There’s more to the new coronavirus than the number of cases confirmed here in Kansas. The Kansas News Service wants to make it easy for you, so we’ve put together a list of things you probably want to know about.
It’ll update as the virus progresses (or doesn’t) through the state, and was last updated at 3:37 p.m. March 13.
CASES AND DEATHS
6 cases (4 in Johnson County, 1 in Wyandotte County, 1 in Sedgwick County)
1 death (confirmed postmortem from Wyandotte County)
NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING MONITORED
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which is coordinating the state’s response to the coronavirus, is not giving public updates on their “people under investigation” numbers.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY?
It gives the state government more power to marshal resources and triggers the state’s response plan. The state legislature decided Friday to extend the declaration through January 2021, with the aim of giving Gov. Laura Kelly the ability to make certain decisions when lawmakers aren’t in session.
HOW ARE UNIVERSITIES RESPONDING?
University of Kansas and K-State: All classes are delayed until March 23 (giving students a two-week spring break), and upon resuming classes, everything will be done online for at least the first week.
Wichita State: The university will effectively expand spring break for two weeks, starting March 14; when classes resume, they’ll be held online at least through April 10.
Other colleges: Washburn won’t hold classes until March 20, and then it’ll be online. Newman University expanded spring break for two weeks (March 14 to March 29). Johnson County Community College will close campus from March 14-29, and all courses will restart online on March 30. Fort Hays State will move its classes online beginning March 23 through the remainder of the semester and students who live on campus will have to leave. Pittsburg State started break a day early and will resume classes indefinitely online on March 30.
HOW ABOUT K-12 SCHOOLS?
Several large Kansas school districts started spring break a day early, and will decide what to do later. However, the Riley County Health Department ordered all Manhattan public schools to close through at least the end of March.
If health officials order a district closed, it has three options: Make up the time before June 30, move to e-learning or request a waiver from Education Commissioner Randy Watson so they don’t have to make up the days. If a district chooses to close voluntarily, it must make up the days.
WHAT’S BEEN CANCELED OR SUSPENDED?
Kansas Legislature: Lawmakers are discussing what to do, but no cancellations or delays as of yet.
State prisons: The Kansas Department of Corrections ended visitation at all state facilities as of Friday, and will “re-evaluate on an ongoing basis.” It urges families to talk to inmates through email, phone calls and video visits.
High school sports: The Kansas State High School Athletics Association canceled the state basketball tournament after Thursday’s semifinal rounds.
College sports: The NCAA Tournament for men’s and women’s basketball will not take place. The Big 12, on the heels of canceling its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri, also suspended spring sports until March 29. The American Athletic Conference, which Wichita State is a part of, canceled its tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.
Events: The Lawrence Public Library canceled all public events until at least the end of March.
HOW BAD IS THE VIRUS?
COVID-19 usually causes mild to moderate symptoms, like a fever or cough. Most people with mild symptoms recover in two weeks. More severe cases, found in older adults and people with health issues, can have up to six weeks’ recovery time.
HOW CAN YOU AVOID IT?
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Frequently.
- Cover your coughs.
- If you’re an older Kansan or medically fragile, put off any vacations and limit your trips to the grocery store or any public space.
- Stay home if you are sick — this goes for all ages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
(Kansas News Service)
www.kcur.org
