heard in Wyandotte County by Wyandotte County jurors,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675954803.png" alt="Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a California-based operator of long-term care facilities in 13 states. Julie Denesha / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a California-based operator of long-term care facilities in 13 states. Julie Denesha / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte Co.</h2>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-05-27/at-least-8-lawsuits-are-now-pending-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-deaths">Kansas News Service</a>At least eight lawsuits have now been filed against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation, the Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home <a href="https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">where 132 patients and staff have tested positive for COVID-19</a> and 36 have died.Attorneys
 representing the nursing home on Tuesday transferred all eight cases to
 federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. They had originally been filed in
 Wyandotte County District Court.Defendants are allowed to move 
civil actions from state to federal court if there’s a basis for federal
 jurisdiction. In all eight cases, Riverbend’s attorneys invoked the 
federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a law that 
authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services to issue a declaration in response to a public health 
emergency.Such a declaration provides immunity from liability to 
health care providers who prescribe and administer medications and other
 measures amid public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.Rachel
 Stahle, an attorney who represents families in four of the eight cases,
 said she will seek to have the cases sent back to state court.“This happened in Wyandotte County and should be heard in Wyandotte County by Wyandotte County jurors,” she said.Riverbend’s attorneys did not return calls seeking comment.The
 eight wrongful-death lawsuits were filed on behalf of patients who died
 at Riverbend. In general, they allege that the nursing home was 
negligent in how it handled the spread of the coronavirus, that it 
lacked adequate staff and that it failed to notify the families of the 
outbreak.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-23/first-lawsuit-filed-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-death" target="_blank">The first lawsuit was filed on April 28</a>
 by the wife and daughter of Okey Long, an 87-year-old retired barber 
who died on April 17. The other lawsuits were filed in the following 
days by family members of other residents who were said to have died of 
COVID-19.The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte County.On April 26, <a href="https://riverbendkansascity.com/covid-19-update/" target="_blank">Riverbend posted a statement on its website</a> offering its condolences to the families and friends of residents who died of COVID-19.“Given
 the novel nature of the virus and the ability of asymptomatic 
individuals to unknowingly infect others, we believe our team took 
reasonable actions with the resources and information available to us at
 the time,” the statement reads.“Now, to second guess those on 
the front lines battling a mysterious virus who were doing what they 
could to save lives, just doesn’t feel like a path to justice,” the 
statement says. "If that is the route we choose to take, then skilled 
nursing facilities all across the country will be facing a new crisis 
that threatens the industry’s ability to minister to those in need of 
the care and services it provides.”As of May 21, at least 7,732 
long-term care facilities in 43 states were reporting 174,381 infections
 and 35,118 deaths, or 42% of all U.S. deaths attributed to COVID-19, <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/state-data-and-policy-actions-to-address-coronavirus/" target="_blank">according to the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>.Riverbend
 is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a publicly traded company 
based in Mission Viejo, California. The company owns about 225 assisted 
living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities in 13 states.
 It acquired the Kansas City, Kansas, facility in 2016.In 2019, The Ensign Group earned more than $110 million on revenues of more than $2 billion. <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1125376/000112537620000076/ensg-20200331.htm" target="_blank">In its most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>,
 the company said it expected to receive nearly $40 million in federal 
funds under the CARES Act, the $2.2 trillion relief package passed by 
Congress to help prop up health care providers and other businesses amid
 the pandemic.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

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