TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has launched a new program to provide short-term, no-interest loans to bars, restaurants, taverns and motels struggling to cover operating expenses because of the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The program announced Friday by Gov. Laura Kelly and state Commerce Secretary David Toland will make up to $5 million in loans. Several communities, including Kansas City-area suburbs, Topeka, and Lawrence, have told businesses to stop allowing dine-in services. 

Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia said the state has received more than 11,000 initial unemployment claims this week, a 524% increase over last week's figure. Kansas has confirmed more than 30 coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Read the release from the Governor's office below

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans

The Governor first announced that under the state's disaster declaration she issued on March 12th, Kansas has applied for, and expects to receive, disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to supplement small businesses disrupted by the economic fallbacks of COVID-19.

"As Kansans practice social distancing, our restaurants, bars and other event centers will see a decrease in patrons. These loans can be used to help keep Kansas small businesses afloat when they can't obtain credit elsewhere," Kelly said. "During this turbulent time, our affected small business owners need support."

Through the SBA, loans of up to $2 million would be made available to Kansas small businesses in need of assistance. The disaster declaration extends to all 105 Kansas counties, making low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital available for Kansas small businesses across the state.

"SBA's disaster loans are a powerful tool to help our state's small businesses weather this temporary storm," Toland said. "The Department of Commerce is grateful for the SBA's quick action working to make these resources available and for their commitment to keeping Kansas businesses strong."

Once approved, Kansas small businesses can begin applying for disaster loan assistance through the SBA at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdisasterloan.sba.gov%2Fela&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349647174&amp;sdata=LQFWdRJZw3H%2Bs6SqyymH3%2FAMmMCq9FSpFOS%2BywWcaxE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela</a>. SBA loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private non-profit organizations.

Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund

The Governor also announced during Friday's press conference that her administration has allocated $5 million of state funds to establish the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund to provide short-term, zero-interest loans for Kansas' hospitality sector during the pandemic.

"In an effort to make sure all Kansans come through these difficulties together, we are providing much-needed support to businesses dealing with the earliest impacts of this public health crisis," Kelly said. "There are more than 10,000 hotels, restaurants, bars, event centers and other hospitality establishments in need of our support right now, and we're doing everything we can see them through this severe, but temporary, downturn."

The HIRE Fund offers loans up to $20,000 at 0 percent interest for a term of three years to hospitality businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

"The hospitality industry is experiencing some of the most immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis with businesses being closed to the public all across Kansas," Toland said. "HIRE Fund loans are available to help these businesses meet working capital commitments, such as payroll, utilities, commercial loan payments, inventory expenses and more."

Loan decisions will made within 72 hours of the time an application is submitted, and businesses will receive funds within 48 hours (or the next business day) of an application being approved. The program is administered by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.networkkansas.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349647174&amp;sdata=QBD%2FpChf7QGNt3gw0LTHnAkxD1zWC8b35leJESLrDfM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NetWork Kansas</a>, a non-profit with a system of small business loan underwriters across 64 Kansas counties.

For more information on the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency fund, visit&nbsp;kansascommerce.gov/HIREfund.

Kansas Department of Labor Updates

García spoke about her agency's role in supporting Kansans during the current health and economic crisis.

"We are doing everything we can to support Kansas workers and employers," García said. "As we navigate these unprecedented times, know the Kansas Department of Labor is here for you – and we are ready to support our fellow Kansans."

To illustrate the gravity of the situation, García said that last week the department received 1,296 unemployment claims. This week, the department has received 11,355 claims – an increase of over 10,000.

&nbsp;"We are in uncharted waters right now, which underscores the importance of us working together," García said. "To serve Kansas workers and employers as efficiently as possible, we are encouraging them to utilize our website --&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349657133&amp;sdata=BvATXnZeQ4OklvsYJxkrtiL6DbOyIFV8Uf70j1nOa2M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dol.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;-- as much as possible."

Employers and workers can apply for benefits, file by spreadsheet, find answers to frequently asked questions and utilize additional resources online.

Office of the State Bank Commissioner Updates

Herndon shared updates from his office, dispelled false rumors surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on Kansas banks and discussed how the Kansas banking industry is stepping up to help people across the state.

The Office of the State Bank Commissioner regulates banks chartered by Kansas and non-bank consumer credit providers licensed to do business in Kansas. It conducts safety and soundness examinations, regulatory compliance examinations and information technology/cybersecurity exams as mandated by federal and state laws and regulations.

"Kansas banks are safe and they are sound," Herndon said. "No depositor has ever lost a penny of insured deposits since the FDIC was created in 1933. I urge Kansans to be safe, protect yourself and your funds by leaving them in your account."

Herndon said bankers across the state are assisting Kansans by making new loans, amending terms and conditions to existing loans and otherwise working with borrowers adversely impacted by the pandemic.

"Kansas bankers and the Kansas banking industry is stepping up to help through this pandemic, and they are here to assist in any way they can for the duration," Herndon said.

The Governor also thanked Kansas medical professionals, members of the press corps, grocery store and food industry workers, custodial staff, firefighters, police officers, state and local emergency managers, and the 21 state-active duty National guardsmen &amp; women for their hard work.

"I know many of you are working long hours away from your family and that is tough so please know that Kansans all across the state appreciate you and all you are doing," Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721718380.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Commerce Secretary David Toland during Friday's announcement -image courtesy Kansas Dept. of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Commerce Secretary David Toland during Friday's announcement -image courtesy Kansas Dept. of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has launched a new program to provide short-term, no-interest loans to bars, restaurants, taverns and motels struggling to cover operating expenses because of the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic. The program announced Friday by Gov. Laura Kelly and state Commerce Secretary David Toland will make up to $5 million in loans. Several communities, including Kansas City-area suburbs, Topeka, and Lawrence, have told businesses to stop allowing dine-in services. Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia said the state has received more than 11,000 initial unemployment claims this week, a 524% increase over last week's figure. Kansas has confirmed more than 30 coronavirus cases.&nbsp;Read the release from the Governor's office belowU.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance LoansThe Governor first announced that under the state's disaster declaration she issued on March 12th, Kansas has applied for, and expects to receive, disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to supplement small businesses disrupted by the economic fallbacks of COVID-19."As Kansans practice social distancing, our restaurants, bars and other event centers will see a decrease in patrons. These loans can be used to help keep Kansas small businesses afloat when they can't obtain credit elsewhere," Kelly said. "During this turbulent time, our affected small business owners need support."Through the SBA, loans of up to $2 million would be made available to Kansas small businesses in need of assistance. The disaster declaration extends to all 105 Kansas counties, making low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital available for Kansas small businesses across the state."SBA's disaster loans are a powerful tool to help our state's small businesses weather this temporary storm," Toland said. "The Department of Commerce is grateful for the SBA's quick action working to make these resources available and for their commitment to keeping Kansas businesses strong."Once approved, Kansas small businesses can begin applying for disaster loan assistance through the SBA at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdisasterloan.sba.gov%2Fela&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349647174&amp;sdata=LQFWdRJZw3H%2Bs6SqyymH3%2FAMmMCq9FSpFOS%2BywWcaxE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela</a>. SBA loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private non-profit organizations.Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) FundThe Governor also announced during Friday's press conference that her administration has allocated $5 million of state funds to establish the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund to provide short-term, zero-interest loans for Kansas' hospitality sector during the pandemic."In an effort to make sure all Kansans come through these difficulties together, we are providing much-needed support to businesses dealing with the earliest impacts of this public health crisis," Kelly said. "There are more than 10,000 hotels, restaurants, bars, event centers and other hospitality establishments in need of our support right now, and we're doing everything we can see them through this severe, but temporary, downturn."The HIRE Fund offers loans up to $20,000 at 0 percent interest for a term of three years to hospitality businesses with fewer than 100 employees."The hospitality industry is experiencing some of the most immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis with businesses being closed to the public all across Kansas," Toland said. "HIRE Fund loans are available to help these businesses meet working capital commitments, such as payroll, utilities, commercial loan payments, inventory expenses and more."Loan decisions will made within 72 hours of the time an application is submitted, and businesses will receive funds within 48 hours (or the next business day) of an application being approved. The program is administered by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.networkkansas.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349647174&amp;sdata=QBD%2FpChf7QGNt3gw0LTHnAkxD1zWC8b35leJESLrDfM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NetWork Kansas</a>, a non-profit with a system of small business loan underwriters across 64 Kansas counties.For more information on the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency fund, visit&nbsp;kansascommerce.gov/HIREfund.Kansas Department of Labor UpdatesGarcía spoke about her agency's role in supporting Kansans during the current health and economic crisis."We are doing everything we can to support Kansas workers and employers," García said. "As we navigate these unprecedented times, know the Kansas Department of Labor is here for you – and we are ready to support our fellow Kansans."To illustrate the gravity of the situation, García said that last week the department received 1,296 unemployment claims. This week, the department has received 11,355 claims – an increase of over 10,000.&nbsp;"We are in uncharted waters right now, which underscores the importance of us working together," García said. "To serve Kansas workers and employers as efficiently as possible, we are encouraging them to utilize our website --&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C9ff7868a53f64e6b7ea208d7ccea2718%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203178349657133&amp;sdata=BvATXnZeQ4OklvsYJxkrtiL6DbOyIFV8Uf70j1nOa2M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dol.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;-- as much as possible."Employers and workers can apply for benefits, file by spreadsheet, find answers to frequently asked questions and utilize additional resources online.Office of the State Bank Commissioner UpdatesHerndon shared updates from his office, dispelled false rumors surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on Kansas banks and discussed how the Kansas banking industry is stepping up to help people across the state.The Office of the State Bank Commissioner regulates banks chartered by Kansas and non-bank consumer credit providers licensed to do business in Kansas. It conducts safety and soundness examinations, regulatory compliance examinations and information technology/cybersecurity exams as mandated by federal and state laws and regulations."Kansas banks are safe and they are sound," Herndon said. "No depositor has ever lost a penny of insured deposits since the FDIC was created in 1933. I urge Kansans to be safe, protect yourself and your funds by leaving them in your account."Herndon said bankers across the state are assisting Kansans by making new loans, amending terms and conditions to existing loans and otherwise working with borrowers adversely impacted by the pandemic."Kansas bankers and the Kansas banking industry is stepping up to help through this pandemic, and they are here to assist in any way they can for the duration," Herndon said.The Governor also thanked Kansas medical professionals, members of the press corps, grocery store and food industry workers, custodial staff, firefighters, police officers, state and local emergency managers, and the 21 state-active duty National guardsmen &amp; women for their hard work."I know many of you are working long hours away from your family and that is tough so please know that Kansans all across the state appreciate you and all you are doing," Kelly said.

Kansas starts loan program to aid bars, restaurants, motels

NEW YORK (AP) — Most Americans who rent their home, many of whom have lost their jobs in the sudden economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, will not be eligible for eviction protections, despite what President Donald Trump said this week.

Under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s plan released Wednesday, foreclosures and evictions would stop for 60 days on single-family homes with loans through the Federal Housing Administration. That would apply to roughly 8 million units, according to HUD. Only FHA homes lived in for at least a year can be rented out.

That’s compared with the roughly 43 million households who rented in 2019, according to the U.S. Census. Roughly half of renters rent their home from an individual investor, while the other half rent from a business or multi-unit property owner. The ones renting from a business will not receive any protections according to HUD’s proposal.

“That’s the problem with (HUD’s proposal). It only impacts a very small amount of people. We need big-scale solutions,” said Andrea Shapiro of the Metropolitan Council on Housing, a New York-based housing advocacy organization.

Furthermore, HUD has no power to protect renters in public housing authorities located across the country. HUD Secretary Ben Carson said this week on Twitter that the agency is working with Congress to get that authority to protect renters in public housing authorities.

“HUD has been in contact with every Public Housing Agency in the country to ensure the millions of low-income Americans we serve continue to have a roof over their head,” Carson said.

The rules are in contrast to comments made by Trump this week, who said renters would get “immediate relief” as part of his administration’s plan.

Housing advocates called the White House’s proposal an “important first step” but said there are limitations to the policy that need to be addressed.

“America’s lowest-income renters were already struggling to pay rent and make ends meet before this latest disaster, and people were experiencing homelessness. Congress must implement a national moratorium on all evictions and foreclosures,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Renters tend to be more economically vulnerable than their homeowner counterparts. They have generally lower incomes and cannot tap into the equity in their homes as a line of credit in case of an emergency. A disproportionate number of renters are black, Hispanic and other minorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584212056629.png" alt="President Trump during the March 14th Coronavirus Task force media briefing -White House courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during the March 14th Coronavirus Task force media briefing -White House courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Most Americans who rent their home, many of whom have lost their jobs in the sudden economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, will not be eligible for eviction protections, despite what President Donald Trump said this week.Under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s plan released Wednesday, foreclosures and evictions would stop for 60 days on single-family homes with loans through the Federal Housing Administration. That would apply to roughly 8 million units, according to HUD. Only FHA homes lived in for at least a year can be rented out.That’s compared with the roughly 43 million households who rented in 2019, according to the U.S. Census. Roughly half of renters rent their home from an individual investor, while the other half rent from a business or multi-unit property owner. The ones renting from a business will not receive any protections according to HUD’s proposal.“That’s the problem with (HUD’s proposal). It only impacts a very small amount of people. We need big-scale solutions,” said Andrea Shapiro of the Metropolitan Council on Housing, a New York-based housing advocacy organization.Furthermore, HUD has no power to protect renters in public housing authorities located across the country. HUD Secretary Ben Carson said this week on Twitter that the agency is working with Congress to get that authority to protect renters in public housing authorities.“HUD has been in contact with every Public Housing Agency in the country to ensure the millions of low-income Americans we serve continue to have a roof over their head,” Carson said.The rules are in contrast to comments made by Trump this week, who said renters would get “immediate relief” as part of his administration’s plan.Housing advocates called the White House’s proposal an “important first step” but said there are limitations to the policy that need to be addressed.“America’s lowest-income renters were already struggling to pay rent and make ends meet before this latest disaster, and people were experiencing homelessness. Congress must implement a national moratorium on all evictions and foreclosures,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.Renters tend to be more economically vulnerable than their homeowner counterparts. They have generally lower incomes and cannot tap into the equity in their homes as a line of credit in case of an emergency. A disproportionate number of renters are black, Hispanic and other minorities.

Most renters will not receive protections under virus relief proposal

Mosaic Life Care officials say they have an adequate number of
kits to test for coronavirus, COVID-19.

Mosaic CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, says Mosaic has sent 23 COVID-19
tests to the state and a commercial lab. Tests are being limited to those
displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

“In the current criteria that we’re moving forward with, that
the state has given us, is a dry cough and a temperature of at least
100-point-4,” Laney tells reporters during a news conference. “If you don’t
have those two symptoms, you are unlikely to test positive.”

Laney says the testing criteria is fairly strict now, but should
soon expand as the state begins increasing testing capacity in the next couple
of weeks.

Mosaic has tested 23 people for COVID-19. Seven tests remain
pending. All the others have come back negative for the virus.

Laney says they have the supplies necessary to handle those
displaying symptoms consistent with the virus.

“We’ve been able to test everybody that meets the criteria of
a seriously potential case and that has been done,” Laney says.

Agreeing, is Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Davin Turner.

“If we get the green light to go test, we have the ability to
collect the specimens and send the test and we have been able to do so,” Turner
says.

Mosaic is sending tests to both the state lab and a commercial
lab. No one in the St. Joseph area has tested positive for COVID-19, but Mosaic
officials say it is a matter of when, not if, someone tests positive.

Turner says Mosaic has prepared for COVID-19 patients.

“It is inevitable. We are a big enough community. We have a
major interstate that goes right through the middle of our community. Folks are
going to show up and they will be positive,” according to Turner. “I can’t imagine
at the end of this that we will be able to sit here and say we did not have a
case in our community. I just can’t see it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584647079850.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, speaks at a news conference along with Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, speaks at a news conference along with Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care officials say they have an adequate number of
kits to test for coronavirus, COVID-19.Mosaic CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, says Mosaic has sent 23 COVID-19
tests to the state and a commercial lab. Tests are being limited to those
displaying symptoms of COVID-19.“In the current criteria that we’re moving forward with, that
the state has given us, is a dry cough and a temperature of at least
100-point-4,” Laney tells reporters during a news conference. “If you don’t
have those two symptoms, you are unlikely to test positive.”Laney says the testing criteria is fairly strict now, but should
soon expand as the state begins increasing testing capacity in the next couple
of weeks.Mosaic has tested 23 people for COVID-19. Seven tests remain
pending. All the others have come back negative for the virus.Laney says they have the supplies necessary to handle those
displaying symptoms consistent with the virus.“We’ve been able to test everybody that meets the criteria of
a seriously potential case and that has been done,” Laney says.Agreeing, is Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Davin Turner.“If we get the green light to go test, we have the ability to
collect the specimens and send the test and we have been able to do so,” Turner
says.Mosaic is sending tests to both the state lab and a commercial
lab. No one in the St. Joseph area has tested positive for COVID-19, but Mosaic
officials say it is a matter of when, not if, someone tests positive.Turner says Mosaic has prepared for COVID-19 patients.“It is inevitable. We are a big enough community. We have a
major interstate that goes right through the middle of our community. Folks are
going to show up and they will be positive,” according to Turner. “I can’t imagine
at the end of this that we will be able to sit here and say we did not have a
case in our community. I just can’t see it.”

Mosaic acknowledges it's a matter of when, not if for COVID-19 here

SACRAMENTO (AP) –&nbsp;California’s 40 million residents should stay home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CAgovernor/videos/494465634769746/">Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday,</a> warning that the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the state’s medical system.

<a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf">Click here to read the Governor’s executive order</a>

<a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/">Click here to learn more about the order.</a>

Watch a replay of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CAgovernor/videos/494465634769746/">announcement here.</a>

The move, the most sweeping by any state so far, was an exclamation point at the end of a week of increasingly aggressive moves meant to keep the virus in check by forcing people to stay away from each other as often as possible.

“I can assure you home isolation is not my preferred choice, I know it’s not yours, but it’s a necessary one,” Newsom said at an evening news conference streamed on social media.

He assured residents that they “can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog.” Restaurant meals can still be delivered to homes.

The announcement came after the release of a letter to President Donald Trump where Newsom warned the virus was spreading quickly and eventually could infect more than half the state’s population. A spokesman later clarified that the figure did not take into account the aggressive mitigation efforts that have been made.

The governor said he doesn’t expect police will be needed to enforce his stay-at-home order, saying “social pressure” already has led to social distancing throughout the state.

“I don’t believe the people of California need to be told through law enforcement that it’s appropriate just to home isolate,” he said.

The Democrat who is barely a year into his first term also called up 500 National Guard troops to help distribute food. The move comes after panic buying led to massive lines at some grocery stores.

Newsom also outlined a series of steps aimed at providing more space for hospital patients.

He said the state has taken over a 357-bed bankrupt hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area, soon will announce the purchase of a similarly sized hospital in Southern California and may use dormitories at the state’s public colleges and universities. He also asked Trump to dock the Navy’s 1,000-patient Mercy hospital ship in the Port of Los Angeles.

The coronavirus is spread through sneezes and coughs. There are at least 1,030 confirmed cases in California and 18 people have died, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Newsom’s statewide order came after counties and communities covering about half the state’s population already had issued similar edicts. He said the restriction is “open-ended” because it could raise false hopes if he included an end date.

However, he did offer a glimmer by saying he didn’t expect it would last “many, many months.”

Just before Newsom’s statewide declaration, Los Angeles announced what officials there called a “Safer at Home” order that carried the same restrictions.

“We’re about to enter into a new way of living here in Los Angeles,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “What we do and how we do it and if we get this right will determine how long this crisis lasts.”

In the letter to Trump seeking the hospital ship, Newsom said California’s infection rates are doubling every four days in some areas and that 56% of the state’s population could contract the virus in the next eight weeks, which would be more than 22 million people. He later said the “overwhelming majority won’t have symptoms” and will be fine but that up to 20% could be hospitalized.

“If we meet this moment we can truly bend the curve” of escalating cases, Newsom said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. It can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, for some people, especially older adults and those with existing health problems.

Most people recover — those with mild illness in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks, according to the World Health Organization.

Also Thursday, Newsom asked U.S. House and Senate leaders for $1 billion to support state and local health systems. He said that money would be needed to do things like set up state-run and mobile hospitals, housing options to help people socially distance and testing and treatment for people without health insurance.

He also asked for assistance so the state can extend unemployment benefits beyond the usual 26-week limit, expand food assistance programs, resources for the homeless and tribal communities and boost childcare programs. He further asked for assistance for schools, aid to local and state budgets and transportation relief.

“While California has prudently built a sizable Rainy Day Fund over the past ten years, the economic effects of this emergency are certain to mean that the state and its 58 counties will struggle to maintain essential programs and services,” he wrote.

Newsom earlier announced $150 million of a $1 billion emergency state appropriation would go toward getting homeless people off the streets. He has estimated up to 60,000 of the state’s homeless could get infected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584698975131.png" alt="California Governor Newsome during Thursday's announcement" />
 <figcaption>California Governor Newsome during Thursday's announcement</figcaption>
 </figure>SACRAMENTO (AP) –&nbsp;California’s 40 million residents should stay home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CAgovernor/videos/494465634769746/">Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday,</a> warning that the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the state’s medical system.<a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf">Click here to read the Governor’s executive order</a><a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/">Click here to learn more about the order.</a>Watch a replay of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CAgovernor/videos/494465634769746/">announcement here.</a>The move, the most sweeping by any state so far, was an exclamation point at the end of a week of increasingly aggressive moves meant to keep the virus in check by forcing people to stay away from each other as often as possible.“I can assure you home isolation is not my preferred choice, I know it’s not yours, but it’s a necessary one,” Newsom said at an evening news conference streamed on social media.He assured residents that they “can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog.” Restaurant meals can still be delivered to homes.The announcement came after the release of a letter to President Donald Trump where Newsom warned the virus was spreading quickly and eventually could infect more than half the state’s population. A spokesman later clarified that the figure did not take into account the aggressive mitigation efforts that have been made.The governor said he doesn’t expect police will be needed to enforce his stay-at-home order, saying “social pressure” already has led to social distancing throughout the state.“I don’t believe the people of California need to be told through law enforcement that it’s appropriate just to home isolate,” he said.The Democrat who is barely a year into his first term also called up 500 National Guard troops to help distribute food. The move comes after panic buying led to massive lines at some grocery stores.Newsom also outlined a series of steps aimed at providing more space for hospital patients.He said the state has taken over a 357-bed bankrupt hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area, soon will announce the purchase of a similarly sized hospital in Southern California and may use dormitories at the state’s public colleges and universities. He also asked Trump to dock the Navy’s 1,000-patient Mercy hospital ship in the Port of Los Angeles.The coronavirus is spread through sneezes and coughs. There are at least 1,030 confirmed cases in California and 18 people have died, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.Newsom’s statewide order came after counties and communities covering about half the state’s population already had issued similar edicts. He said the restriction is “open-ended” because it could raise false hopes if he included an end date.However, he did offer a glimmer by saying he didn’t expect it would last “many, many months.”Just before Newsom’s statewide declaration, Los Angeles announced what officials there called a “Safer at Home” order that carried the same restrictions.“We’re about to enter into a new way of living here in Los Angeles,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “What we do and how we do it and if we get this right will determine how long this crisis lasts.”In the letter to Trump seeking the hospital ship, Newsom said California’s infection rates are doubling every four days in some areas and that 56% of the state’s population could contract the virus in the next eight weeks, which would be more than 22 million people. He later said the “overwhelming majority won’t have symptoms” and will be fine but that up to 20% could be hospitalized.“If we meet this moment we can truly bend the curve” of escalating cases, Newsom said.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. It can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, for some people, especially older adults and those with existing health problems.Most people recover — those with mild illness in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks, according to the World Health Organization.Also Thursday, Newsom asked U.S. House and Senate leaders for $1 billion to support state and local health systems. He said that money would be needed to do things like set up state-run and mobile hospitals, housing options to help people socially distance and testing and treatment for people without health insurance.He also asked for assistance so the state can extend unemployment benefits beyond the usual 26-week limit, expand food assistance programs, resources for the homeless and tribal communities and boost childcare programs. He further asked for assistance for schools, aid to local and state budgets and transportation relief.“While California has prudently built a sizable Rainy Day Fund over the past ten years, the economic effects of this emergency are certain to mean that the state and its 58 counties will struggle to maintain essential programs and services,” he wrote.Newsom earlier announced $150 million of a $1 billion emergency state appropriation would go toward getting homeless people off the streets. He has estimated up to 60,000 of the state’s homeless could get infected.___

Governor orders 40 million in California to stay-at-home 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hospitals in the St. Louis area are cancelling all elective procedures starting Monday in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Several hospital systems, including BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy and St. Luke's, announced the suspension of elective procedures on Thursday. The hospitals said in a joint statement that they are seeking to protect both patients as well as caregivers.

The statement said the change involves all procedures that can be delayed eight weeks or longer without risk.

The number of confirmed Missouri cases of COVID-19 rose to 28 Thursday. One person has died, in Boone County.

New cases included two teachers and the parent of a student at Deutsch Early Childhood Center at Congregation Temple Israel in St. Louis County. The school’s director told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that all three are recovering well.

African-American pastors said they were especially worried about the potential devastating impact of the virus in the black community, where many residents rely on public health clinics that are already beginning to feel a financial pinch.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition represents more than 150 churches in the St. Louis region. Leaders of the coalition, in a conference call, told St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and others that some public health clinics have already cut staffing by one-third because of the financial toll the virus is taking on the economy.

“When you have a crisis at all, the crisis is exacerbated in our community,” the Rev. Darryl Gray said in a phone interview.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's administration rolled out a series of temporary changes to the state's social safety net rules to help people struggling because of the virus, including waiving work requirements for food stamps for able-bodied adults without dependents for 90 days.

The state also won't kick people off Medicaid health care, extended child-care subsides, and asked the federal government to allow Missouri to further relax rules on access to food stamps.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Leaders from three St. Louis-area counties -- St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin -- said they are limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer. During an afternoon news conference, Parson encouraged, but did not require, that gatherings be limited to 10 for at least two weeks.

“Even nine, eight people in a small room can be just as dangerous as 50 people in a larger room,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said.

Concerns were also raised about crowding behind prison walls. State officials said that anyone entering a Missouri Department of Corrections facility, or office, will undergo enhanced screening. The new procedure will require everyone — staff, volunteers, vendors and other visitors — to answer a series of health-related questions when entering a corrections-related office or facility, ranging from community supervision centers to the state's 20 prisons, the Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/extra-screening-and-cleaning-aimed-at-keeping-coronavirus-out-of/article_02be07a2-9409-5bb5-a4a4-7644cef155b9.html">reported.</a>

Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 among the state's nearly 26,000 inmates and there are no plans to release any inmates, something the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri requested Wednesday in a letter to Parson.

The ACLU urged Parson to commute the sentence of any inmate considered particularly vulnerable to the virus whose sentence would end within the next two years. The ACLU also urged police to stop arresting people for minor offenses.

Parson said all public and charter schools in Missouri are now closed.

Southeast Missouri State University, meanwhile, joined most other major colleges in the state in saying that all classes for the rest of the spring semester will be held online.

At the University of Missouri, undergraduate students still living on campus in Columbia after classes were moved online were told this week to make plans to move out. The change occurred because public health officials instructed the university to reduce the density of on-campus housing, William Stackman, vice provost for student affairs, said in an email to students.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri announced Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she met with a colleague last week who has tested positive for COVID-19. Wagner, a Republican, said she had no symptoms but was isolating herself as a precaution&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241329986.html">.</a>

Some Missouri institutions were trying to ease the tension by offering online diversions.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra launched an “Instrument Playground Online,” a site featuring videos, photos and activities aimed at introducing children and others to the instruments of the orchestra and the musicians.

The zoos in both St. Louis and Kansas City are closed, but both are offering videos of favorite animals. The Kansas City Zoo has live webcams showing animals going about their daily routines -- penguins, polar bears and giraffes. The St. Louis Zoo is posting periodic videos to Facebook, YouTube and other sites, including one Wednesday of outdoor Humboldt penguins on a “field trip” to visit indoor penguins.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hospitals in the St. Louis area are cancelling all elective procedures starting Monday in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.Several hospital systems, including BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy and St. Luke's, announced the suspension of elective procedures on Thursday. The hospitals said in a joint statement that they are seeking to protect both patients as well as caregivers.The statement said the change involves all procedures that can be delayed eight weeks or longer without risk.The number of confirmed Missouri cases of COVID-19 rose to 28 Thursday. One person has died, in Boone County.New cases included two teachers and the parent of a student at Deutsch Early Childhood Center at Congregation Temple Israel in St. Louis County. The school’s director told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that all three are recovering well.African-American pastors said they were especially worried about the potential devastating impact of the virus in the black community, where many residents rely on public health clinics that are already beginning to feel a financial pinch.The St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition represents more than 150 churches in the St. Louis region. Leaders of the coalition, in a conference call, told St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and others that some public health clinics have already cut staffing by one-third because of the financial toll the virus is taking on the economy.“When you have a crisis at all, the crisis is exacerbated in our community,” the Rev. Darryl Gray said in a phone interview.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's administration rolled out a series of temporary changes to the state's social safety net rules to help people struggling because of the virus, including waiving work requirements for food stamps for able-bodied adults without dependents for 90 days.The state also won't kick people off Medicaid health care, extended child-care subsides, and asked the federal government to allow Missouri to further relax rules on access to food stamps.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.Leaders from three St. Louis-area counties -- St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin -- said they are limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer. During an afternoon news conference, Parson encouraged, but did not require, that gatherings be limited to 10 for at least two weeks.“Even nine, eight people in a small room can be just as dangerous as 50 people in a larger room,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said.Concerns were also raised about crowding behind prison walls. State officials said that anyone entering a Missouri Department of Corrections facility, or office, will undergo enhanced screening. The new procedure will require everyone — staff, volunteers, vendors and other visitors — to answer a series of health-related questions when entering a corrections-related office or facility, ranging from community supervision centers to the state's 20 prisons, the Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/coronavirus/extra-screening-and-cleaning-aimed-at-keeping-coronavirus-out-of/article_02be07a2-9409-5bb5-a4a4-7644cef155b9.html">reported.</a>Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 among the state's nearly 26,000 inmates and there are no plans to release any inmates, something the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri requested Wednesday in a letter to Parson.The ACLU urged Parson to commute the sentence of any inmate considered particularly vulnerable to the virus whose sentence would end within the next two years. The ACLU also urged police to stop arresting people for minor offenses.Parson said all public and charter schools in Missouri are now closed.Southeast Missouri State University, meanwhile, joined most other major colleges in the state in saying that all classes for the rest of the spring semester will be held online.At the University of Missouri, undergraduate students still living on campus in Columbia after classes were moved online were told this week to make plans to move out. The change occurred because public health officials instructed the university to reduce the density of on-campus housing, William Stackman, vice provost for student affairs, said in an email to students.U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri announced Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she met with a colleague last week who has tested positive for COVID-19. Wagner, a Republican, said she had no symptoms but was isolating herself as a precaution&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241329986.html">.</a>Some Missouri institutions were trying to ease the tension by offering online diversions.The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra launched an “Instrument Playground Online,” a site featuring videos, photos and activities aimed at introducing children and others to the instruments of the orchestra and the musicians.The zoos in both St. Louis and Kansas City are closed, but both are offering videos of favorite animals. The Kansas City Zoo has live webcams showing animals going about their daily routines -- penguins, polar bears and giraffes. The St. Louis Zoo is posting periodic videos to Facebook, YouTube and other sites, including one Wednesday of outdoor Humboldt penguins on a “field trip” to visit indoor penguins._____

Elective procedures at some hospitals in Missouri put on hold

TOPEKA -&nbsp;By statute, the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is granted discretionary powers in the interest of public health and welfare. On Thursday, Debbi Beavers, Director of the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control, sent guidance notices to alcoholic beverage distributors and liquor stores concerning COVID-19, according to a media release from the agency.

A memo to state liquor licensees outlined a provision made to allow curbside sales to customers. There must be a designated "to-go" parking area located within 50 feet of the entrance of licensed premises. Sales outside of that radius are strictly prohibited.

The guidance also extends current law that allows restaurants to package alcoholic beverages with a tamper-resistant seal and accompanied with a receipt. This will allow bottles of beer and wine in the original container to be sold curbside along with meals.

This memo to liquor licensees can be viewed here: (<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/abccurbsidememo.pdf" target="_blank">https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/abccurbsidememo.pdf</a>)

A separate memo to alcoholic beverage distributors said alcoholic liquor purchased for an event that is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns may be returned without the Director's approval and not be considered in violation of Federal law regarding consignment sales.

The memo also does not require a direct signature for delivery by distributors. Instead, distributors are required to print the first and last name of the delivery recipient and make their own initials next to the recipient's name.

The memo to distributors can be viewed here: (<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/COVID19abcdistributormemo.pdf" target="_blank">https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/COVID19abcdistributormemo.pdf</a>)

The Division has taken a proactive approach and is in the process of extending all liquor licenses that expire now through April 30, 2020, for an additional 30 days to ensure licenses do not expire during this time.

TOPEKA -&nbsp;By statute, the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is granted discretionary powers in the interest of public health and welfare. On Thursday, Debbi Beavers, Director of the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control, sent guidance notices to alcoholic beverage distributors and liquor stores concerning COVID-19, according to a media release from the agency.A memo to state liquor licensees outlined a provision made to allow curbside sales to customers. There must be a designated "to-go" parking area located within 50 feet of the entrance of licensed premises. Sales outside of that radius are strictly prohibited.The guidance also extends current law that allows restaurants to package alcoholic beverages with a tamper-resistant seal and accompanied with a receipt. This will allow bottles of beer and wine in the original container to be sold curbside along with meals.This memo to liquor licensees can be viewed here: (<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/abccurbsidememo.pdf" target="_blank">https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/abccurbsidememo.pdf</a>)A separate memo to alcoholic beverage distributors said alcoholic liquor purchased for an event that is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns may be returned without the Director's approval and not be considered in violation of Federal law regarding consignment sales.The memo also does not require a direct signature for delivery by distributors. Instead, distributors are required to print the first and last name of the delivery recipient and make their own initials next to the recipient's name.The memo to distributors can be viewed here: (<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/COVID19abcdistributormemo.pdf" target="_blank">https://ksrevenue.org/pdf/COVID19abcdistributormemo.pdf</a>)The Division has taken a proactive approach and is in the process of extending all liquor licenses that expire now through April 30, 2020, for an additional 30 days to ensure licenses do not expire during this time.

Kansas will allow booze "to-go" during coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump focused attention on possible treatments for the new coronavirus on Thursday, citing potential use of a drug long used to treat malaria and some other approaches still in testing.

At a White House news conference, Trump and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn cited the malaria drug chloroquine, along with remdesivir, an experimental antiviral from Gilead Sciences, and possibly using plasma from survivors of COVID-19, the disease the new virus causes.

Those treatments are among several being tested that might ease symptoms but do not stop the virus from spreading.

Also on Thursday, Swiss drugmaker Roche said it was working with the U.S. government to start a study of Actemra, a drug used now for rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions, against the coronavirus.

"We're looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications" as a potential bridge or stopgap, Hahn said, while also doing rigorous studies to see if the drugs truly make a difference versus usual care, and if they are safe when used for a new purpose.

“We want to make sure this is done well and right,” he said.

No drug is specifically approved now for treating COVID-19.

Chloroquine and a similar drug — hydroxychloroquine, sold as Plaquenil by French drugmaker Sanofi and in generic form — are available now and can be used off-label in the United States. They may interfere with the coronavirus being able to enter cells, and some scientists have reported possible encouraging signs in test-tube and other small studies.

German drugmaker Bayer has said it would donate 3 million tablets of its chloroquine drug, Resochin, for use against coronavirus. That drug was never approved in the U.S., so Bayer is working with federal agencies to get an emergency-use authorization.

Chloroquine and remdesivir are among the drugs the World Health Organization said would be tried in a five-part international study announced Wednesday.

Already approved drugs are tempting for doctors to use off label, but formal studies are needed to see if they truly work for a new purpose or disease, said Dr. Ross McKinney Jr., chief scientific officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, which represents about 400 major teaching hospitals across the country.

Chloroquine may look promising in a test tube, but “I'm skeptical it will be effective” in patients, he said Thursday in a call with reporters.

Remdesivir interferes with virus reproduction and has shown some promise in lab and animal studies against other coronaviruses that cause similar diseases, MERS and SARS.

It's being tested in at least five separate experiments, and Gilead also has given it to several hundred severely ill patients in the U.S, Europe and Japan under "compassionate use" provisions. That includes three of the first dozen COVID-19 patients in the United States. They recovered, but it's impossible to know whether they would have anyway without the drug.

On a podcast Wednesday with a medical journal editor, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci said China had enrolled several hundred people in its two remdesivir studies but is having trouble recruiting more because many patients just want the drug and are unwilling to take a chance on being randomly assigned to a comparison group that just gets usual care.

It would be great if an independent monitoring board could look at results so far and see if there are signs of safety or effectiveness, Fauci said.

"We desperately need the data" on this and other drugs being tested in rigorous scientific studies, Fauci said. "We've got to be able to determine if they work and if they're safe."

Apart from the studies in China, Fauci's agency is running a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.click2houston.com/health/2020/03/19/trump-focuses-attention-on-possible-coronavirus-treatments/NIH%20remdesivir%20trial:%20https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04280705">study</a>&nbsp;of remdesivir that aims to recruit 400 patients in the U.S. and elsewhere. That study is "adaptive," meaning it will allow scientists to add other drugs under the same testing umbrella as time goes on. Gilead also has said it will do two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gilead.com/purpose/advancing-global-health/covid-19">studies</a>&nbsp;testing remdesivir treatment for five or 10 days in about 1,000 hospitalized patients primarily in Asia.

Remdesivir "does look like it could be promising," said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. In animal tests, it was "quite effective at preventing infection" and reducing severity of illness and damage to the lungs when given early enough in the course of illness, he said.

"It interferes with the enzyme that reproduces the genetic material of the virus" and acts at an earlier step than protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir, which are used now to treat HIV and also are being tested against the new coronavirus, Kuritzkes explained.

The HIV drugs gave disappointing results, failing to shorten illness in a study of 199 severely ill hospitalized patients in China, scientists from that country reported Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Some other studies testing the HIV drug combo are still underway.

The Roche drug, Actemra, is used now for rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions. It targets interleukin-6, which plays a role in inflammation. Roche's U.S. subsidiary, Genentech, said Thursday that it was working with the FDA to start a 330-patient study on hospitalized COVID-19 patients in April.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals says it will lanch a study of Kevzara, its rheumatoid arthritis drug that also targets interleukin-6, against the coronavirus.

A Japanese company, Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, says tests suggest its drug favipiravir, used to treat the flu in Japan, shows promise against the coronavirus, though no large studies of that have been published yet.

Other companies are developing monoclonal antibodies, proteins that specifically fight the coronavirus. Antibodies or combinations of them were tried against Ebola, and doctors think a similar approach may help against the new virus.

Finally, some doctors have urged collecting plasma from people who have survived COVID-19, because they should have made natural antibodies to the virus that could be given to people to help their immune systems fight it off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584633255238.png" alt="FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn during Thursday's Coronavirus task force media" />
 <figcaption>FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn during Thursday's Coronavirus task force media</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump focused attention on possible treatments for the new coronavirus on Thursday, citing potential use of a drug long used to treat malaria and some other approaches still in testing.At a White House news conference, Trump and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn cited the malaria drug chloroquine, along with remdesivir, an experimental antiviral from Gilead Sciences, and possibly using plasma from survivors of COVID-19, the disease the new virus causes.Those treatments are among several being tested that might ease symptoms but do not stop the virus from spreading.Also on Thursday, Swiss drugmaker Roche said it was working with the U.S. government to start a study of Actemra, a drug used now for rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions, against the coronavirus."We're looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications" as a potential bridge or stopgap, Hahn said, while also doing rigorous studies to see if the drugs truly make a difference versus usual care, and if they are safe when used for a new purpose.“We want to make sure this is done well and right,” he said.No drug is specifically approved now for treating COVID-19.Chloroquine and a similar drug — hydroxychloroquine, sold as Plaquenil by French drugmaker Sanofi and in generic form — are available now and can be used off-label in the United States. They may interfere with the coronavirus being able to enter cells, and some scientists have reported possible encouraging signs in test-tube and other small studies.German drugmaker Bayer has said it would donate 3 million tablets of its chloroquine drug, Resochin, for use against coronavirus. That drug was never approved in the U.S., so Bayer is working with federal agencies to get an emergency-use authorization.Chloroquine and remdesivir are among the drugs the World Health Organization said would be tried in a five-part international study announced Wednesday.Already approved drugs are tempting for doctors to use off label, but formal studies are needed to see if they truly work for a new purpose or disease, said Dr. Ross McKinney Jr., chief scientific officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, which represents about 400 major teaching hospitals across the country.Chloroquine may look promising in a test tube, but “I'm skeptical it will be effective” in patients, he said Thursday in a call with reporters.Remdesivir interferes with virus reproduction and has shown some promise in lab and animal studies against other coronaviruses that cause similar diseases, MERS and SARS.It's being tested in at least five separate experiments, and Gilead also has given it to several hundred severely ill patients in the U.S, Europe and Japan under "compassionate use" provisions. That includes three of the first dozen COVID-19 patients in the United States. They recovered, but it's impossible to know whether they would have anyway without the drug.On a podcast Wednesday with a medical journal editor, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci said China had enrolled several hundred people in its two remdesivir studies but is having trouble recruiting more because many patients just want the drug and are unwilling to take a chance on being randomly assigned to a comparison group that just gets usual care.It would be great if an independent monitoring board could look at results so far and see if there are signs of safety or effectiveness, Fauci said."We desperately need the data" on this and other drugs being tested in rigorous scientific studies, Fauci said. "We've got to be able to determine if they work and if they're safe."Apart from the studies in China, Fauci's agency is running a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.click2houston.com/health/2020/03/19/trump-focuses-attention-on-possible-coronavirus-treatments/NIH%20remdesivir%20trial:%20https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04280705">study</a>&nbsp;of remdesivir that aims to recruit 400 patients in the U.S. and elsewhere. That study is "adaptive," meaning it will allow scientists to add other drugs under the same testing umbrella as time goes on. Gilead also has said it will do two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gilead.com/purpose/advancing-global-health/covid-19">studies</a>&nbsp;testing remdesivir treatment for five or 10 days in about 1,000 hospitalized patients primarily in Asia.Remdesivir "does look like it could be promising," said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. In animal tests, it was "quite effective at preventing infection" and reducing severity of illness and damage to the lungs when given early enough in the course of illness, he said."It interferes with the enzyme that reproduces the genetic material of the virus" and acts at an earlier step than protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir, which are used now to treat HIV and also are being tested against the new coronavirus, Kuritzkes explained.The HIV drugs gave disappointing results, failing to shorten illness in a study of 199 severely ill hospitalized patients in China, scientists from that country reported Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.Some other studies testing the HIV drug combo are still underway.The Roche drug, Actemra, is used now for rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions. It targets interleukin-6, which plays a role in inflammation. Roche's U.S. subsidiary, Genentech, said Thursday that it was working with the FDA to start a 330-patient study on hospitalized COVID-19 patients in April.Regeneron Pharmaceuticals says it will lanch a study of Kevzara, its rheumatoid arthritis drug that also targets interleukin-6, against the coronavirus.A Japanese company, Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, says tests suggest its drug favipiravir, used to treat the flu in Japan, shows promise against the coronavirus, though no large studies of that have been published yet.Other companies are developing monoclonal antibodies, proteins that specifically fight the coronavirus. Antibodies or combinations of them were tried against Ebola, and doctors think a similar approach may help against the new virus.Finally, some doctors have urged collecting plasma from people who have survived COVID-19, because they should have made natural antibodies to the virus that could be given to people to help their immune systems fight it off.___

Trump focuses attention on possible coronavirus treatments

On Thursday, Missouri took delivery of thousands of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the CDC and HHS Strategic National Stockpile.

Missouri Emergency Management, Missouri Health and Senior Services and MDOT are getting this vital protection to healthcare providers to protect against caronavirus.

On Thursday, Missouri took delivery of thousands of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the CDC and HHS Strategic National Stockpile.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F2968753989857082%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>Missouri Emergency Management, Missouri Health and Senior Services and MDOT are getting this vital protection to healthcare providers to protect against caronavirus.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F2846434012250198%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>

🎥 Governor: CDC provides Missouri equipment for coronavirus fight

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration has upgraded its already dire warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.

The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas.

“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19,” it said in the new advice. “In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.”

Until the upgrade, the department's advice to U.S. citizens was to “reconsider” all international travel under what is known as a “level three” alert. The global “level four” warning was unprecedented as such alerts are generally reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict, natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks.

However, the upgrade will likely have little practical effect because it is not mandatory and there are now limited transportation options for international travel. The only way to ban Americans from going abroad would be to invalidate the use of U.S. passports for such travel, a bar that is currently in place only for North Korea.

In addition, the main impact of State Department travel alerts is to cause insurance companies to increase premiums or cancel travel policies for group and individual tours, many of which had been scrapped even before the alert was raised to level three earlier this week.

The department has already advised Americans that many U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are operating with reduced staff and hours due to the COVID-19 outbreak and that services for Americans in need of assistance are limited.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584650381811.png" alt="Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration has upgraded its already dire warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas.“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19,” it said in the new advice. “In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.”Until the upgrade, the department's advice to U.S. citizens was to “reconsider” all international travel under what is known as a “level three” alert. The global “level four” warning was unprecedented as such alerts are generally reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict, natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks.However, the upgrade will likely have little practical effect because it is not mandatory and there are now limited transportation options for international travel. The only way to ban Americans from going abroad would be to invalidate the use of U.S. passports for such travel, a bar that is currently in place only for North Korea.In addition, the main impact of State Department travel alerts is to cause insurance companies to increase premiums or cancel travel policies for group and individual tours, many of which had been scrapped even before the alert was raised to level three earlier this week.The department has already advised Americans that many U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are operating with reduced staff and hours due to the COVID-19 outbreak and that services for Americans in need of assistance are limited.

US warns Americans against all overseas travel

by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staff

The transit system in St. Joseph remains open, with more cleaning measures in place.

As of Thursday afternoon, transit hours and the number of <a href="https://www.stjoemo.info/312/Routes-Time-Tables">bus stops</a> remain the same.

“Public transit is vital to many in our community that rely on it to get to their medical appointments, get to the grocery store, folks who don’t have other means of transportation, it’s very important," St. Joseph City Manager Bruce Woody says. "So it’s a health concern that we maintain that service as much as it is that we appropriately clean and disinfect it and make it safe for everybody who uses it.”

Woody says over a week ago when the coronavirus spreading became more of a concern, the local transit system immediately started following response protocol suggested by the Federal Transit Administration.

“Each bus undergoes a deep cleaning every evening and the bus drivers actually take a break at their various bus stops to disinfect and wipe down seats on an hourly basis during the day,” Woody tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Transit facilities, such as our transfer stations also undergo a deep cleaning once per day and are cleaned additionally three times per day at various other intervals.”&nbsp;

He adds that riders are asked to cover their coughs and wash their hands and use disinfectant throughout the day.

by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staffThe transit system in St. Joseph remains open, with more cleaning measures in place.As of Thursday afternoon, transit hours and the number of <a href="https://www.stjoemo.info/312/Routes-Time-Tables">bus stops</a> remain the same.“Public transit is vital to many in our community that rely on it to get to their medical appointments, get to the grocery store, folks who don’t have other means of transportation, it’s very important," St. Joseph City Manager Bruce Woody says. "So it’s a health concern that we maintain that service as much as it is that we appropriately clean and disinfect it and make it safe for everybody who uses it.”Woody says over a week ago when the coronavirus spreading became more of a concern, the local transit system immediately started following response protocol suggested by the Federal Transit Administration.“Each bus undergoes a deep cleaning every evening and the bus drivers actually take a break at their various bus stops to disinfect and wipe down seats on an hourly basis during the day,” Woody tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Transit facilities, such as our transfer stations also undergo a deep cleaning once per day and are cleaned additionally three times per day at various other intervals.”&nbsp;He adds that riders are asked to cover their coughs and wash their hands and use disinfectant throughout the day.

St. Joseph transit continues operating, more cleaning measures in place

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — University of Missouri students still living on campus in Columbia after classes were moved online were told this week to make plans to move out, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The University of Missouri system announced last week that spring semester classes would move online but had planned to keep the residence halls open.

“Because public health officials have instructed us to reduce the density of on-campus housing, we are implementing a plan to depopulate Residential Life facilities,” William Stackman, vice provost for student affairs, said in an email to students this week. “Unfortunately, we must now ask you to start making plans to move out of university housing.”

The university will work with students to set departure dates and will help students who don't have permanent homes — such as international students — find a place to live, university officials said. Graduate students are not being asked to move out of university housing, The Columbia Missourian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/mu-asks-undergrads-living-in-campus-housing-to-make-other/article_212521c2-6967-11ea-a269-8bdc2469e060.html">reported.</a>

On Wednesday, Southeast Missouri State University joined most other major colleges in the state when it announced that all classes for the rest of the spring semester will be held online.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri announced Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she met with a colleague last week who has tested positive for COVID-19. Wagner, a Republican, said she had no symptoms but was isolating herself as a precaution after consulting with Congress’ attending physician. She was the first House member from Missouri to announce a self-quarantine, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241329986.html">reported.</a>

State health officials said 24 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Missouri, including one person who died in Boone County.

Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill that would allow Gov. Mike Parson's administration to spend up to $33 million in federal dollars on the response to the virus, if the federal government provides that much to the state.

Combined with $7 million in state dollars freed up when Parson declared a state of emergency, the state would have $40 million to use through the end of June, when the current state fiscal year ends.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — University of Missouri students still living on campus in Columbia after classes were moved online were told this week to make plans to move out, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.The University of Missouri system announced last week that spring semester classes would move online but had planned to keep the residence halls open.“Because public health officials have instructed us to reduce the density of on-campus housing, we are implementing a plan to depopulate Residential Life facilities,” William Stackman, vice provost for student affairs, said in an email to students this week. “Unfortunately, we must now ask you to start making plans to move out of university housing.”The university will work with students to set departure dates and will help students who don't have permanent homes — such as international students — find a place to live, university officials said. Graduate students are not being asked to move out of university housing, The Columbia Missourian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/mu-asks-undergrads-living-in-campus-housing-to-make-other/article_212521c2-6967-11ea-a269-8bdc2469e060.html">reported.</a>On Wednesday, Southeast Missouri State University joined most other major colleges in the state when it announced that all classes for the rest of the spring semester will be held online.U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri announced Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she met with a colleague last week who has tested positive for COVID-19. Wagner, a Republican, said she had no symptoms but was isolating herself as a precaution after consulting with Congress’ attending physician. She was the first House member from Missouri to announce a self-quarantine, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241329986.html">reported.</a>State health officials said 24 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Missouri, including one person who died in Boone County.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill that would allow Gov. Mike Parson's administration to spend up to $33 million in federal dollars on the response to the virus, if the federal government provides that much to the state.Combined with $7 million in state dollars freed up when Parson declared a state of emergency, the state would have $40 million to use through the end of June, when the current state fiscal year ends.

University of Missouri undergrads told to move off campus

For a full and updated list of closures and postponements in response to the coronavirus,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closings/#!/">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent closures and postponements include:

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday's Office

The St. Joseph School District will remain closed through April 3rd

Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University are moving to online and alternative methods for classes for the rest of the spring semester

The Apple Blossom BBQ is postponed until June 6th

All St. Joseph Public Libraries are closed

For a full and updated list of closures and postponements in response to the coronavirus,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closings/#!/">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent closures and postponements include:Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday's OfficeEast Hills MallThe St. Joseph School District will remain closed through April 3rdMissouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University are moving to online and alternative methods for classes for the rest of the spring semesterThe Apple Blossom BBQ is postponed until June 6thAll St. Joseph Public Libraries are closed

List of recent closures and postponements in response to coronavirus

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson on Thursday said state standardized tests will be cancelled this year because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

Watson told reporters that because the U.S. Department of Education doesn’t allow virtual testing, tests are off this year unless something changes “dramatically.” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-07-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">executive order on Tuesday&nbsp;</a>that temporarily shuttered schools.

“It would just be impossible for it to be done in the manner that it should be done from a confidentiality perspective,” Watson said of the school tests.

A Kansas education task force rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/Publications/Continuous%20Learning%20Task%20Force%20Guidance.pdf?ver=2020-03-19-102225-707" target="_blank">guidelines</a>&nbsp;to help school districts, teachers and parents navigate remote learning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584484524519.png" alt="Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during Tuesday's news conference in Topeka." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during Tuesday's news conference in Topeka.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson on Thursday said state standardized tests will be cancelled this year because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.Watson told reporters that because the U.S. Department of Education doesn’t allow virtual testing, tests are off this year unless something changes “dramatically.” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-07-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">executive order on Tuesday&nbsp;</a>that temporarily shuttered schools.“It would just be impossible for it to be done in the manner that it should be done from a confidentiality perspective,” Watson said of the school tests.A Kansas education task force rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/Publications/Continuous%20Learning%20Task%20Force%20Guidance.pdf?ver=2020-03-19-102225-707" target="_blank">guidelines</a>&nbsp;to help school districts, teachers and parents navigate remote learning.

Kan. Education Commissioner: K-12 tests cancelled this year

Coronavirus Update