TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 279 to a total of 3056, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 117, an increase of 6 from Friday's report.

<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 279 to a total of 3056, the state health department reported Saturday afternoon.Coronavirus deaths were reported at 117, an increase of 6 from Friday's report.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.

And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.

The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.

Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.

If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.

The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”

William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.

More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.

People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.

“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.

Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.

The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.

“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.

“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.

The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.

The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.

Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.

President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.

Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587590671442.png" alt="Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image" />
 <figcaption>Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

Social Security and Medicare funds at risk even before virus

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — State officials said Friday Kansas may be nearing or has already reached its peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, leaving the state to focus on the economic fallout of closing businesses to stem the spread.

Kansas saw the number of deaths drop Friday from 112 to 111 after an investigation determined one of the previously counted fatalities was not related to the coronavirus. Positive cases increased by 295 to 2,777. But the increase comes as the state, whose testing rate had been among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">lowest&nbsp;</a>in the nation, works to boost testing.

Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears the state is “headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”

“We should be able to proceed with our transition from response to recovery next week as planned,” Kelly said. That includes working on a plan for spending federal aid, reopening the economy in phases and identifying a strategy for “addressing an imminent budget crisis.”

The National Governors Association is calling on Congress to approve $500 billion more for direct aid to states, and Kelly said such funding is critical. The emergency federal funding that has been approved so far can’t be used by state’s to plug holes in their budgets.

Kelly noted Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">projections</a>&nbsp;released earlier this week.

“The Great Recession cuts were brutal, but they occurred gradually,” Kelly said, adding that without federal help, “Kansas will be forced to make all of those cuts in just one budget cycle.”

She said it is particularly crucial to protect education, health care and infrastructure spending.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 and death.

In Kansas, the cases are heavily concentrated in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, where there are 19 clusters and 63 deaths, 57% of the state’s total. Federal and state officials also are monitoring outbreaks in six meatpacking plants, where 250 are infected.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health director, said the state is beginning to have the capacity not just to test the ill, but to conduct surveillance testing to determine the prevalence of the virus in different communities.

“One of the things we do not want to do is fly blind in terms of predicting and in terms of allocating resources,” Norman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587774515099.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman responds to a question during Friday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman responds to a question during Friday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — State officials said Friday Kansas may be nearing or has already reached its peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, leaving the state to focus on the economic fallout of closing businesses to stem the spread.Kansas saw the number of deaths drop Friday from 112 to 111 after an investigation determined one of the previously counted fatalities was not related to the coronavirus. Positive cases increased by 295 to 2,777. But the increase comes as the state, whose testing rate had been among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">lowest&nbsp;</a>in the nation, works to boost testing.Gov. Laura Kelly said it appears the state is “headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”“We should be able to proceed with our transition from response to recovery next week as planned,” Kelly said. That includes working on a plan for spending federal aid, reopening the economy in phases and identifying a strategy for “addressing an imminent budget crisis.”The National Governors Association is calling on Congress to approve $500 billion more for direct aid to states, and Kelly said such funding is critical. The emergency federal funding that has been approved so far can’t be used by state’s to plug holes in their budgets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587774640369.png" alt="On Friday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly said, "The state is headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”" />
 <figcaption>On Friday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly said, "The state is headed toward the downhill slope of this journey.”</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly noted Kansas is facing a projected 8.1% shortfall in its next state budget after a new fiscal forecast slashed projections for expected tax collections over the next 15 months by nearly $1.37 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/66bc36a2cf33d0b60df265bdd0b70a70">projections</a>&nbsp;released earlier this week.“The Great Recession cuts were brutal, but they occurred gradually,” Kelly said, adding that without federal help, “Kansas will be forced to make all of those cuts in just one budget cycle.”She said it is particularly crucial to protect education, health care and infrastructure spending.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 and death.In Kansas, the cases are heavily concentrated in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, where there are 19 clusters and 63 deaths, 57% of the state’s total. Federal and state officials also are monitoring outbreaks in six meatpacking plants, where 250 are infected.Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health director, said the state is beginning to have the capacity not just to test the ill, but to conduct surveillance testing to determine the prevalence of the virus in different communities.“One of the things we do not want to do is fly blind in terms of predicting and in terms of allocating resources,” Norman said.

Officials: Kansas may be near peak in coronavirus deaths

ALBANY,&nbsp; N.Y. —To end his daily press conference Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shared a letter he received from a farmer in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

According to Cuomo, the farmer's wife is ill and he is aging.&nbsp;

"He sent me 1 of 5 N95 masks he has from farming to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York. This is humanity at its best. I share his letter as inspiration."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fast forward to 22:05 to listen to Cuomo read the letter.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also shared comments about the letter on social media and said, "This incredible example of kindness and generosity is the epitome of what it means to be a Kansan. I am so proud to be the governor of this great state."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587753434953.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ALBANY,&nbsp; N.Y. —To end his daily press conference Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shared a letter he received from a farmer in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;According to Cuomo, the farmer's wife is ill and he is aging.&nbsp;"He sent me 1 of 5 N95 masks he has from farming to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York. This is humanity at its best. I share his letter as inspiration."&nbsp;&nbsp;Fast forward to 22:05 to listen to Cuomo read the letter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Holding a briefing with updates on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a>. Watch Live: <a href="https://t.co/G8ZpT8sfoR">https://t.co/G8ZpT8sfoR</a>&mdash; Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1253708565212041216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also shared comments about the letter on social media and said, "This incredible example of kindness and generosity is the epitome of what it means to be a Kansan. I am so proud to be the governor of this great state."

New York governor shares letter from Kansas farmer

Triumph Foods confirms 16 employees at its pork processing
plant in St. Joseph have tested positive for COVID-19.

Workers who tested positive are in self-quarantine, according
to Triumph.

Triumph also confirms the state of Missouri has provided 2,800
tests for employees at the St. Joseph plant to be tested for the coronavirus.
Triumph says those tests will be in addition to the tests already conducted by
Mosaic Life Care in conjunction with the Buchanan County and St. Joseph Health
Departments.

In a news release, Triumph says the additional tests will be
administered onsite by Northwest Health Services “in a coordinated, phased
approach over multiple days.” Triumph says it is working with the State of
Missouri to finalize both the testing plan and the timing of the tests.

The news release was the first communication with the news
media since Triumph disclosed Monday that it had two workers test positive for
the coronavirus.

Triumph adds it has implemented the latest measures
recommended by state and federal health authorities. The company says it has
enhanced cleaning and sanitizing at the plant since the coronavirus outbreak.
Workers wear face covers. Plexiglass dividers have been installed to create
social distancing during breaks. Triumph employs more than 2,800 workers in St.
Joseph, processing more than 1.5 billion pounds of pork annually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587750078311.jpeg" alt="Triumph Foods in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Triumph Foods in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTriumph Foods confirms 16 employees at its pork processing
plant in St. Joseph have tested positive for COVID-19.Workers who tested positive are in self-quarantine, according
to Triumph.Triumph also confirms the state of Missouri has provided 2,800
tests for employees at the St. Joseph plant to be tested for the coronavirus.
Triumph says those tests will be in addition to the tests already conducted by
Mosaic Life Care in conjunction with the Buchanan County and St. Joseph Health
Departments.In a news release, Triumph says the additional tests will be
administered onsite by Northwest Health Services “in a coordinated, phased
approach over multiple days.” Triumph says it is working with the State of
Missouri to finalize both the testing plan and the timing of the tests.The news release was the first communication with the news
media since Triumph disclosed Monday that it had two workers test positive for
the coronavirus.Triumph adds it has implemented the latest measures
recommended by state and federal health authorities. The company says it has
enhanced cleaning and sanitizing at the plant since the coronavirus outbreak.
Workers wear face covers. Plexiglass dividers have been installed to create
social distancing during breaks. Triumph employs more than 2,800 workers in St.
Joseph, processing more than 1.5 billion pounds of pork annually.

Triumph Foods confirms 16 COVID-19 cases; mass testing of employees

St. Joseph city officials report 49 cases of coronavirus in
Buchanan County with 46 confirmed as COVID-19.

Mosaic Life Care reports it has tested 1,382 individuals with
44 testing positive for COVID-19. Results from 72 of the tests are pending.

Missouri reports 6,321 residents have tested positive for
COVID-19. The state has conducted nearly 60,000 tests. It has recorded 218
deaths.

Kansas reports 2,482 cases of COVID-19 with 112 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials report 49 cases of coronavirus in
Buchanan County with 46 confirmed as COVID-19.Mosaic Life Care reports it has tested 1,382 individuals with
44 testing positive for COVID-19. Results from 72 of the tests are pending.Missouri reports 6,321 residents have tested positive for
COVID-19. The state has conducted nearly 60,000 tests. It has recorded 218
deaths.Kansas reports 2,482 cases of COVID-19 with 112 deaths.

Buchanan County COVID-19 cases just short of 50

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pitching “emerging” research on the benefits of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the coronavirus as President Donald Trump encourages states to move to reopen their economies.

Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus.

But William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing Thursday that there are “emerging results” from new research that suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air. He said scientists have seen a similar effect from higher temperatures and humidity. A biocontainment lab in Maryland has been conducting testing on the virus since February, Bryan said.

“The virus is dying at a much more rapid pace just from exposure to higher temperatures and just from exposure to humidity,” Bryan said.

Bryan said having more knowledge about this could help governors when making decisions about how and when to open their state economies. However, he stressed that the emerging results of the light and heat studies do not replace social distancing recommendations.

Trump, who has consistently looked for hopeful news about containing the virus, was asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people have died in Florida.

“I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that’s great,” Trump replied, adding, “It’s just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very, very smart, perhaps brilliant man.”

“I’m here to present ideas, because we want ideas to get rid of this thing. And if heat is good, and if sunlight is good, that’s a great thing as far as I’m concerned,” the president said.

Trump noted that the researchers were also looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” Bryan said there was no consideration of that.

The president has often talked up prospects for new therapies and offered rosy timelines for the development of a vaccine.

Earlier in the month, scientific advisers told the White House there’s no good evidence yet that the heat and humidity of summer will rein in the virus without continued public health measures.

Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine analyzed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how COVID-19 has spread so far.

“Given that countries currently in ‘summer’ climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed,” the researchers wrote earlier in April in response to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology.

In addition, the report cited the global lack of immunity to the new virus and concluded, “if there is an effect of temperature and humidity on transmission, it may not be as apparent as with other respiratory viruses for which there is at least some preexisting partial immunity.”

They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus first emerged.

In March, Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief. said, “We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it’s a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587725492311.png" alt="President Trump and William Bryan, Science and Technology Director at the Department of Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and William Bryan, Science and Technology Director at the Department of Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pitching “emerging” research on the benefits of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the coronavirus as President Donald Trump encourages states to move to reopen their economies.Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus.But William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing Thursday that there are “emerging results” from new research that suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air. He said scientists have seen a similar effect from higher temperatures and humidity. A biocontainment lab in Maryland has been conducting testing on the virus since February, Bryan said.“The virus is dying at a much more rapid pace just from exposure to higher temperatures and just from exposure to humidity,” Bryan said.Bryan said having more knowledge about this could help governors when making decisions about how and when to open their state economies. However, he stressed that the emerging results of the light and heat studies do not replace social distancing recommendations.Trump, who has consistently looked for hopeful news about containing the virus, was asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people have died in Florida.“I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that’s great,” Trump replied, adding, “It’s just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very, very smart, perhaps brilliant man.”“I’m here to present ideas, because we want ideas to get rid of this thing. And if heat is good, and if sunlight is good, that’s a great thing as far as I’m concerned,” the president said.Trump noted that the researchers were also looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” Bryan said there was no consideration of that.The president has often talked up prospects for new therapies and offered rosy timelines for the development of a vaccine.Earlier in the month, scientific advisers told the White House there’s no good evidence yet that the heat and humidity of summer will rein in the virus without continued public health measures.Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine analyzed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how COVID-19 has spread so far.“Given that countries currently in ‘summer’ climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed,” the researchers wrote earlier in April in response to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology.In addition, the report cited the global lack of immunity to the new virus and concluded, “if there is an effect of temperature and humidity on transmission, it may not be as apparent as with other respiratory viruses for which there is at least some preexisting partial immunity.”They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus first emerged.In March, Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief. said, “We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it’s a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza.”

White House: Heat, humidity could help fight virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.

The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.

The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”

The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.

As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.

With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.

The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.

But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.

Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.

In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.

After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.

Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”

Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”

She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.

“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”

A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.

Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.

Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.

Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.

Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.

McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.

The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.

It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.

The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.

Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.

Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665990231.png" alt="Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587723272444.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”-------WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665950744.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.___

Congress, many in masks, approves $500B more in virus aid

All employees at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph will be tested
for the coronavirus after several workers at the meat packing plant tested
positive for COVID-19.

The city of St. Joseph reports multiple positive cases of
COVID-19 at Triumph, though the city does not state how many employees tested
positive in the past 48 hours. An internal memo sent to employees Wednesday
disclosed the plant recorded nine total cases.

The city says Northwest Health Services plans to conduct tests
as early as tomorrow afternoon, depending on when test kits arrive. Northwest
expected to receive results within 48 hours.

Mosaic Life Care will test approximately 125 Triumph employees
Friday. It expects results within 24 hours.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports
it has sent approximately 2,800 tests to St. Joseph which will be processed at the Missouri State Public Health
Laboratory and a commercial laboratory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587685437633.jpeg" alt="Triumph Foods of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Triumph Foods of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAll employees at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph will be tested
for the coronavirus after several workers at the meat packing plant tested
positive for COVID-19.The city of St. Joseph reports multiple positive cases of
COVID-19 at Triumph, though the city does not state how many employees tested
positive in the past 48 hours. An internal memo sent to employees Wednesday
disclosed the plant recorded nine total cases.The city says Northwest Health Services plans to conduct tests
as early as tomorrow afternoon, depending on when test kits arrive. Northwest
expected to receive results within 48 hours.Mosaic Life Care will test approximately 125 Triumph employees
Friday. It expects results within 24 hours.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports
it has sent approximately 2,800 tests to St. Joseph which will be processed at the Missouri State Public Health
Laboratory and a commercial laboratory.

All Triumph Foods employees to be tested for COVID-19

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy on May 3 but she may not be able to do it because the state is “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing.

Kelly’s comments came after hundreds of people protested around the Statehouse against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;from the Democratic governor set to expire May 3. Participants in similar protests across the country contended that such orders damage the economy and violate people’s civil rights.

Health and government officials argue such orders orders are the best way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Kelly said a key issue in lifting restrictions is being able to test enough to identify and contain outbreaks quickly and take steps to contain them locally.

Kansas has struggled to get enough supplies from the federal government and private companies in competition with other states. It has had among the lowest testing rates of any state, 7.32 per 1,000 residents as of Thursday.

“We are nowhere near where we need to be with testing supplies,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It’s the biggest frustration that I have.”

Kansas did receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c5145956432b1583d53fb98225d38a5">7,000 testing kits</a>&nbsp;from the federal government this past weekend because of outbreaks in meat-packing plants. It also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d">liberalized its testing guidelines</a>&nbsp;this week.

But Kelly said the state has been told after multiple unfilled orders for supplies to the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it should direct requests to the federal Centers for Disease Control instead.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment is planning to train existing state workers and bring on volunteers to have 400 people to help trace infected people’s contacts. But the department said Thursday it is still recruiting and training them.

The protesters Thursday suggested Kelly has gone too far in imposing restrictions and shutting down the economy. They held or posted signs with slogans such as, “Fear is the real virus,” and “Choose Freedom. Reopen America.”

Many participants carried signs or waved flags supporting the reelection of President Donald Trump. Others were anti-vaccine activists, tea party movement members or gun-rights supporters. One vehicle displayed a Confederate flag; a protest sign promoted a far-right conspiracy theory.

A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ed271ca13012d3b77a2b631c1979ce1">survey&nbsp;</a>showed that Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At the Statehouse, a few local nurses stood silently in scrubs to thank health care workers and counter-protest.

The state health department reported 2,482 confirmed cases, up 12.3% from 2,211 reported Wednesday. The state reported 112 people have died, two more than reported Wednesday. Infections are likely more numerous because of the state’s low testing rate and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Long-term care homes have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e34b42d996968cf9fa0ef85697418b01">particularly hard hit,</a>&nbsp;with at least 17 clusters of cases in such homes in Kansas and 58 COVID-19-related deaths, more than half the state’s total.

Twenty-seven deaths were among residents of the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas. The family of an 87-year-old man who died filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing the home of negligence. The home declined comment.

TOPEKA&nbsp; — A rally to protest the stay-at-home order began at noon Thursday in Topeka.

According to Operation Gridlock Topeka, "It is time to open Kansas back up for business. It is time to converge on Topeka and show Governor Kelly that WE THE PEOPLE of Kansas can be safe, responsible, and LOUD!"

Event organizers encouraged those in attendance to stay in cars, honk horns, and wave flags. "Make sure she hears you and tell her to OPEN KANSAS UP!"

Between 75 and 100 people attended a similar rally in Kansas City on Monday to demand that the orders be lifted.

The event near the city's Country Club Plaza followed protests that began across the country last week, with some drawing much larger crowds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587667322441.png" alt="Protesters at the Kansas Statehouse Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the Kansas Statehouse Thursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy on May 3 but she may not be able to do it because the state is “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3247224465502124%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>Kelly’s comments came after hundreds of people protested around the Statehouse against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;from the Democratic governor set to expire May 3. Participants in similar protests across the country contended that such orders damage the economy and violate people’s civil rights.Health and government officials argue such orders orders are the best way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Kelly said a key issue in lifting restrictions is being able to test enough to identify and contain outbreaks quickly and take steps to contain them locally.Kansas has struggled to get enough supplies from the federal government and private companies in competition with other states. It has had among the lowest testing rates of any state, 7.32 per 1,000 residents as of Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587661397475.png" alt="Protesters near the Kansas Statehouse Thursday afternoon -images courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Protesters near the Kansas Statehouse Thursday afternoon -images courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are nowhere near where we need to be with testing supplies,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It’s the biggest frustration that I have.”Kansas did receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8c5145956432b1583d53fb98225d38a5">7,000 testing kits</a>&nbsp;from the federal government this past weekend because of outbreaks in meat-packing plants. It also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67c6c34c71c00a739657687d8286f78d">liberalized its testing guidelines</a>&nbsp;this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587681170776.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly discussed lack of virus testing during her Thursday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly discussed lack of virus testing during her Thursday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>But Kelly said the state has been told after multiple unfilled orders for supplies to the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it should direct requests to the federal Centers for Disease Control instead.“That was news to us,” she said.Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment is planning to train existing state workers and bring on volunteers to have 400 people to help trace infected people’s contacts. But the department said Thursday it is still recruiting and training them.The protesters Thursday suggested Kelly has gone too far in imposing restrictions and shutting down the economy. They held or posted signs with slogans such as, “Fear is the real virus,” and “Choose Freedom. Reopen America.”Many participants carried signs or waved flags supporting the reelection of President Donald Trump. Others were anti-vaccine activists, tea party movement members or gun-rights supporters. One vehicle displayed a Confederate flag; a protest sign promoted a far-right conspiracy theory.A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ed271ca13012d3b77a2b631c1979ce1">survey&nbsp;</a>showed that Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At the Statehouse, a few local nurses stood silently in scrubs to thank health care workers and counter-protest.The state health department reported 2,482 confirmed cases, up 12.3% from 2,211 reported Wednesday. The state reported 112 people have died, two more than reported Wednesday. Infections are likely more numerous because of the state’s low testing rate and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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 and death.Long-term care homes have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e34b42d996968cf9fa0ef85697418b01">particularly hard hit,</a>&nbsp;with at least 17 clusters of cases in such homes in Kansas and 58 COVID-19-related deaths, more than half the state’s total.Twenty-seven deaths were among residents of the Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation home in Kansas City, Kansas. The family of an 87-year-old man who died filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing the home of negligence. The home declined comment.--------TOPEKA&nbsp; — A rally to protest the stay-at-home order began at noon Thursday in Topeka.According to Operation Gridlock Topeka, "It is time to open Kansas back up for business. It is time to converge on Topeka and show Governor Kelly that WE THE PEOPLE of Kansas can be safe, responsible, and LOUD!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587661434723.png" alt="Protesters blocking traffic Thursday afternoon in Topeka-photo KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Protesters blocking traffic Thursday afternoon in Topeka-photo KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Event organizers encouraged those in attendance to stay in cars, honk horns, and wave flags. "Make sure she hears you and tell her to OPEN KANSAS UP!"Between 75 and 100 people attended a similar rally in Kansas City on Monday to demand that the orders be lifted.The event near the city's Country Club Plaza followed protests that began across the country last week, with some drawing much larger crowds.

Amid protests, Kelly says May 3 reopening of Kansas in doubt

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 271 to a total of 2482, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. 

This is the largest 24-hour increase in the number of positive cases in Kansas.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 271 to a total of 2482, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. This is the largest 24-hour increase in the number of positive cases in Kansas.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths increased to 112<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/2020/4/1587662827102.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

WASHINGTON(AP)—The Trump administration is barring most international students and all students who entered the U.S. illegally from receiving emergency college grants approved by Congress as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">a $2.2 trillion coronavirus rescue package</a>.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued the restriction in new guidelines released Tuesday telling colleges how to distribute more than $6 billion in grants meant to help students cover unexpected costs triggered by the pandemic. Earlier guidance from the Education Department suggested universities would have wide flexibility in distributing the grants, but the new guidelines said that only students who qualify for other federal student aid can receive the aid.

More than 400,000 students are estimated to have entered the U.S. illegally. More than 1 million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges.

University leaders and immigration groups blasted the change, saying DeVos is imposing new limits that were not included in Congress’ legislation. The rescue package did not specify which students are eligible for grants, and many colleges had planned to distribute emergency grants to needy students regardless of their citizenship status.

Some prestigious universities cited the new policy in decisions to reject the funding. Princeton University announced Wednesday that it would refuse its $2.4 million share of coronavirus relief over the policy. Harvard University also cited the change in its decision to reject $8.7 million in aid.

The Education Department said its guidance is aligned with other federal laws. The agency cited the Higher Education Act, a sweeping law that says only U.S. citizens and a narrow set of “eligible noncitizens” are eligible for federal student aid. Angela Morabito, a department spokeswoman, said the rescue package legislation “makes clear that this taxpayer funded relief fund should be targeted to U.S. citizens, which is consistently echoed throughout the law.”

But some higher education advocates challenged that claim. The American Council on Education, an association of college presidents, said the rescue package placed no limits on student eligibility.

“The statute says almost nothing about who is eligible to receive a grant. The Department of Education owns this decision. Period,” said Terry Hartle, the group’s senior vice president. He added that the group is disappointed by DeVos’ policy. “We strongly believed many of these students needed help.”

The guidelines have created confusion about exactly which students can receive the grants, Hartle said. It’s clear that the department is excluding immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and international students, he said, but it’s unclear how schools should determine eligibility. Most colleges don’t ask students if they’re U.S. citizens, he said, and officials have no easy way to check.

“A college could give an emergency grant to a Dreamer without realizing the person is a Dreamer,” he said, referring to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally but allowed to stay under the under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

At the University of California, Riverside, officials had been planning to award grants to some of the campus’ estimated 600 DACA recipients. Now, officials will turn to fundraising or other revenue sources to help students excluded by the Education Department.

Chancellor Kim Wilcox said he’s grateful for the federal relief but was disheartened by DeVos’ policy.

“I was disappointed for students here at UCR, for students across California, and I was disappointed for the nation,” Wilcox said. “This is a huge economic hit and there are pressing needs everywhere.”

Student advocates see DeVos’ update as a reversal from her previous guidance. When DeVos made the funding available in early April, she said colleges would be given flexibility in deciding how to award grants. She told colleges to focus on helping the neediest students. And in paperwork that colleges sign to receive the funding, the agency says the relief isn’t considered federal financial aid.

That earlier guidance led some schools to believe the grants were exempt from citizenship requirements.

Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University, said the new requirements are cruel to students who were counting on the grants to cover food, housing and other costs, and to colleges that now have to scramble to revise plans for distributing the funding. Losing access to the grants will likely force some students to drop out, she said, especially those whose families are dealing with unemployment amid the pandemic.

“They’re not going to have the money that they need to stay connected to their college. And people who drop out of college often do not come back,” said Goldrick-Rab, who founded the nonprofit Hope Center for College, Community and Justice.

Critics say the policy is particularly unjust because the same students now barred from receiving grants were counted in the formula used to allocate money for schools. The rescue package provided $14 billion for the nation’s colleges, offering them varying sums based on their student enrollment and the percentage of students they teach from poorer backgrounds.

The United We Dream Network, which advocates for DACA recipients, said it was “callous” of DeVos to block so many students from access to funding. Sanaa Abrar, the group’s advocacy director, urged Congress and colleges to find other ways to help students excluded by DeVos’ directive.

“Every single relief package being discussed in Congress must include both the health care and financial assistance immigrant communities need,” Abrar said, “especially as the Trump administration continues to attack and scapegoat our communities amidst a pandemic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585353417200.png" alt="Education Secretary Betsy DeVos answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Education Secretary Betsy DeVos answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON(AP)—The Trump administration is barring most international students and all students who entered the U.S. illegally from receiving emergency college grants approved by Congress as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">a $2.2 trillion coronavirus rescue package</a>.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued the restriction in new guidelines released Tuesday telling colleges how to distribute more than $6 billion in grants meant to help students cover unexpected costs triggered by the pandemic. Earlier guidance from the Education Department suggested universities would have wide flexibility in distributing the grants, but the new guidelines said that only students who qualify for other federal student aid can receive the aid.More than 400,000 students are estimated to have entered the U.S. illegally. More than 1 million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges.University leaders and immigration groups blasted the change, saying DeVos is imposing new limits that were not included in Congress’ legislation. The rescue package did not specify which students are eligible for grants, and many colleges had planned to distribute emergency grants to needy students regardless of their citizenship status.Some prestigious universities cited the new policy in decisions to reject the funding. Princeton University announced Wednesday that it would refuse its $2.4 million share of coronavirus relief over the policy. Harvard University also cited the change in its decision to reject $8.7 million in aid.The Education Department said its guidance is aligned with other federal laws. The agency cited the Higher Education Act, a sweeping law that says only U.S. citizens and a narrow set of “eligible noncitizens” are eligible for federal student aid. Angela Morabito, a department spokeswoman, said the rescue package legislation “makes clear that this taxpayer funded relief fund should be targeted to U.S. citizens, which is consistently echoed throughout the law.”But some higher education advocates challenged that claim. The American Council on Education, an association of college presidents, said the rescue package placed no limits on student eligibility.“The statute says almost nothing about who is eligible to receive a grant. The Department of Education owns this decision. Period,” said Terry Hartle, the group’s senior vice president. He added that the group is disappointed by DeVos’ policy. “We strongly believed many of these students needed help.”The guidelines have created confusion about exactly which students can receive the grants, Hartle said. It’s clear that the department is excluding immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and international students, he said, but it’s unclear how schools should determine eligibility. Most colleges don’t ask students if they’re U.S. citizens, he said, and officials have no easy way to check.“A college could give an emergency grant to a Dreamer without realizing the person is a Dreamer,” he said, referring to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally but allowed to stay under the under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.At the University of California, Riverside, officials had been planning to award grants to some of the campus’ estimated 600 DACA recipients. Now, officials will turn to fundraising or other revenue sources to help students excluded by the Education Department.Chancellor Kim Wilcox said he’s grateful for the federal relief but was disheartened by DeVos’ policy.“I was disappointed for students here at UCR, for students across California, and I was disappointed for the nation,” Wilcox said. “This is a huge economic hit and there are pressing needs everywhere.”Student advocates see DeVos’ update as a reversal from her previous guidance. When DeVos made the funding available in early April, she said colleges would be given flexibility in deciding how to award grants. She told colleges to focus on helping the neediest students. And in paperwork that colleges sign to receive the funding, the agency says the relief isn’t considered federal financial aid.That earlier guidance led some schools to believe the grants were exempt from citizenship requirements.Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University, said the new requirements are cruel to students who were counting on the grants to cover food, housing and other costs, and to colleges that now have to scramble to revise plans for distributing the funding. Losing access to the grants will likely force some students to drop out, she said, especially those whose families are dealing with unemployment amid the pandemic.“They’re not going to have the money that they need to stay connected to their college. And people who drop out of college often do not come back,” said Goldrick-Rab, who founded the nonprofit Hope Center for College, Community and Justice.Critics say the policy is particularly unjust because the same students now barred from receiving grants were counted in the formula used to allocate money for schools. The rescue package provided $14 billion for the nation’s colleges, offering them varying sums based on their student enrollment and the percentage of students they teach from poorer backgrounds.The United We Dream Network, which advocates for DACA recipients, said it was “callous” of DeVos to block so many students from access to funding. Sanaa Abrar, the group’s advocacy director, urged Congress and colleges to find other ways to help students excluded by DeVos’ directive.“Every single relief package being discussed in Congress must include both the health care and financial assistance immigrant communities need,” Abrar said, “especially as the Trump administration continues to attack and scapegoat our communities amidst a pandemic.”

DACA kids, foreign students excluded from virus relief grants

Mosaic Life Care reports a spike in the number of positive
COVID-19 test results.

Mosaic has tested 1,296 individuals with 39 testing positive
for the coronavirus, up from 32 on Wednesday, and 29 on Tuesday. All the
patients in the Mosaic network are being treated in an outpatient basis. Mosaic
is awaiting results from 168 tests.

The state of Missouri has now tested nearly 60,000 residents
with 6,137 testing positive for COVID-19 with 208 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 2,211 cases of coronavirus with
110 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports a spike in the number of positive
COVID-19 test results.Mosaic has tested 1,296 individuals with 39 testing positive
for the coronavirus, up from 32 on Wednesday, and 29 on Tuesday. All the
patients in the Mosaic network are being treated in an outpatient basis. Mosaic
is awaiting results from 168 tests.The state of Missouri has now tested nearly 60,000 residents
with 6,137 testing positive for COVID-19 with 208 deaths.Kansas health officials report 2,211 cases of coronavirus with
110 deaths.

Mosaic reports jump in COVID-19 cases

More workers at Triumph Foods have reportedly tested
positive for COVID-19.

An internal communication provided to St. Joseph Post
notified workers at the St. Joseph meat-packing plant that six additional
workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of Triumph
workers testing positive for COVID-19 to nine.

St. Joseph Post made numerous efforts to confirm the communication
and numbers with Triumph Foods officials, but Triumph has not returned calls,
texts, or email inquiries.

Mosaic Life Care confirmed there have been more positive
tests in St. Joseph, but an official with Mosaic says the origin of positive
tests cannot be disclosed.

An official with the city of St. Joseph confirmed testing is
being conducted at Triumph and stated more information would be released later.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore workers at Triumph Foods have reportedly tested
positive for COVID-19.An internal communication provided to St. Joseph Post
notified workers at the St. Joseph meat-packing plant that six additional
workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of Triumph
workers testing positive for COVID-19 to nine.St. Joseph Post made numerous efforts to confirm the communication
and numbers with Triumph Foods officials, but Triumph has not returned calls,
texts, or email inquiries.Mosaic Life Care confirmed there have been more positive
tests in St. Joseph, but an official with Mosaic says the origin of positive
tests cannot be disclosed.An official with the city of St. Joseph confirmed testing is
being conducted at Triumph and stated more information would be released later.

More Triumph Foods workers reportedly test positive for COVID-19

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Wednesday that the state is considering testing all prison inmates and residents of long-term care homes for the coronavirus, as such homes have accounted for more than half of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths and a prison has had a major outbreak.

Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said the state also is looking at testing all of those institutions’ employees. He said such testing represents population studies the state must do to determine the true extent of the virus.

“We haven’t had the testing materials to do that,” Norman said during an Associated Press interview. “We’re just coming up to that now.”

Gov. Laura Kelly, who issued a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;on March 30, has said that expanded testing is key to gradually reopening the state’s economy. Kansas has had among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, 6.94 per 1,000 residents as of Wednesday, which was well below the national rate.

State officials said it’s been difficult to get supplies. Norman said Wednesday that there’s been under-reporting of tests by private labs.

Norman said the state has seen 17 clusters of coronavirus cases in long-term care homes, accounting for 58 of the state’s 110 COVID-19-related deaths reported as of Wednesday. Twenty-seven deaths, alone, were from an outbreak at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c367ab69c32d393755bdf1509e8e429">Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation&nbsp;</a>in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas officials said state and federal inspectors are looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the Riverbend facility.

Norman said during a Statehouse news conference: “They should be able to go back to a full and normal existence once the cleansing and once the ‘X’ number of days out are sufficient so that there’s not transmission of new cases.”

Cory Schulte, Riverbend’s executive director, didn’t immediately reply to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment.

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

The state reported Wednesday that it has 2,211 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 9.2% or 186 from Tuesday. However, with Kansas testing at a low rate — and not people who don’t show symptoms — the number very likely under-reports cases. The state reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday.

The state prison in Lansing, outside Kansas City, has had 110 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 50 among inmates. The state faces an American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates and Kelly said she’s “very close” to announcing a plan, though, it won’t affect “a whole huge number.”

Like some other states, Kansas has seen outbreaks in meatpacking plants. Of the 19 coronavirus-case clusters among businesses, six involve meatpacking plants, accounting for 168 confirmed cases but no deaths, Norman said.

Kelly said there have been no discussions with the companies yet about closing meatpacking plants, just how to protect their workers. In Iowa, Tyson Foods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34">suspended operations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday at its largest pork processing plant.

Kansas accounts for roughly a quarter of the nation’s beef, and Kelly said, “It’s a very, very important supply chain that we need to keep as productive as we can.”

Meanwhile, the Legislature is not expecting to reconvene Monday from an unusually long, coronavirus-inspired spring break as previously planned. Legislative leaders postponed a decision on when to return to as late as May 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587582681620.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Wednesday news briefing." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Wednesday news briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Wednesday that the state is considering testing all prison inmates and residents of long-term care homes for the coronavirus, as such homes have accounted for more than half of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths and a prison has had a major outbreak.Dr. Lee Norman, head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said the state also is looking at testing all of those institutions’ employees. He said such testing represents population studies the state must do to determine the true extent of the virus.“We haven’t had the testing materials to do that,” Norman said during an Associated Press interview. “We’re just coming up to that now.”Gov. Laura Kelly, who issued a statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;on March 30, has said that expanded testing is key to gradually reopening the state’s economy. Kansas has had among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6828656a14b81e1b0d695662b58ec3e">the lowest testing rates&nbsp;</a>of any state, 6.94 per 1,000 residents as of Wednesday, which was well below the national rate.State officials said it’s been difficult to get supplies. Norman said Wednesday that there’s been under-reporting of tests by private labs.Norman said the state has seen 17 clusters of coronavirus cases in long-term care homes, accounting for 58 of the state’s 110 COVID-19-related deaths reported as of Wednesday. Twenty-seven deaths, alone, were from an outbreak at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c367ab69c32d393755bdf1509e8e429">Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation&nbsp;</a>in Kansas City, Kansas.Kansas officials said state and federal inspectors are looking into infection control measures that are being implemented at the Riverbend facility.Norman said during a Statehouse news conference: “They should be able to go back to a full and normal existence once the cleansing and once the ‘X’ number of days out are sufficient so that there’s not transmission of new cases.”Cory Schulte, Riverbend’s executive director, didn’t immediately reply to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment.For some people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.The state reported Wednesday that it has 2,211 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 9.2% or 186 from Tuesday. However, with Kansas testing at a low rate — and not people who don’t show symptoms — the number very likely under-reports cases. The state reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday.The state prison in Lansing, outside Kansas City, has had 110 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 50 among inmates. The state faces an American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates and Kelly said she’s “very close” to announcing a plan, though, it won’t affect “a whole huge number.”Like some other states, Kansas has seen outbreaks in meatpacking plants. Of the 19 coronavirus-case clusters among businesses, six involve meatpacking plants, accounting for 168 confirmed cases but no deaths, Norman said.Kelly said there have been no discussions with the companies yet about closing meatpacking plants, just how to protect their workers. In Iowa, Tyson Foods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34">suspended operations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday at its largest pork processing plant.Kansas accounts for roughly a quarter of the nation’s beef, and Kelly said, “It’s a very, very important supply chain that we need to keep as productive as we can.”Meanwhile, the Legislature is not expecting to reconvene Monday from an unusually long, coronavirus-inspired spring break as previously planned. Legislative leaders postponed a decision on when to return to as late as May 6.___

Kansas mulls coronavirus tests for all in prison, care homes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday played down the possibility that the coronavirus could be worse this winter despite medical experts’ warnings that COVID-19 could combine with the flu to make a more complicated return to the United States.

Trump, who has been pushing for states to begin reopening their economies, batted down notions that COVID-19 could return in large waves, as has happened in previous pandemics. Health experts and members of the White House coronavirus task force have warned of a possible comeback for the virus next fall.

“It’s not going to be what we’ve gone through, in any way, shape or form,” Trump said flatly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587638181985.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Coronavirus Task Force, during Wednesday's media briefing- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Coronavirus Task Force, during Wednesday's media briefing- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday played down the possibility that the coronavirus could be worse this winter despite medical experts’ warnings that COVID-19 could combine with the flu to make a more complicated return to the United States.Trump, who has been pushing for states to begin reopening their economies, batted down notions that COVID-19 could return in large waves, as has happened in previous pandemics. Health experts and members of the White House coronavirus task force have warned of a possible comeback for the virus next fall.“It’s not going to be what we’ve gone through, in any way, shape or form,” Trump said flatly.He continued: “If it comes back, though, it won’t be coming back in the form that it was. It will be coming back in smaller doses that we can contain. ... You could have some embers of corona ... (but) we will not go through what we went through for the last two months.”Trump then turned to Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the coronavirus task force, and asked, “Doctor, wouldn’t you say there’s a good chance that COVID will not come back?”“We don’t know,” Birx responded.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said later in the same briefing: “We will have coronavirus in the fall. I am convinced of that.”He stressed that in the fall, the nation would be better prepared to manage it.“Whether or not it’s going to be big or small is going to depend on our response,” Fauci said.Trump’s insistence that the virus won’t pose a grave danger later this year could run the risk of creating a false sense of security when health experts are still urging Americans to take precautions. Moreover, it could stand as a precarious political prediction when he goes before voters in November.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587593775654.png" alt="President Trump and Director of the CDC Dr. Robert Redfield answer questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Director of the CDC Dr. Robert Redfield answer questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump opened his daily briefing by calling up the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, to address his assertion a day earlier that “there’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through.”Redfield said he wanted to clarify those remarks to The Washington Post, although he confirmed the statement was accurately reported.“I didn’t say that this was going to be worse,” Redfield said. “I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated.”He added, “We are building that public healthcare capacity now to make sure that we stay in the containment mode for the upcoming fall and winter season so we will not need to resort to the kind of mitigation that we had to in the spring.”Trump had been unhappy about Redfield’s remarks, which conflicted with the administration’s optimistic messaging that the country will soon move beyond the virus. The president tweeted earlier in the day that Redfield’s comments had been misconstrued.Trump has frequently taken an optimistic view regarding the severity of the virus, including declarations last month that COVID-19 would “disappear.” In recent days, he has pushed for the nation to begin restarting its economy.But his own health experts on Wednesday continued to urge caution. Fauci said that states beginning to reopen “should be careful” and that rushing to lift social distancing guidelines would likely accelerate infections.Trump also said Wednesday that the Pentagon is planning a multicity tour by the U.S. military’s top flight demonstration teams to “champion national unity” amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, the demonstration squadrons for the Navy and Air Force, will fly over a number of cities. And he promised a July Fourth celebration for the public on the National Mall.___

Coronavirus Update