JEFFERSON CITY —Governor Mike Parson Wednesday reported the state's first coronavirus death.

" It is with a heavy heart that I announce we have had our first death related to COVID-19 in Missouri. The patient, from Boone County, had tested positive for a travel-related COVID-19 case. COVID-19 is serious, and together we can stop the spread."&nbsp;

JEFFERSON CITY —Governor Mike Parson Wednesday reported the state's first coronavirus death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch our recent press conference for more information. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMeStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMeStrong</a><a href="https://t.co/lWVBwJAfrx">https://t.co/lWVBwJAfrx</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovParsonMO/status/1240380764056944648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>" It is with a heavy heart that I announce we have had our first death related to COVID-19 in Missouri. The patient, from Boone County, had tested positive for a travel-related COVID-19 case. COVID-19 is serious, and together we can stop the spread."&nbsp;

🎥 Governor reports first death from coronavirus in Missouri

Today the decision was made for East Hills Shopping Center to close and remain closed through March 31st. Previously the shopping center had adjusted its hours of operation in response to health concerns throughout the community and region related to Coronavirus.

Today the decision was made for East Hills Shopping Center to close and remain closed through March 31st. Previously the shopping center had adjusted its hours of operation in response to health concerns throughout the community and region related to Coronavirus.

East Hills Shopping Center Closed

NEW YORK (AP) — Can my kids go on a play date? Is it OK if I visit the gym?

In this time of coronavirus, once-easy questions have suddenly become complex.

Here are some questions and answers about the “social distancing” efforts to slow the epidemic in the U.S.

Social distancing are practices implemented by public health officials to keep contagious diseases from spreading.

The measures are aimed at trying to cut down the amount of virus spreading around, and ultimately protect those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Governments have closed borders, and millions of workers and students have been ordered to stay home. On Monday, U.S. officials recommended that older people and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people.” The U.S. is also telling people not to gather in large groups.

And experts also recommend people try to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 meters) away from each other.

Experts believe the virus is mainly spread through droplets that come out of your mouth and nose. When an infected person speaks or exhales or coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) before gravity pulls them to the ground.

“They fall pretty quickly,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

It's important to try to block coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, so as to not send those droplet flying directly toward someone nearby.

Yes, with some exceptions. And the guidelines vary based on where you live.

“We're not being told to stay at home and lock the doors," said Dr. Willam Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert. “We're not there yet, and I don't think we'll get there.”

People who have coughs and sneezes should stay home as much as possible, and call ahead to the doctor's office if they're planning to get their illness checked out, he added.

People who have confirmed coronavirus illness should stay home, as should those who were in close contact with a confirmed case.

Options are becoming limited, with school, gym and restaurant closures in some places, and work-from-home edicts.

Officials in six San Francisco-area counties on Monday told nearly 7 million people to stay inside and venture out only for necessities.

If you live someplace without such restrictions, it's best just to use good judgment. If restaurants are open, it's OK to go to eat. But go in a small group and try to get a table away from others.

It's necessary to buy food. But try to go to the supermarket at times when it's less crowded, stay 6 feet away from other shoppers as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.

Exercise is important. But maybe stick to the machines, wiping them down before and after you use them, and skip games of basketball or other activities that put you in close physical contact with others. If possible, cut back on the gym and go for jogs, walks or bike rides instead, experts said.

The CDC on Sunday recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers put off events that would draw at least 50 people. On Monday, the number was reduced to 10.

That could ice a lot of weddings, family reunions and birthday parties.

Dr. Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the federal response to the virus, said the change from 50 to 10 was influenced by research that tried to estimate the impact of different possible steps.

A CDC official, Dr. Jay Butler, said Monday there's no hard-and-fast rule. Officials are simply trying to set a reasonable parameter to “increase social distancing while not creating social isolation,” he said in an interview streamed by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

CAN I GO ON DATES? OR SEND MY KIDS ON PLAY DATES?

There's some debate among experts about dates and play dates.

Adults who are not sick or considered to be at risk can still date, Schaffner said. But skip the bars, concerts and crowded theaters, and instead think about an intimate dinner at home.

For kids, play dates can be OK, especially if they're outside in parks and involve a small number of kids, he said. Of course, kids who are sick or who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness should not go, he added.

Weatherhead had different advice, saying play dates are not recommended. Children generally have had more mild COVID-19 illnesses and therefore might spread the disease before anyone realizes they are sick.

It will be tricky to prove these measures made a difference.

Testing for the coronavirus was delayed in the U.S., but it is now starting to come online. That means a lot of new cases may be diagnosed in the coming days, as labs finally find infections that happened weeks ago.

“We're going to see increasing (case) numbers, and that's going to be frustrating to people who are doing social distancing. But that doesn't mean social distancing isn't working” Weatherhead said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462056058.png" alt="Reporters practice social distancing in the White House press room Tuesday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Reporters practice social distancing in the White House press room Tuesday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Can my kids go on a play date? Is it OK if I visit the gym?In this time of coronavirus, once-easy questions have suddenly become complex.Here are some questions and answers about the “social distancing” efforts to slow the epidemic in the U.S.WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?Social distancing are practices implemented by public health officials to keep contagious diseases from spreading.The measures are aimed at trying to cut down the amount of virus spreading around, and ultimately protect those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN?Governments have closed borders, and millions of workers and students have been ordered to stay home. On Monday, U.S. officials recommended that older people and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people.” The U.S. is also telling people not to gather in large groups.And experts also recommend people try to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 meters) away from each other.WHY 6 FEET?Experts believe the virus is mainly spread through droplets that come out of your mouth and nose. When an infected person speaks or exhales or coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) before gravity pulls them to the ground.“They fall pretty quickly,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.It's important to try to block coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, so as to not send those droplet flying directly toward someone nearby.CAN I GO OUTSIDE AT ALL?Yes, with some exceptions. And the guidelines vary based on where you live.“We're not being told to stay at home and lock the doors," said Dr. Willam Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert. “We're not there yet, and I don't think we'll get there.”People who have coughs and sneezes should stay home as much as possible, and call ahead to the doctor's office if they're planning to get their illness checked out, he added.People who have confirmed coronavirus illness should stay home, as should those who were in close contact with a confirmed case.WHERE CAN I GO?Options are becoming limited, with school, gym and restaurant closures in some places, and work-from-home edicts.Officials in six San Francisco-area counties on Monday told nearly 7 million people to stay inside and venture out only for necessities.If you live someplace without such restrictions, it's best just to use good judgment. If restaurants are open, it's OK to go to eat. But go in a small group and try to get a table away from others.It's necessary to buy food. But try to go to the supermarket at times when it's less crowded, stay 6 feet away from other shoppers as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.CAN I GO TO THE GYM?Exercise is important. But maybe stick to the machines, wiping them down before and after you use them, and skip games of basketball or other activities that put you in close physical contact with others. If possible, cut back on the gym and go for jogs, walks or bike rides instead, experts said.WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL GATHERINGS?The CDC on Sunday recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers put off events that would draw at least 50 people. On Monday, the number was reduced to 10.That could ice a lot of weddings, family reunions and birthday parties.Dr. Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the federal response to the virus, said the change from 50 to 10 was influenced by research that tried to estimate the impact of different possible steps.A CDC official, Dr. Jay Butler, said Monday there's no hard-and-fast rule. Officials are simply trying to set a reasonable parameter to “increase social distancing while not creating social isolation,” he said in an interview streamed by the Journal of the American Medical Association.CAN I GO ON DATES? OR SEND MY KIDS ON PLAY DATES?There's some debate among experts about dates and play dates.Adults who are not sick or considered to be at risk can still date, Schaffner said. But skip the bars, concerts and crowded theaters, and instead think about an intimate dinner at home.For kids, play dates can be OK, especially if they're outside in parks and involve a small number of kids, he said. Of course, kids who are sick or who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness should not go, he added.Weatherhead had different advice, saying play dates are not recommended. Children generally have had more mild COVID-19 illnesses and therefore might spread the disease before anyone realizes they are sick.WILL SOCIAL DISTANCING WORK?It will be tricky to prove these measures made a difference.Testing for the coronavirus was delayed in the U.S., but it is now starting to come online. That means a lot of new cases may be diagnosed in the coming days, as labs finally find infections that happened weeks ago.“We're going to see increasing (case) numbers, and that's going to be frustrating to people who are doing social distancing. But that doesn't mean social distancing isn't working” Weatherhead said.

How social distancing works and what it means for you

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an Executive Order Wednesday morning to postpone the April 7th municipal elections until June 2nd.

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the Clerk and Election Authority Association had been pushing for the postponement.

"Just due to the safety of our election judges, our polling places, our voters, we thought this was the best decision to make because of what is all going on with the coronavirus,” Baack-Garvey says.”

While all other dates changed, the deadline to register to vote as well as to file as a write-in candidate have not changed.&nbsp;Voters still have to be 18-years-old by April 7th to vote in the municipal elections.

Baack-Garvey says she believes the last time an election was postponed was almost 30 years ago.

"I wasn’t here in 1993 when the flood happened, they had to postpone the election for that, but that’s all I’ve heard of with postponing an election," Baack-Garvey says.

Anyone with questions can contact the Buchanan County Clerk's Office at (816) 271-1412.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Parson signed an Executive Order Wednesday morning to postpone the April 7th municipal elections until June 2nd.Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the Clerk and Election Authority Association had been pushing for the postponement."Just due to the safety of our election judges, our polling places, our voters, we thought this was the best decision to make because of what is all going on with the coronavirus,” Baack-Garvey says.”While all other dates changed, the deadline to register to vote as well as to file as a write-in candidate have not changed.&nbsp;Voters still have to be 18-years-old by April 7th to vote in the municipal elections.Baack-Garvey says she believes the last time an election was postponed was almost 30 years ago."I wasn’t here in 1993 when the flood happened, they had to postpone the election for that, but that’s all I’ve heard of with postponing an election," Baack-Garvey says.Anyone with questions can contact the Buchanan County Clerk's Office at (816) 271-1412.

Local school board elections, city bond issue postponed

St. Joseph will tighten restrictions aimed at
curbing the spread of coronavirus.

An emergency declaration bans gatherings of 10 or
more people for the next 15 days. Previously, the city banned gatherings of 50
or more. Restaurants will not be allowed to serve dine-in patrons, but will be
restricted to drive-through, take out, or delivery. Most bars, in effect, will
be closed. Large grocery stores which can accommodate plenty of space between
customers will remain open. Religious groups are included in the restrictions.

Mayor Bill McMurray says the city hopes to help
keep COVID-19 from gaining a foothold here.

“They have the graphs drawn of the large mountain
versus the small, little mole hill. We want to flatten the curve, as they say
and not have these huge incidents of infections,” McMurray says. “The way to do
that is to socially distance (each other, keep people apart so that people
aren’t together and infecting one another. So, that’s the point behind this
whole thing.”

McMurray acknowledges the restrictions will put a
strain on city businesses. He does, though, say it appears most residents understand
the situation and will comply.

“I’m sure there are a few people who won’t
(comply). I know some people who aren’t going to. But, let’s get real here, this
is the most serious thing at any of us have experienced in our lifetimes, ever.”

Transit
buses are still running. The Bode Ice Arena and the REC Center will close. All
St. Joseph libraries and the St. Jo Frontier Casino have closed.

St.
Joseph city councilmembers made the decision after a conference call with Gov.
Mike Parson.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph will tighten restrictions aimed at
curbing the spread of coronavirus.An emergency declaration bans gatherings of 10 or
more people for the next 15 days. Previously, the city banned gatherings of 50
or more. Restaurants will not be allowed to serve dine-in patrons, but will be
restricted to drive-through, take out, or delivery. Most bars, in effect, will
be closed. Large grocery stores which can accommodate plenty of space between
customers will remain open. Religious groups are included in the restrictions.Mayor Bill McMurray says the city hopes to help
keep COVID-19 from gaining a foothold here.“They have the graphs drawn of the large mountain
versus the small, little mole hill. We want to flatten the curve, as they say
and not have these huge incidents of infections,” McMurray says. “The way to do
that is to socially distance (each other, keep people apart so that people
aren’t together and infecting one another. So, that’s the point behind this
whole thing.”McMurray acknowledges the restrictions will put a
strain on city businesses. He does, though, say it appears most residents understand
the situation and will comply.“I’m sure there are a few people who won’t
(comply). I know some people who aren’t going to. But, let’s get real here, this
is the most serious thing at any of us have experienced in our lifetimes, ever.”Transit
buses are still running. The Bode Ice Arena and the REC Center will close. All
St. Joseph libraries and the St. Jo Frontier Casino have closed.St.
Joseph city councilmembers made the decision after a conference call with Gov.
Mike Parson.

St. Joseph to impose much tighter restrictions in COVID-19 fight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday ordered all local elections scheduled for April 7 to be postponed until June 2 as the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in the state hit 17.

Parson's executive order allows already printed ballots to be used for the rescheduled elections. Residents who turn 18 by April 7 will be allowed to vote.

Also on Wednesday, Children’s Mercy hospital announced in a tweet that a patient treated in the downtown Kansas City hospital’s emergency room on Sunday had tested positive for the virus and would be self-quarantined at home, which brings the state’s total cases to 17.

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.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

Jackson County health officials late Tuesday announced the 16th case of coronavirus, a man in his 40s who recently traveled abroad.

The man is doing well and is in isolation at his home, while his family is in quarantine, according to Jackson County health officials. It was the second case in the county that includes Kansas City.

Missouri health officials have reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07604111fba9addb7625938c9d7fe27a">cases&nbsp;</a>of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis.

In a statement to The Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241278991.html">Star</a>, Cerner spokeswoman Misti Preston said the company asked anyone who had contact with the individual to self quarantine and closed its sprawling campus in south Kansas City for deep cleaning.

Cerner, a health care technology company, has 14,000 employees on campuses in the Kansas City region.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday ordered all local elections scheduled for April 7 to be postponed until June 2 as the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in the state hit 17.Parson's executive order allows already printed ballots to be used for the rescheduled elections. Residents who turn 18 by April 7 will be allowed to vote.Also on Wednesday, Children’s Mercy hospital announced in a tweet that a patient treated in the downtown Kansas City hospital’s emergency room on Sunday had tested positive for the virus and would be self-quarantined at home, which brings the state’s total cases to 17.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.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.Jackson County health officials late Tuesday announced the 16th case of coronavirus, a man in his 40s who recently traveled abroad.The man is doing well and is in isolation at his home, while his family is in quarantine, according to Jackson County health officials. It was the second case in the county that includes Kansas City.Missouri health officials have reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07604111fba9addb7625938c9d7fe27a">cases&nbsp;</a>of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis.In a statement to The Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241278991.html">Star</a>, Cerner spokeswoman Misti Preston said the company asked anyone who had contact with the individual to self quarantine and closed its sprawling campus in south Kansas City for deep cleaning.Cerner, a health care technology company, has 14,000 employees on campuses in the Kansas City region.______

Missouri local elections postponed; virus Count Up To 17

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Treasury Department wants to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month as the centerpiece of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy as the coronavirus epidemic threatens a body slam to taxpayers and businesses.

In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Treasury is calling for two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: A first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size.

The Treasury plan, which requires approval by Congress, also recommends $50 billion to stabilize the airlines, $150 billion to issue loan guarantees to other struggling sectors, and $300 billion to for small businesses. The plan appears to anticipate that many of the loans would not be repaid.

The details are for the third coronavirus response bill that lawmakers hope to pass next week. It comes as the Senate turned Wednesday to a House-passed coronavirus response bill.

The Treasury outline provides a basis for lawmakers to work from in an unprecedented government response and is likely to be broadened to include additional emergency funding for federal agencies.

The price tag for the upcoming economic package alone promises to exceed Treasury's $1 trillion request, a rescue plan not seen since the Great Recession. Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks — a huge logistical task — and is urging Congress to pass the eye-popping stimulus package in a matter of days. A more realistic timeframe is next week.

As analysts warn the country is surely entering a recession, the government is grappling with an enormous political undertaking with echoes of the 2008 financial crisis.

Wednesday's legislation would speed the delivery of testing for the virus and provide paid sick leave to workers, but the focus in Washington has already moved to development of a far, far larger response bill that would inject hundreds of billions of dollars into the faltering economy, provide relief to shuttered businesses, and help keep airlines from going under.

At the Capitol on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared his colleagues for unprecedented steps to deal with the epidemic's body slam to the economy.

“I will not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package,” McConnell said. “We aren't leaving until we deliver.”

But first, McConnell said, the Senate will vote on a House-passed package of sick pay, emergency food and free testing, putting it back on track for Trump's signature — despite Republican objections over the potential impact on small businesses saddled with a new mandate to pay sick leave — subject to reimbursement from the government.

“We're going to vote to pass the House bill, but it's imperfections will just make our more comprehensive package more urgent," McConnell said.

Overnight, the White House sent lawmakers a separate $46 billion emergency funding request to boost medical care for military service members and veterans, fund production of vaccines and medicines, build 13 quarantine centers at the southern border for migrants, make federal buildings safer, and reimburse Amtrak for $500 million in anticipated revenue losses, among other purposes.

The Trump request also reverses cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health that Trump proposed in his February budget for next year and would create a $3 billion fund for unanticipated needs.

Economists doubted that the massive economic rescue package being drafted would enough to stop millions of jobs losses, even if in the short term.

The as-yet-unreleased measure is on a par with $700 billion 2008 bank bailout or the nearly $800 billion 2009 recovery act. The White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses. But nothing is set in concrete, and all the pressure is for the package to keep growing.

The amount that would be sent out in checks Americans is also not yet decided. The White House said it liked GOP Sen. Mitt Romney's idea for $1,000 checks, though not necessarily at that sum and not for wealthier people.

Senate Democrats produced their own $750 billion proposal, which includes $400 billion to shore up hospitals and other emergency operations in response to the global pandemic and $350 billion to bolster the safety net with unemployment checks and other aid to Americans.

“The aid has to be workers first," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, not what happened in 2008, when the big banks took precedence. Schumer also said it's time to call out the National Guard to provide security as communities reel from the crisis.

A roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers and even casinos — lined up for hoped-for aid.

Still, health officials are urging Americans to stay home to prevent an onslaught of cases that could overwhelm hospitals as happened in Italy, among the countries hardest hit.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who marshaled the earlier package through a bipartisan vote last week, fielded a call from Mnuchin on Tuesday morning and another from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in the afternoon, encouraged by the Fed chairman’s perspective that Congress could think big with interest rates at nearly zero.

In the call with Mnuchin, she and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation committee, “emphasized that protecting workers' paychecks and benefits was their top priority, and that immediate action was needed,” said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter.

The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush eras.

Much about the proposed checks is not known, such as whether the amount would vary by the income of the recipient or whether everyone would get the same sum. Mnuchin said “it's clear we don't need to send people who make $1 million a year checks, OK?”

Economists from both parties endorsed mailing checks of at least $1,000 to all American households as the quickest way to offset the sharp slowdown in economic activity.

"We need to pay people to stay at home," said Heidi Shierholz, a senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think-tank. The group predicted that without a huge stimulus package, the U.S. economy could lose three million jobs by this summer.

Still, some GOP senators were skeptical about the massive aid on the table. “I’m going to be very leery of doing something like in 2008,” said Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun.

“Right now, the plan around here is basically to just to start shoveling money out of a helicopter," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. “This is a bad idea. … We don’t need a policy where Washington, D.C., handpicks winners and losers.”

Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus outbreak, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday.

“The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at the White House briefing. He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it.

The White House on Tuesday was asking Congress to approve a massive emergency rescue package to help businesses as well as taxpayers cope with the economic crisis that is paired with the pandemic.

Mnuchin planned to outline that roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.

The White House was asking Congress on Tuesday to approve a sweeping emergency stimulus package to help businesses and taxpayers cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. It's the most far-reaching economic rescue package since the Great Recession of 2008.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin planned to outline the roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.

“The Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm," McConnell said.

Bigger than the 2008 bank bailout or the 2009 recovery act, the White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and relief for small businesses.

Two people familiar with the request described it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.

“There's great spirit” among lawmakers, President Donald Trump said at the White House briefing Tuesday as he outlined several elements of the rescue plan. “I can say that for Republicans and Democrats.”

But it's an enormous political and economic undertaking as a slow-moving Congress tries to rise to the occasion of these fast times.

The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush era. Particularly striking is McConnell's urgency after having adjourned the Senate over the weekend while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled through an aid package.

Angry senators from both parties boarded planes returning to a changed Washington, as Trump declared a state of emergency, the virus spread and the economic free-fall worsened.

The White House hopes the measure will pass quickly, possibly this week, an enormous political undertaking as the administration scrambled to contain the economic fallout of the severe disruptions to American life from the outbreak.

White House officials offered senators a preliminary briefing late Monday at the Capitol, saying they want the plan approved by Congress as soon as possible, suggesting in a matter of days.

“ASAP,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late Monday. “There's an urgency.”

The rush to inject cash and resources into the economy is an effort unlike any since the 2008 economic crisis, with political and economic interventions and eye-popping sums to try to protect Americans from the health and financial fallout.

The new proposal is beyond the House 's estimated $100 billion aid package of sick pay, emergency food aid and free virus testing that was approved over the weekend and is pending before the Senate.

Now Congress will be rushing to pass two — a massive, sweeping response to the virus outbreak that is rewriting America's way of life.

Muscling the aid will test Congress and the White House at a pivotal moment in the crisis and in an election year when the two parties have vastly different outlooks on the best way to prop up the economy and help Americans.

Senate Democrats have proposed their own $750 billion package — boosting hospital capacity and unemployment checks for the suddenly jobless — with deep negotiations to come.

All sides — the House, Senate and White House — agree more federal resources are needed to handle what's coming.

At the start of the month, Congress approved $8.3 billion in initial aid. Trump quickly signed into law the measure, which provided federal agencies money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments, and funding to help state and local governments respond to the threat.

During the recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, passed in February of that year, had an initial price tag of $787 billion which was revised later to $831 billion. That was under Barack Obama.

The Tarp passed in the fall of 2008 to help troubled banks had a price tag of $700 billion. It was put together by the George W. Bush administration, and provided money for the auto bailouts for General Motors and Chrysler. All of that money for the banks and the auto companies was paid back.

Now, Republicans often reluctant to spend federal dollars did not flinch at the head-spinning number, as a roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers — lined up for aid.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called for sending $1,000 to every adult American.

The president conveyed that lawmakers should “not be impeded by the price tag,” said Eric Ueland, the White House legislative director.

Industries representing a broad swath of the economy are seeking help in withstanding the fallout as schools close and Americans are being told they should stay inside, skip nonessential travel and avoid gatherings with 10 people or more.

That means no dining out, no boarding planes, no shopping the malls as a great national shutdown sparks business closures, layoffs and lost paychecks for rents, mortgages and everyday needs.

The nation's largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, asked the Trump administration and Congress on Monday to act rapidly to help companies have access to cash and avert a “potentially devastating” hit to the economy.

The request from the U.S. airlines alone could easily top $50 billion, according to Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers.

Pulling together the new package will challenge the basic logistics of governing as Congress itself struggled to adapt to the new normal.

House Democrats were told on a conference call they won't be recalled to Washington until the next package is ready for action, according to people familiar with the call but unauthorized to discuss it and granted anonymity.

The 100-member Senate convened for an evening vote — in the new era of social distancing. While different authorities around the country have issued conflicting advice, the Trump administration said that Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people over the next 15 days. All older people are asked to stay at home.

The No. 2 Senate Democratic leader, Dick Durbin of Illinois, counting the number of senators on the floor, questioned what example they were setting. He urged swift passage of the House package. “What are we waiting for?” he asked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force press conference- White House image" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force press conference- White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Treasury Department wants to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month as the centerpiece of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy as the coronavirus epidemic threatens a body slam to taxpayers and businesses.In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Treasury is calling for two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: A first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size.The Treasury plan, which requires approval by Congress, also recommends $50 billion to stabilize the airlines, $150 billion to issue loan guarantees to other struggling sectors, and $300 billion to for small businesses. The plan appears to anticipate that many of the loans would not be repaid.The details are for the third coronavirus response bill that lawmakers hope to pass next week. It comes as the Senate turned Wednesday to a House-passed coronavirus response bill.The Treasury outline provides a basis for lawmakers to work from in an unprecedented government response and is likely to be broadened to include additional emergency funding for federal agencies.The price tag for the upcoming economic package alone promises to exceed Treasury's $1 trillion request, a rescue plan not seen since the Great Recession. Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks — a huge logistical task — and is urging Congress to pass the eye-popping stimulus package in a matter of days. A more realistic timeframe is next week.As analysts warn the country is surely entering a recession, the government is grappling with an enormous political undertaking with echoes of the 2008 financial crisis.Wednesday's legislation would speed the delivery of testing for the virus and provide paid sick leave to workers, but the focus in Washington has already moved to development of a far, far larger response bill that would inject hundreds of billions of dollars into the faltering economy, provide relief to shuttered businesses, and help keep airlines from going under.At the Capitol on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared his colleagues for unprecedented steps to deal with the epidemic's body slam to the economy.“I will not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package,” McConnell said. “We aren't leaving until we deliver.”But first, McConnell said, the Senate will vote on a House-passed package of sick pay, emergency food and free testing, putting it back on track for Trump's signature — despite Republican objections over the potential impact on small businesses saddled with a new mandate to pay sick leave — subject to reimbursement from the government.“We're going to vote to pass the House bill, but it's imperfections will just make our more comprehensive package more urgent," McConnell said.Overnight, the White House sent lawmakers a separate $46 billion emergency funding request to boost medical care for military service members and veterans, fund production of vaccines and medicines, build 13 quarantine centers at the southern border for migrants, make federal buildings safer, and reimburse Amtrak for $500 million in anticipated revenue losses, among other purposes.The Trump request also reverses cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health that Trump proposed in his February budget for next year and would create a $3 billion fund for unanticipated needs.Economists doubted that the massive economic rescue package being drafted would enough to stop millions of jobs losses, even if in the short term.The as-yet-unreleased measure is on a par with $700 billion 2008 bank bailout or the nearly $800 billion 2009 recovery act. The White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses. But nothing is set in concrete, and all the pressure is for the package to keep growing.The amount that would be sent out in checks Americans is also not yet decided. The White House said it liked GOP Sen. Mitt Romney's idea for $1,000 checks, though not necessarily at that sum and not for wealthier people.Senate Democrats produced their own $750 billion proposal, which includes $400 billion to shore up hospitals and other emergency operations in response to the global pandemic and $350 billion to bolster the safety net with unemployment checks and other aid to Americans.“The aid has to be workers first," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, not what happened in 2008, when the big banks took precedence. Schumer also said it's time to call out the National Guard to provide security as communities reel from the crisis.A roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers and even casinos — lined up for hoped-for aid.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.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.Still, health officials are urging Americans to stay home to prevent an onslaught of cases that could overwhelm hospitals as happened in Italy, among the countries hardest hit.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who marshaled the earlier package through a bipartisan vote last week, fielded a call from Mnuchin on Tuesday morning and another from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in the afternoon, encouraged by the Fed chairman’s perspective that Congress could think big with interest rates at nearly zero.In the call with Mnuchin, she and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation committee, “emphasized that protecting workers' paychecks and benefits was their top priority, and that immediate action was needed,” said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter.The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush eras.Much about the proposed checks is not known, such as whether the amount would vary by the income of the recipient or whether everyone would get the same sum. Mnuchin said “it's clear we don't need to send people who make $1 million a year checks, OK?”Economists from both parties endorsed mailing checks of at least $1,000 to all American households as the quickest way to offset the sharp slowdown in economic activity."We need to pay people to stay at home," said Heidi Shierholz, a senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think-tank. The group predicted that without a huge stimulus package, the U.S. economy could lose three million jobs by this summer.Still, some GOP senators were skeptical about the massive aid on the table. “I’m going to be very leery of doing something like in 2008,” said Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun.“Right now, the plan around here is basically to just to start shoveling money out of a helicopter," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. “This is a bad idea. … We don’t need a policy where Washington, D.C., handpicks winners and losers.”---------------Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus outbreak, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday.“The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at the White House briefing. He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it.The White House on Tuesday was asking Congress to approve a massive emergency rescue package to help businesses as well as taxpayers cope with the economic crisis that is paired with the pandemic.Mnuchin planned to outline that roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.The White House was asking Congress on Tuesday to approve a sweeping emergency stimulus package to help businesses and taxpayers cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. It's the most far-reaching economic rescue package since the Great Recession of 2008.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin planned to outline the roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, with officials aiming to have Congress approve it this week.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opening the Senate on Tuesday morning, promised swift action.“The Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the House has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm," McConnell said.Bigger than the 2008 bank bailout or the 2009 recovery act, the White House proposal aims to provide a massive tax cut for wage-earners, $50 billion for the airline industry and relief for small businesses.Two people familiar with the request described it to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.“There's great spirit” among lawmakers, President Donald Trump said at the White House briefing Tuesday as he outlined several elements of the rescue plan. “I can say that for Republicans and Democrats.”But it's an enormous political and economic undertaking as a slow-moving Congress tries to rise to the occasion of these fast times.The debate is sure to revive the sharp divisions over the costly bank bailout and economic recovery of the Obama and Bush era. Particularly striking is McConnell's urgency after having adjourned the Senate over the weekend while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled through an aid package.Angry senators from both parties boarded planes returning to a changed Washington, as Trump declared a state of emergency, the virus spread and the economic free-fall worsened.The White House hopes the measure will pass quickly, possibly this week, an enormous political undertaking as the administration scrambled to contain the economic fallout of the severe disruptions to American life from the outbreak.White House officials offered senators a preliminary briefing late Monday at the Capitol, saying they want the plan approved by Congress as soon as possible, suggesting in a matter of days.“ASAP,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late Monday. “There's an urgency.”The rush to inject cash and resources into the economy is an effort unlike any since the 2008 economic crisis, with political and economic interventions and eye-popping sums to try to protect Americans from the health and financial fallout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584461219833.png" alt="“We’ve got a lot of work to do from here,” Mnuchin told reporters late Monday." />
 <figcaption>“We’ve got a lot of work to do from here,” Mnuchin told reporters late Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new proposal is beyond the House 's estimated $100 billion aid package of sick pay, emergency food aid and free virus testing that was approved over the weekend and is pending before the Senate.Now Congress will be rushing to pass two — a massive, sweeping response to the virus outbreak that is rewriting America's way of life.Muscling the aid will test Congress and the White House at a pivotal moment in the crisis and in an election year when the two parties have vastly different outlooks on the best way to prop up the economy and help Americans.Senate Democrats have proposed their own $750 billion package — boosting hospital capacity and unemployment checks for the suddenly jobless — with deep negotiations to come.All sides — the House, Senate and White House — agree more federal resources are needed to handle what's coming.At the start of the month, Congress approved $8.3 billion in initial aid. Trump quickly signed into law the measure, which provided federal agencies money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments, and funding to help state and local governments respond to the threat.During the recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, passed in February of that year, had an initial price tag of $787 billion which was revised later to $831 billion. That was under Barack Obama.The Tarp passed in the fall of 2008 to help troubled banks had a price tag of $700 billion. It was put together by the George W. Bush administration, and provided money for the auto bailouts for General Motors and Chrysler. All of that money for the banks and the auto companies was paid back.Now, Republicans often reluctant to spend federal dollars did not flinch at the head-spinning number, as a roster of America's big and small industries — airlines, hotels, retailers — lined up for aid.Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called for sending $1,000 to every adult American.The president conveyed that lawmakers should “not be impeded by the price tag,” said Eric Ueland, the White House legislative director.Industries representing a broad swath of the economy are seeking help in withstanding the fallout as schools close and Americans are being told they should stay inside, skip nonessential travel and avoid gatherings with 10 people or more.That means no dining out, no boarding planes, no shopping the malls as a great national shutdown sparks business closures, layoffs and lost paychecks for rents, mortgages and everyday needs.The nation's largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, asked the Trump administration and Congress on Monday to act rapidly to help companies have access to cash and avert a “potentially devastating” hit to the economy.The request from the U.S. airlines alone could easily top $50 billion, according to Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers.Pulling together the new package will challenge the basic logistics of governing as Congress itself struggled to adapt to the new normal.House Democrats were told on a conference call they won't be recalled to Washington until the next package is ready for action, according to people familiar with the call but unauthorized to discuss it and granted anonymity.The 100-member Senate convened for an evening vote — in the new era of social distancing. While different authorities around the country have issued conflicting advice, the Trump administration said that Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people over the next 15 days. All older people are asked to stay at home.The No. 2 Senate Democratic leader, Dick Durbin of Illinois, counting the number of senators on the floor, questioned what example they were setting. He urged swift passage of the House package. “What are we waiting for?” he asked.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.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.___

Treasury wants to send checks to Americans, starting April 6

TORONTO — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports.

Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump tweeted.

Truck drivers and Canadian snowbirds, who live in the U.S. for part of the year and are returning to Canada, are among those expected to get an exemption. Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the U.S. and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., and and 98% of its oil exports go to the U.S.

About 18% of American exports go to Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he would close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident, and even then they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Trudeau said the exemption for Americans, despite the rapid rise of cases in the U.S., was due to “the level of integration of our two economies.”

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. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

The United States has seen about 6,500 coronavirus cases and more than 110 deaths while Canada has seen about 600 cases and eight deaths.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the border is vital to the daily life to people on both sides.

“Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day, and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border,” Freeland said.

“We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border,” she said. “Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day. So it is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.”

But many people in Canada criticized the decision to give Americans an exemption. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he vehemently disagreed with the American exemption given the surge in cases in neighboring Washington state.

Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said both countries recognize how many people cross the border daily.

“Border traffic has already slowed and in line with recommendations to stay home and eliminate nonessential movement,” Heyman said. “New rules jointly accepted for our shared border makes sense.”

Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, noted the government-to-government accord merely ratifies what is already in place.

“Tourism in the age of the coronavirus is a contradiction in terms,” Bothwell said. “And no Canadian in his or her right mind would want to be caught with the virus on the U.S. side of the border, given the predatory U.S. medical pricing system. Actually, the insurance companies have already taken care of the problem. Many of us have received notices that they will not pay for virus treatment south of the border.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584542151826.png" alt="Washington State Dept. of Transportation border traffic camera looking south from Canada 9:37 a.m. CDT Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Washington State Dept. of Transportation border traffic camera looking south from Canada 9:37 a.m. CDT Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1240271178692005889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries.“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump tweeted.Truck drivers and Canadian snowbirds, who live in the U.S. for part of the year and are returning to Canada, are among those expected to get an exemption. Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the U.S. and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., and and 98% of its oil exports go to the U.S.About 18% of American exports go to Canada.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he would close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident, and even then they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.Trudeau said the exemption for Americans, despite the rapid rise of cases in the U.S., was due to “the level of integration of our two economies.”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. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.The United States has seen about 6,500 coronavirus cases and more than 110 deaths while Canada has seen about 600 cases and eight deaths.Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the border is vital to the daily life to people on both sides.“Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day, and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border,” Freeland said.“We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border,” she said. “Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day. So it is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.”But many people in Canada criticized the decision to give Americans an exemption. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he vehemently disagreed with the American exemption given the surge in cases in neighboring Washington state.Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said both countries recognize how many people cross the border daily.“Border traffic has already slowed and in line with recommendations to stay home and eliminate nonessential movement,” Heyman said. “New rules jointly accepted for our shared border makes sense.”Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, noted the government-to-government accord merely ratifies what is already in place.“Tourism in the age of the coronavirus is a contradiction in terms,” Bothwell said. “And no Canadian in his or her right mind would want to be caught with the virus on the U.S. side of the border, given the predatory U.S. medical pricing system. Actually, the insurance companies have already taken care of the problem. Many of us have received notices that they will not pay for virus treatment south of the border.”

Trump: US, Canada to close border to nonessential travel

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered financial institutions to temporarily suspend business and residential evictions to help those financially affected by the spread of the coronavirus.

The executive order signed by Kelly Tuesday says the action will allow Kansans to “retain their homes and businesses to avoid immediate danger to their health, safety and welfare.”

Financial institutions were ordered to suspend initiating mortgage foreclosure or judicial proceedings and commercial or residential evictions until May 1.

The order was not announced by Kelly or her office and the governor did not mention it during a news conference Tuesday, during which she required all the state’s K-12 schools to close and move lessons online for the rest of the spring semester. On Monday, she banned all gatherings of 50 or more people.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas doubled on Tuesday to at least 18, with one death. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584536714178.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conference in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conference in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered financial institutions to temporarily suspend business and residential evictions to help those financially affected by the spread of the coronavirus.The executive order signed by Kelly Tuesday says the action will allow Kansans to “retain their homes and businesses to avoid immediate danger to their health, safety and welfare.”Financial institutions were ordered to suspend initiating mortgage foreclosure or judicial proceedings and commercial or residential evictions until May 1.The order was not announced by Kelly or her office and the governor did not mention it during a news conference Tuesday, during which she required all the state’s K-12 schools to close and move lessons online for the rest of the spring semester. On Monday, she banned all gatherings of 50 or more people.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas doubled on Tuesday to at least 18, with one death. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia._____

Gov. Kelly bans home and business evictions until May 1

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday closed Kansas’ public and private K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester, moving teaching online throughout the state to try to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus.

Kelly also said that starting Monday, most of the 18,000 state workers under her supervision will be directed to stay at home for two weeks so that agencies can plan for having some continue working from home and placing others on paid administrative leave. She acknowledged that Kansans may see deadlines extended for such things as renewing driver’s or professional licenses.

It was the governor’s strongest response yet to the coronavirus pandemic, coming a day after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/90881e25d6e359716cd09bf4206ef6e0">banned public gatherings of 50 or more</a>&nbsp;people throughout the state, only to see federal officials recommended no gatherings of more than 10. Her move to close the schools had the support of Education Commissioner Randy Watson and groups representing teachers, school boards and school administrators.

Kelly’s order also came after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases doubled in two days, reaching at least 18 on Tuesday, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abe73aa8d68965193ae292dd4346c79e">one COVID-19-related death</a>&nbsp;in Wyandotte County. Most of the cases are in the Kansas City area, but western Kansas also reported a case.

“The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if schools buildings return to normal operations or if they respond inconsistently within our local communities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference.

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

Yet Kelly’s order to close schools concerned some Republican legislators, and Senate health committee Chairman Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, called it “asinine.” He said schools could remain closed for two or four weeks, but shuttering them for the rest of the semester is overreacting.

“We are overblowing this thing,” he said. “It doesn’t mean people need to be reckless, but we can’t stop living.”

Kelly and Watson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7392f99d7bdfeddb038f08332035dd4d">already had urged schools</a>&nbsp;to remain closed this week if they were not already on spring break, and some local health officers had started ordering them closed.

The governor said that after some buildings are “thoroughly sanitized,” they may reopen to allow educators to plan services or to host fewer than 10 students. Watson said a task force will issue recommendations later this week, including about how to teach students without adequate access to computers or internet services. Kansas has almost 500,000 K-12 students.

But GOP Sen. Julia Lynn, of Olathe, said she is skeptical such plans will deliver an adequate education.

Kelly said schools might not reopen in August for the new school year.

“This situation has evolved rapidly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” she said.

Kelly has previously stopped short of taking actions other governors have to check the spread of coronavirus, such as ordering the closing of private businesses or imposing a curfew. She’s argued that Kansas should take steps fitting a state with a relatively low population density.

But state universities already have moved classes online and the University of Kansas, Kansas State and Wichita State announced Tuesday that all classes would be held remotely for the rest of the semester.

Officials in Johnson and Wyandotte counties and Jackson County, Missouri, ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters through April 1, with the exception of drive-thru, pickup and delivery services.

And Kansas lottery officials announced the four state-owned casinos will close at the end of the day Tuesday until at least March 30. The casinos are in Kansas City, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Mulvane, south of Wichita.

Health officials on Tuesday reported the first coronavirus cases in Douglas County, home to the University of Kansas; Miami County, south of the Kansas City metropolitan area; and Ford County, in southwest Kansas. Franklin County in eastern Kansas and Butler County outside of Wichita each have recorded a case.

Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, has reported 10 confirmed cases and neighboring Wyandotte County, three.

Kansas health officials said 16 of the cases involve Kansas residents. The Ford County case involves a visitor from Oregon and the Miami County case, someone from Missouri.

The state’s only COVID-19-related death so far was last week, a man in his 70s who lived in a Kansas City, Kansas nursing home. Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, said last week that the man was immobile so someone brought the infection to him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584484524519.png" alt="Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during Tuesday's announcement in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during Tuesday's announcement in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday closed Kansas’ public and private K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester, moving teaching online throughout the state to try to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus.Kelly also said that starting Monday, most of the 18,000 state workers under her supervision will be directed to stay at home for two weeks so that agencies can plan for having some continue working from home and placing others on paid administrative leave. She acknowledged that Kansans may see deadlines extended for such things as renewing driver’s or professional licenses.It was the governor’s strongest response yet to the coronavirus pandemic, coming a day after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/90881e25d6e359716cd09bf4206ef6e0">banned public gatherings of 50 or more</a>&nbsp;people throughout the state, only to see federal officials recommended no gatherings of more than 10. Her move to close the schools had the support of Education Commissioner Randy Watson and groups representing teachers, school boards and school administrators.Kelly’s order also came after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases doubled in two days, reaching at least 18 on Tuesday, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abe73aa8d68965193ae292dd4346c79e">one COVID-19-related death</a>&nbsp;in Wyandotte County. Most of the cases are in the Kansas City area, but western Kansas also reported a case.“The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if schools buildings return to normal operations or if they respond inconsistently within our local communities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584481689719.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during Tuesday's news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579714677583.jpeg" alt=" Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop, Wichita is unhappy with the decision to close schools. -photo by Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop, Wichita is unhappy with the decision to close schools. -photo by Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Yet Kelly’s order to close schools concerned some Republican legislators, and Senate health committee Chairman Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, called it “asinine.” He said schools could remain closed for two or four weeks, but shuttering them for the rest of the semester is overreacting.“We are overblowing this thing,” he said. “It doesn’t mean people need to be reckless, but we can’t stop living.”Kelly and Watson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7392f99d7bdfeddb038f08332035dd4d">already had urged schools</a>&nbsp;to remain closed this week if they were not already on spring break, and some local health officers had started ordering them closed.The governor said that after some buildings are “thoroughly sanitized,” they may reopen to allow educators to plan services or to host fewer than 10 students. Watson said a task force will issue recommendations later this week, including about how to teach students without adequate access to computers or internet services. Kansas has almost 500,000 K-12 students.But GOP Sen. Julia Lynn, of Olathe, said she is skeptical such plans will deliver an adequate education.Kelly said schools might not reopen in August for the new school year.“This situation has evolved rapidly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” she said.Kelly has previously stopped short of taking actions other governors have to check the spread of coronavirus, such as ordering the closing of private businesses or imposing a curfew. She’s argued that Kansas should take steps fitting a state with a relatively low population density.But state universities already have moved classes online and the University of Kansas, Kansas State and Wichita State announced Tuesday that all classes would be held remotely for the rest of the semester.Officials in Johnson and Wyandotte counties and Jackson County, Missouri, ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters through April 1, with the exception of drive-thru, pickup and delivery services.And Kansas lottery officials announced the four state-owned casinos will close at the end of the day Tuesday until at least March 30. The casinos are in Kansas City, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Mulvane, south of Wichita.Health officials on Tuesday reported the first coronavirus cases in Douglas County, home to the University of Kansas; Miami County, south of the Kansas City metropolitan area; and Ford County, in southwest Kansas. Franklin County in eastern Kansas and Butler County outside of Wichita each have recorded a case.Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, has reported 10 confirmed cases and neighboring Wyandotte County, three.Kansas health officials said 16 of the cases involve Kansas residents. The Ford County case involves a visitor from Oregon and the Miami County case, someone from Missouri.The state’s only COVID-19-related death so far was last week, a man in his 70s who lived in a Kansas City, Kansas nursing home. Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, said last week that the man was immobile so someone brought the infection to him.

The Latest: Kansas closes K-12 schools; state workers to stay home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man in his 40s who recently traveled abroad is the 16th person in Missouri to test positive for the coronavirus, health officials said.

The man is doing well and is in isolation at his home, while his family is in quarantine, Jackson County health officials announced late Tuesday. It was the second case in the county that includes Kansas City.

The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people, but severe illness is more likely in the elderly and people with existing health problems. Worldwide, COVID-19 has killed over 7,800 people so far, while more than 80,000 have recovered.

&nbsp;Cerner spokeswoman Misti Preston said the company asked anyone who had contact with the individual to self quarantine and closed its sprawling campus in south Kansas City for deep cleaning.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —Missouri's health department on Tuesday reported 15 positive cases of coronavirus as state and local governments took additional steps to limit large gatherings in an attempt stem the virus' spread.

The agency has reported cases of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis.

Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday ordered the closure of Missouri's 13 casinos as of midnight through March 30. Meanwhile, some nonviolent jail inmates are being freed to reduce the risk of transmission behind bars.

The news came the same day that neighboring Kansas announced it was closing state-owned casinos through March 30. Illinois closed casinos on Monday for at least two weeks.

Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Mike Leara said the impact of the shutdown could mean up to $1 million a day in lost revenue for the state. He said once local governments began taking actions in recent days to limit public gatherings to no more than 50, it became apparent that the casinos couldn’t remain open.

Leara said he felt especially bad for the thousands of casino workers in Missouri.

“These people, they love their jobs, they make good money,” Leara said. “Man, that’s really tough to tell them they can’t come to work.”

Across the state, other steps were being taken to protect people from the virus.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man in his 40s who recently traveled abroad is the 16th person in Missouri to test positive for the coronavirus, health officials said.The man is doing well and is in isolation at his home, while his family is in quarantine, Jackson County health officials announced late Tuesday. It was the second case in the county that includes Kansas City.Missouri health officials have reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/07604111fba9addb7625938c9d7fe27a">cases&nbsp;</a>of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis.The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people, but severe illness is more likely in the elderly and people with existing health problems. Worldwide, COVID-19 has killed over 7,800 people so far, while more than 80,000 have recovered.&nbsp;Cerner spokeswoman Misti Preston said the company asked anyone who had contact with the individual to self quarantine and closed its sprawling campus in south Kansas City for deep cleaning.Cerner, a health care technology company, has 14,000 employees on campuses in the Kansas City region.______KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —Missouri's health department on Tuesday reported 15 positive cases of coronavirus as state and local governments took additional steps to limit large gatherings in an attempt stem the virus' spread.The agency has reported cases of COVID-19 in Boone, Cass, Cole, Greene, Henry, Jackson and St. Louis counties, as well as one case in the city of St. Louis.Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday ordered the closure of Missouri's 13 casinos as of midnight through March 30. Meanwhile, some nonviolent jail inmates are being freed to reduce the risk of transmission behind bars.The news came the same day that neighboring Kansas announced it was closing state-owned casinos through March 30. Illinois closed casinos on Monday for at least two weeks.Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Mike Leara said the impact of the shutdown could mean up to $1 million a day in lost revenue for the state. He said once local governments began taking actions in recent days to limit public gatherings to no more than 50, it became apparent that the casinos couldn’t remain open.Leara said he felt especially bad for the thousands of casino workers in Missouri.“These people, they love their jobs, they make good money,” Leara said. “Man, that’s really tough to tell them they can’t come to work.”The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people, but severe illness is more likely in the elderly and people with existing health problems. Worldwide, COVID-19 has killed over 7,800 people so far, while more than 80,000 have recovered.Across the state, other steps were being taken to protect people from the virus.St. Louis city and county officials jointly announced that effective midnight Thursday, restaurants and bars are prohibited from offering dine-in service. Kansas City enacted a similar ban that began Tuesday.Columbia Mayor Brian Treece said to expect an order from the city's public health director Tuesday directing bars and restaurants in the college town to cut their capacity in half or limit occupants to 50 people, including staff.At St. Louis' Gateway Arch, the visitor center, museum and grounds remained open, but the tram that transports visitors to the top of the Arch was shut down until further notice.At St. Louis City Hall, visitors were being scanned for fevers before entering the building. The scan involved non-contact infrared thermometers. St. Louis Circuit Court suspended all jury trials through April 10.Meanwhile, the top prosecutors in St. Louis city and county took actions to ease jail crowding and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said in a statement that anyone arrested for a nonviolent crime who does not appear to pose a threat will be released with a summons to appear in court, rather than be jailed. People already housed at the county justice center awaiting trial will be considered for release if they are accused of a nonviolent or “low-level” crime, Bell said.The decision is part of a cooperative agreement between his office, judges, the county health department and other county entities, Bell said.Bell, who took office in January 2019, has made reducing the jail population a priority and said the population has fallen by 30% since he took office.St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner said detention will be sought only for suspects who pose a threat to public safety. She also said her office is seeking “cash bail alternatives” and is taking steps to push back most court cases for 60 days to reduce courtroom contact during the health crisis.Parson said decisions on releasing nonviolent inmates are up to local officials.--------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Another case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in western Missouri, bringing the state's total to eight.Cass County health officials announced late Monday that a patient is in self-isolation in Drexel, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Kansas City. No other information was released.Two other new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3754c04fbe255b15ae5d487080fb2a33">cases</a>&nbsp;were announced Monday, one in St. Louis and the other in Greene County in southwest Missouri.Also Monday, a state appeals court ruled against St. Louis County Election Board's request to move the county's April 7 election to a later date although the judges said they might reconsider.A three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District said the coronavirus emergency makes the the county's request for an April 28 mail-in election “the best option under the circumstances” but state law doesn't allow the court to approve such requests, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/court-turns-down-st-louis-county-request-for-delay-in/article_8fd4e5e3-7911-5b53-8880-40774d411412.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reported</a>.For most people, the 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. The vast majority of people recover from the virus.The Missouri judges also rejected the election board’s alternative request to move the election to the Aug. 4 state primary election. The judges indicated they could reconsider if another date was sought.Eric Fey, the election board’s Democratic director, said the board would meet soon to consider how to respond to the decision.The Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities on Monday were discussing moving the April 7 election to June 2.“I understand it’s up to each individual county, but it would be nice to be unified in this decision, to save confusion for the voters,” said Lincoln County Clerk Crystal Hall in an email Monday to other local election officials. “We are in scary, uncertain times. The health of our poll workers and residents is our number one concern.”Hall said a draft request to the courts was being prepared by election officials in Springfield and suburban Kansas City.Missouri law allows state appeals court panels to move an election if a “disaster” prevents one from being held.Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said the April 7 election is on schedule but he has an “open, ongoing dialogue” with local authorities and is “discussing different scenarios that may occur over the next several weeks."___KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson on Monday announced the first case of coronavirus in the city, raising the total number of cases in Missouri to seven.Krewson said the person is in their twenties, immediately received medical treatment and self-isolated. St. Louis Director of Health Dr. Fredrick Echols said the individual had traveled to a country where COVID-19 is spreading, landed at an out-of-state airport and then drove to St. Louis.“No other individuals are at risk from developing COVID-19 from this individual, again because they followed the instructions that were given to them by the city of St. Louis Department of Health,” Echols said.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson earlier Monday had announced the state's sixth case, this one in Greene County in southwestern Missouri.Across the state, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas banned gatherings of more than 10 people and visits to nursing and retirement homes. He announced all public and private schools in the city must close no later than Wednesday and must remain closed until the emergency declaration is lifted.Lucas also said entire households must self-isolate if anyone in the home tests positive for the virus and are encouraged to do so if anyone starts showing symptoms of coronavirus.He said bars and restaurants must only serve carry-out or delivery.St. Louis-area leaders also recommended that all K-12 schools close by Wednesday at the latest until further notice. Krewson said in a tweet that officials from the city and surrounding counties, including St. Clair and Madison Counties in Illinois, expected to decide soon whether to require the mandatory closure of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.Parson said Missouri should be able to conduct thousands of tests per day for the coronavirus and deploy mobile testing sites throughout the state on or around April 1.Parson and Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said during a news conference that the state's criteria will change from travel-related and the most severe cases to trying to find people with coughs and fevers of 104 degrees.“The good news for the time being is that help is on the way,” Parson said. “I think we’re going to be able to see a lot more on the testing side of it that will reassure the people of the state. I think you’ll also see mobile testing sites in different areas around the state” particularly in areas that currently struggle with access to health care.The governor said state officials are currently following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bb248d537056090ccc47f83cbeb5f603">the recommendations</a>&nbsp;of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in reference to whether to close schools, businesses and higher learning facilities, but he noted the situation is fluid and could change.Parson on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d5e1f5150548d3137e877be5883cee4d">Sunday</a>&nbsp;strongly encouraged the cancellation or suspension of public events with more than 50 people following federal health officials' recommendations that those events be halted in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.He said Monday that he is aware of the impact this could have on businesses and the economy, but that public safety must be the state's top priority.“Missouri has been through tough times before and we're going to get through these,” Parson said. “... Right now we're just asking people to help as much as they can help and (to) try to be responsible.”On Monday, the Missouri Supreme Court suspended nearly all in-person proceedings in appellate and circuit courts through at least April 3. The order also includes associate, family, juvenile, municipal and probate divisions, with some exceptions. The court said the order would be extended “if circumstances warrant.”The court said in a news release that the presiding judges in the state's 46 judicial circuits and chief judges in the three districts of the appeals court will decide how exceptions to the order will be conducted. Judges in those proceedings will have discretion to excuse jurors or other individuals who cannot or should not appear because of the virus.The court said its order doesn't affect its ability to consider or rule on matters that don't require in-person proceedings.St. Louis' circuit court on Monday canceled jury trials through April 10 and encouraged judges to use videoconferencing for court appearances.Also Monday, the Missouri State High School Activities Association canceled semifinal and championship boys and girls basketball games that had been scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Springfield.The vast majority of people recover from the coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild cases recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe ones can take three to six weeks get well.

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