Tony's Pizza Events Center has postponed events through May 11.

Following is a statement issued this afternoon by Tony's Pizza Events Center.

Today, the Saline County Health Department urged that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the City of Salina has directed Tony’s Pizza Events Center to postpone all gatherings through May 11, 2020.

We are currently working to reschedule all performances March 17th to May 10th and will provide updates as quickly as possible.

Please note fans are encouraged to retain their tickets until the new date is announced.

The following events have been postponed:

• March 21st, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• March 24th-26th, MidAmerica Farm Expo

• March 28th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• April 4th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• April 17th-19th, Salina Shrine Circus

• April 24th, The Charlie Daniels Band &amp; Marshall Tucker Band

• April 30th, Salina Women’s Fair

• May 10th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

At this time, all events after May 11, 2020, are still scheduled as planned.

The safety and well-being of our employees, partners, performers, athletes and guests is our top priority. We will continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities as the situation develops.

Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. We will email patrons directly regarding the status of each performance as details are confirmed, and the most up-to-date status for each event will be available on our website and social media channels.

Tony's Pizza Events Center has postponed events through May 11.Following is a statement issued this afternoon by Tony's Pizza Events Center.Today, the Saline County Health Department urged that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the City of Salina has directed Tony’s Pizza Events Center to postpone all gatherings through May 11, 2020.We are currently working to reschedule all performances March 17th to May 10th and will provide updates as quickly as possible.Please note fans are encouraged to retain their tickets until the new date is announced.The following events have been postponed:• March 21st, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• March 24th-26th, MidAmerica Farm Expo• March 28th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• April 4th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• April 17th-19th, Salina Shrine Circus• April 24th, The Charlie Daniels Band &amp; Marshall Tucker Band• April 30th, Salina Women’s Fair• May 10th, Salina Liberty Indoor FootballAt this time, all events after May 11, 2020, are still scheduled as planned.The safety and well-being of our employees, partners, performers, athletes and guests is our top priority. We will continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities as the situation develops.Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. We will email patrons directly regarding the status of each performance as details are confirmed, and the most up-to-date status for each event will be available on our website and social media channels.

Tony's Pizza Events Center postpones events through May 11

The Salina Public Library is closing until further notice.

Following is a statement released this afternoon by the library.

Salina Public Library continues to actively monitor information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on recommendations
 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, the library
 will be closed until further notice.

All materials can be
 returned after
the library reopens. All fines incurred during the time that the library is closed will
 be removed from patron accounts. Please do not return items to library bookdrops during this time.

Those who have registered
 and paid for events through the library’s CLASS program will receive refunds. Library staff will be in contact with CLASS students.

The library offers a
 variety of digital services patrons can utilize from the comfort of your home. Visit
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a> to use Sunflower eLibrary, Hoopla and RBDigital with your library card. Research and online learning resources can also be accessed through the library’s website, as well as further updates on library services.

The Salina Public Library is closing until further notice.Following is a statement released this afternoon by the library.Salina Public Library continues to actively monitor information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on recommendations
 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, the library
 will be closed until further notice.All materials can be
 returned after
the library reopens. All fines incurred during the time that the library is closed will
 be removed from patron accounts. Please do not return items to library bookdrops during this time.Those who have registered
 and paid for events through the library’s CLASS program will receive refunds. Library staff will be in contact with CLASS students.The library offers a
 variety of digital services patrons can utilize from the comfort of your home. Visit
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a> to use Sunflower eLibrary, Hoopla and RBDigital with your library card. Research and online learning resources can also be accessed through the library’s website, as well as further updates on library services.

Salina Public Library  closes in response to COVID-19 outbreak

The Saline County Commission will not meet Tuesday.

Following is a statement release by the county earlier this afternoon.

With the recent address from President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, the Saline County Board of County Commissioners will not hold their public meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday March 17th, 2020.

Additional information regarding various County boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.

The Saline County Commission will not meet Tuesday.Following is a statement release by the county earlier this afternoon.With the recent address from President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, the Saline County Board of County Commissioners will not hold their public meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday March 17th, 2020.Additional information regarding various County boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.

County cancels Tuesday commission meeting

The local Salvation Army organization wants people to know that it is still ready to serve those most in need. To that end, the organization released the following statement.

The Salvation Army of Saline County will continue to be open to serve the needs of the most vulnerable people during this time of crisis.

To comply with recommended guidelines and insure the wellness of others, along with The Salvation Army employees the following procedures have been put in place.

The Salvation Army office at 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue will be open only for scheduled appointments. Those needing assistance may call the office at 823-2251. Those with scheduled appointments may come to the south entrance and you will be met there by staff. Showers for homeless people will be provided 8:30 am till noon, one person at a time in the building.

The Community Meal will continue with to go meals only. Dine in will not be available at this time. Meals will be handed out at the South door of the Salvation Army for Breakfast 8:15 to 9:15 am, lunch 11:30 am 1o 12:30 pm, Supper 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

This protocol will be through March 30, 2020 unless updates are needed.

The local Salvation Army organization wants people to know that it is still ready to serve those most in need. To that end, the organization released the following statement.The Salvation Army of Saline County will continue to be open to serve the needs of the most vulnerable people during this time of crisis. To comply with recommended guidelines and insure the wellness of others, along with The Salvation Army employees the following procedures have been put in place. The Salvation Army office at 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue will be open only for scheduled appointments. Those needing assistance may call the office at 823-2251. Those with scheduled appointments may come to the south entrance and you will be met there by staff. Showers for homeless people will be provided 8:30 am till noon, one person at a time in the building.The Community Meal will continue with to go meals only. Dine in will not be available at this time. Meals will be handed out at the South door of the Salvation Army for Breakfast 8:15 to 9:15 am, lunch 11:30 am 1o 12:30 pm, Supper 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.This protocol will be through March 30, 2020 unless updates are needed.

Local Salvation Army makes adjustments, continues to help others

Following is the latest from the City of Salina.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised their guidance regarding public gatherings indicating they now recommend to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15 day period “15 Days to Slow the Spread of COVID-19”. Consequently, the following meetings have been canceled:

March 17 Planning Commission meeting

Additional information regarding various City boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.

Following is the latest from the City of Salina.At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised their guidance regarding public gatherings indicating they now recommend to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15 day period “15 Days to Slow the Spread of COVID-19”. Consequently, the following meetings have been canceled:March 16 City CommissionMarch 17 Planning Commission meetingAdditional information regarding various City boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.

City Commission and Planning Commission meetings canceled

KANSAS CITY — The University of Kansas Health System and Senator Jerry Moran held a press conference Monday morning to address the coronavirus outbreak.

The conference included Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president, Kansas City Division of the Health System, Steve Stites, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Allen Greiner, M.D., PhD, Medical Officer, Unified Government Health Department

KANSAS CITY — The University of Kansas Health System and Senator Jerry Moran held a press conference Monday morning to address the coronavirus outbreak.The conference included Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president, Kansas City Division of the Health System, Steve Stites, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Allen Greiner, M.D., PhD, Medical Officer, Unified Government Health Department<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkuhospital%2Fvideos%2F894235634348062%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="381" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥 Moran, KU Health System answer questions on coronavirus

Organizers have canceled Salina's Spring Spruce-Up in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The following is a statement from Jane Anderson, executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation.

Spring Spruce-Up that was to be held on April 25 is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in the US. We look forward to Fall Fix-Up with the date to be decided. Stay safe, and we hope to see you then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584389204747.png" alt="Image courtesy event organizers" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy event organizers</figcaption>
 </figure>Organizers have canceled Salina's Spring Spruce-Up in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.The following is a statement from Jane Anderson, executive director of the Friends of the River Foundation.Spring Spruce-Up that was to be held on April 25 is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in the US. We look forward to Fall Fix-Up with the date to be decided. Stay safe, and we hope to see you then.

Salina's Spring Spruce-Up canceled in response to COVID-19 outbreak

The Salina Art Center and Art Cinema have been closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Following is a statement from Misty Serene, Salina Art Center interim executive director.

The safety and well-being of our members, guests, and staff are our highest priority. As such, I wanted to let you know that we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves, and we are taking the following extra steps for everyone’s safety:

·&nbsp;Salina Art Center is closed through March 31, 2020. We anticipate the Salina Biennial will open on April 1 as scheduled, but the Artist Reception is moved to June 5.

·Salina Art Center Cinema is closed through April 2, 2020. Any advance purchased tickets are being refunded.

·All classes, special events, and programming have been cancelled through April 6. Parents are being refunded for classes they have paid for.

· We urge anyone with cold or flu symptoms, or who are not feeling well, to stay home.

The Salina Art Center and Art Cinema have been closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;Following is a statement from Misty Serene, Salina Art Center interim executive director.The safety and well-being of our members, guests, and staff are our highest priority. As such, I wanted to let you know that we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves, and we are taking the following extra steps for everyone’s safety:·&nbsp;Salina Art Center is closed through March 31, 2020. We anticipate the Salina Biennial will open on April 1 as scheduled, but the Artist Reception is moved to June 5.·Salina Art Center Cinema is closed through April 2, 2020. Any advance purchased tickets are being refunded.·All classes, special events, and programming have been cancelled through April 6. Parents are being refunded for classes they have paid for.· We urge anyone with cold or flu symptoms, or who are not feeling well, to stay home.

Salina Art Center, Art Center Cinema closed

CHARLOTTE, NC – Following the recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, the NJCAA has made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming basketball championships as well as spring competition, effective immediately.

This means that all scheduled Cloud County Community College athletic contests for the remainder of the 2019-20 season has been cancelled, following in the footsteps of other national governing bodies that have already made the difficult decision (NCAA, NAIA).

"In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. "As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."

Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play.

Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.

Along with the cancellation of competition, all on and off-campus recruiting for all sports will be halted until April 15 with further evaluation to be assessed at that point in time.&nbsp;

The NJCAA will explore the opportunity to expand allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years under the recommendation of the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.

The NJCAA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

CHARLOTTE, NC – Following the recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, the NJCAA has made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming basketball championships as well as spring competition, effective immediately.This means that all scheduled Cloud County Community College athletic contests for the remainder of the 2019-20 season has been cancelled, following in the footsteps of other national governing bodies that have already made the difficult decision (NCAA, NAIA)."In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. "As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play.Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.Along with the cancellation of competition, all on and off-campus recruiting for all sports will be halted until April 15 with further evaluation to be assessed at that point in time.&nbsp;The NJCAA will explore the opportunity to expand allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years under the recommendation of the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.The NJCAA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

NJCAA cancels all remaining spring sports competition

Amid growing concerns, cases, and the Center for Disease Controls recently released guidance on COVID-19 (coronavirus, the 2020 Mid-America Farm Expo in Salina will be postponed until further notice, according to a release from the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The 55th annual expo was scheduled for March 24-26 in Tony's Pizza Events Center.

Participating vendors will be notified directly by staff as future updates become available.

Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus COVID-19 have led to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many but is appropriate under these unique circumstances. The health and safety of the Mid-America Farm Expo volunteers, vendors, staff, and community as a whole is our number one priority.

Amid growing concerns, cases, and the Center for Disease Controls recently released guidance on COVID-19 (coronavirus, the 2020 Mid-America Farm Expo in Salina will be postponed until further notice, according to a release from the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. The 55th annual expo was scheduled for March 24-26 in Tony's Pizza Events Center.Participating vendors will be notified directly by staff as future updates become available.Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus COVID-19 have led to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many but is appropriate under these unique circumstances. The health and safety of the Mid-America Farm Expo volunteers, vendors, staff, and community as a whole is our number one priority.

Chamber: Mid-America Farm Expo postponed

All senior center activities and groups, with the exception of Meals on Wheels, have been canceled for the next eight weeks due to COVID-19 concerns, according to a news release today from Saline County.

Meals On Wheels will continue with changes in protocols.

· Coolers will be provided to MOW recipients.

· Volunteers delivering meals will put each meal in the cooler and knock on the door.

· Each volunteer will stand back approximately six feet and wait for recipients to answer the door.

· Volunteers are encouraged to speak to each recipient to ensure that they are well, but not enter their home due the possibility of spreading the virus to the recipient.

All senior center groups and activities have been canceled for the next eight weeks. Staff will be available for any questions, please call 785-827-9818.

Groups: exercise, art, bingo, sewing, computer, nail care, woodcarving, singing and any other group is suspended for the next eight weeks.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about six feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, <a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>. Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider

All senior center activities and groups, with the exception of Meals on Wheels, have been canceled for the next eight weeks due to COVID-19 concerns, according to a news release today from Saline County.Meals On Wheels will continue with changes in protocols.· Coolers will be provided to MOW recipients.· Volunteers delivering meals will put each meal in the cooler and knock on the door.· Each volunteer will stand back approximately six feet and wait for recipients to answer the door.· Volunteers are encouraged to speak to each recipient to ensure that they are well, but not enter their home due the possibility of spreading the virus to the recipient.Activities and GroupsAll senior center groups and activities have been canceled for the next eight weeks. Staff will be available for any questions, please call 785-827-9818.Groups: exercise, art, bingo, sewing, computer, nail care, woodcarving, singing and any other group is suspended for the next eight weeks.PreventionThere is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about six feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.To reduce risk, everyone should:· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.· Stay home if you are sick.· Cover coughs and sneezes.· Clean and disinfect surfaces daily.For more information, please visit the KDHE website at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, <a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>. Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider

COVID-19: Senior center cancels activities for next eight weeks

The Salina City Commission study session scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today has been canceled.

The city released the following statement concerning the study session.

The City of Salina has been monitoring the rapidly changing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, City staff is working to make adjustments based upon the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, and the Saline County Health Department.

According to the CDC's guidance for the next eight weeks, it is recommended that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. The Saline County Health Department is in support of this guidance.

Since it is likely that the attendance at the City of Salina study session scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m., could exceed 50, it has been has been canceled. The City Commission meeting at 4 p.m. will still take place in Room 107 and attendance is not anticipated to exceed 50.

Review of additional City meetings is underway and additional announcements will be forthcoming.

For information pertaining to the CDC’s guidance regarding events, visit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/largeevents/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/largeevents/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html</a>. For questions or concerns related to the study session, contact the City of Salina City Manager’s Office at (785) 309-5700.

The Salina City Commission study session scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today has been canceled.The city released the following statement concerning the study session.The City of Salina has been monitoring the rapidly changing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, City staff is working to make adjustments based upon the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, and the Saline County Health Department.According to the CDC's guidance for the next eight weeks, it is recommended that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. The Saline County Health Department is in support of this guidance.Since it is likely that the attendance at the City of Salina study session scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m., could exceed 50, it has been has been canceled. The City Commission meeting at 4 p.m. will still take place in Room 107 and attendance is not anticipated to exceed 50.Review of additional City meetings is underway and additional announcements will be forthcoming.For information pertaining to the CDC’s guidance regarding events, visit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/largeevents/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/largeevents/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html</a>. For questions or concerns related to the study session, contact the City of Salina City Manager’s Office at (785) 309-5700.

Salina City Commission Monday study session canceled

The Salina Area United Way has closed its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program office due to COVID-19 concerns.

Following is the statement issued this morning by SAUW.

Effective Monday March 16th, the Salina Area United Way has decided with the COVID-19 Coronavirus concerns to close the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program office (VITA) for the remainder of this tax season.&nbsp; The safety of our volunteers and the individuals who use this program are our number one concern. With the recommendation from the CDC that gatherings of 50 people or more in the US be canceled or postponed, we feel it is the best decision.

If you have already had your taxes completed through the VITA office and have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.&nbsp; We will do our best to get all questions answered.

You can contact SAUW at 785-827-1312.&nbsp;

The Salina Area United Way has closed its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program office due to COVID-19 concerns.Following is the statement issued this morning by SAUW.Effective Monday March 16th, the Salina Area United Way has decided with the COVID-19 Coronavirus concerns to close the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program office (VITA) for the remainder of this tax season.&nbsp; The safety of our volunteers and the individuals who use this program are our number one concern. With the recommendation from the CDC that gatherings of 50 people or more in the US be canceled or postponed, we feel it is the best decision.If you have already had your taxes completed through the VITA office and have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.&nbsp; We will do our best to get all questions answered.You can contact SAUW at 785-827-1312.&nbsp;

COVID-19: Salina Area United Way closes VITA tax prep office

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court announced Monday that it is postponing arguments for late March and early April because of the coronavirus, including fights over subpoenas for President Donald Trump’s financial records.

Other business will go on as planned, including the justices' private conference on Friday and the release of orders in a week's time. Some justices may participate by telephone, the court said in a statement.

Six of the nine justices are 65 and older, at higher risk of getting very sick from the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 87, and Stephen Breyer, 81, are the oldest members of the court.

There is no new date set for the postponed arguments. the building has been closed to the public since last week.

The only other time the 85-year-old court building was closed for arguments was in October 2001, when anthrax was detected in the court mailroom. That led the justices to hold arguments in the federal courthouse about a half mile from the Supreme Court,

Within a week and after a thorough cleaning, the court reopened.

In 1918, when the court still met inside the Capitol, arguments were postponed for a month because of the flu pandemic. In the nation's early years, in August 1793 and August 1798, adjustments were made because of yellow fever outbreaks, the court said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court announced Monday that it is postponing arguments for late March and early April because of the coronavirus, including fights over subpoenas for President Donald Trump’s financial records.Other business will go on as planned, including the justices' private conference on Friday and the release of orders in a week's time. Some justices may participate by telephone, the court said in a statement.Six of the nine justices are 65 and older, at higher risk of getting very sick from the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 87, and Stephen Breyer, 81, are the oldest members of the court.There is no new date set for the postponed arguments. the building has been closed to the public since last week.The only other time the 85-year-old court building was closed for arguments was in October 2001, when anthrax was detected in the court mailroom. That led the justices to hold arguments in the federal courthouse about a half mile from the Supreme Court,Within a week and after a thorough cleaning, the court reopened.In 1918, when the court still met inside the Capitol, arguments were postponed for a month because of the flu pandemic. In the nation's early years, in August 1793 and August 1798, adjustments were made because of yellow fever outbreaks, the court said.

Supreme Court postpones arguments because of virus outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Americans to cease hoarding groceries and other supplies, while one of the nation’s most senior public health officials called on the nation to act with more urgency to safeguard their health as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread across the United States. Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would like to see aggressive measures such as a 14-day national shutdown.

Trump assured Americans, after speaking with leading grocery chain executives, that grocers would remain open and that the supply chain remained healthy. Vice President Mike Pence urged Americans to only buy the groceries they need for the week ahead.

“You don’t have to buy so much,” Trump said at a news conference. “Take it easy. Just relax.”

The comments from the president after the government’s top infectious disease expert said he would like to see aggressive measures such as a 14-day national shutdown that would require Americans to hunker down even more to help slow the spread of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>.

Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9d289a802222800a6eeb56e6be28333">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;said travel restrictions within the United States, such as to and from hard-hit Washington state and California, probably will not be needed anytime soon.

The push by one of the nation’s foremost public health experts for Americans to act with greater urgency came as officials in Washington began preparing for what is expected to be a long-haul effort to try to stem the virus that has upended life around the globe.

At the White House, Trump tuned in to an online evangelical church service on what he designated as a national day of prayer and held a conference call with grocery and supply chain executives on how to keep food and other necessary supplies flowing to Americans.

New protocols were on the way to protect the president and his staff. Starting Monday, those who enter the White House complex will have their temperatures taken, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss protocols not yet announced. This would expand on screenings that began Saturday for those in close proximity to the president and vice president.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Congress had started work on a new aid package after the one just approved by the House early Saturday, which provided direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. It included sick pay and other resources and was pending in Senate.

“We have already begun work to develop a third emergency response package,” Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues.

With the U.S. Capitol among the many iconic landmarks closed to tours, Pelosi also urged lawmakers to have most of their Washington staff telework from home, as health officials urge social distancing. House lawmakers are away on weeklong recess and many have already curtailed office visits at their local offices, as well.

Fauci, the public face of the administration’s messaging during a round of morning TV interviews, said the country should do as much as “we possibly could,” even if officials were criticized for overreacting. He said he raised the issue of measures such as a shutdown with the Trump administration, and said officials were open to his ideas.

“I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,” said Fauci, a member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus. He heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he will ask Congress to reinstate powers that were used during the 2008 financial crisis to support the economy as the coronavirus threatens to significantly slow U.S. business activity in the weeks ahead.

Fauci said the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions should already be hunkering down, but other Americans, too, should consider further restricting their outside activity, including teleworking if possible, avoiding travel and skipping meals in restaurants.

“Everything is on the table,” he said. “Right now, myself personally, I wouldn’t go to a restaurant. I just wouldn’t because I don’t want to be in a crowded place. ... I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m going to be all of a sudden self-isolating for 14 days.” The virus has an incubation period of anywhere from two days to 14 days before symptoms emerge.

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 worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 156,000 people and left more than 5,800 dead. The death toll in the United States is more than 50, while infections neared 3,000 across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

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

Trump in recent days has imposed sweeping travel restrictions for much of Europe. On Saturday, he added the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face travel restrictions over the next 30 days. The State Department on Sunday said it would allow U.S. personnel to leave their diplomatic or consular posts worldwide if they or family members were medically determined to be at a higher risk of falling very ill if exposed to the virus.

Trump also has pledged broadened U.S. testing for the virus as major employers such as Apple Inc. have sent workers home to telework and several states and big cities, including Los Angeles and Boston, shuttered down schools for a week or more.

Positive tests hit close to Congress and the National Institutes of Health.

On Sunday, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said a former staff member tested positive for COVID-19. That staffer, Daniel Goldman, the attorney who led Democratic questioning during the House impeachment hearings, had left the office 10 days ago and he’s believed to have contracted the virus after his departure.

“We will still be taking additional precautions over the next few days,” Schiff said. “The former staffer is feeling better and no current staff have reported any flu-like symptoms at this time.”

NIH reported Sunday that one of its staff working in its division on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases had tested positive for COVID-19, its first case. NIH said the person was not involved in patient care and was now quarantined at home and “doing well.”

Trump has suggested that restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic could be next. But Fauci on Sunday played down that or having major national lockdowns on the level now seen in European countries such as Italy and Spain.

“We feel that with rather stringent mitigation and containment, without necessarily complete lockdown, we would be able to prevent ourselves from getting to where, unfortunately, Italy is now,” Fauci said.

“With regard to domestic travel bans, we always talk about it, consider everything. But I can tell you that has not been seriously considered, doing travel bans in the country. ... I don’t see that right now or in the immediate future.”

More than the crisis was on Trump’s mind. He tweeted that he was considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn, his disgraced former national security adviser, and he directed barbs at a familiar target, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow expressed confidence that supply lines such as food for stores will be largely unaffected by the virus outbreak.

“I’ve read about some situations where this is a difficulty, but most of our supply lines are working pretty well in the domestic United States,” he said. “I mean, there’s a huge economic challenge here. Do not get me wrong, a huge economic challenge. On the other hand, most of America is still working. ... Factories are not shutting down across the country, at least not yet.”

Trump said he tuned in to services being streamed from the Free Chapel, an evangelical Gainseville, Georgia, church that like many congregations around the country was holding services without churchgoers in the pews.

Fauci spoke on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week,” “Fox News Sunday,” and CBS’ “Face the Nation.” Kudlow appeared on CBS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584311773705.png" alt="President Trump during Sunday's Caronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Sunday's Caronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Americans to cease hoarding groceries and other supplies, while one of the nation’s most senior public health officials called on the nation to act with more urgency to safeguard their health as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread across the United States. Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would like to see aggressive measures such as a 14-day national shutdown.Trump assured Americans, after speaking with leading grocery chain executives, that grocers would remain open and that the supply chain remained healthy. Vice President Mike Pence urged Americans to only buy the groceries they need for the week ahead.“You don’t have to buy so much,” Trump said at a news conference. “Take it easy. Just relax.”The comments from the president after the government’s top infectious disease expert said he would like to see aggressive measures such as a 14-day national shutdown that would require Americans to hunker down even more to help slow the spread of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>.Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9d289a802222800a6eeb56e6be28333">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;said travel restrictions within the United States, such as to and from hard-hit Washington state and California, probably will not be needed anytime soon.The push by one of the nation’s foremost public health experts for Americans to act with greater urgency came as officials in Washington began preparing for what is expected to be a long-haul effort to try to stem the virus that has upended life around the globe.At the White House, Trump tuned in to an online evangelical church service on what he designated as a national day of prayer and held a conference call with grocery and supply chain executives on how to keep food and other necessary supplies flowing to Americans.New protocols were on the way to protect the president and his staff. Starting Monday, those who enter the White House complex will have their temperatures taken, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss protocols not yet announced. This would expand on screenings that began Saturday for those in close proximity to the president and vice president.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Congress had started work on a new aid package after the one just approved by the House early Saturday, which provided direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. It included sick pay and other resources and was pending in Senate.“We have already begun work to develop a third emergency response package,” Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues.With the U.S. Capitol among the many iconic landmarks closed to tours, Pelosi also urged lawmakers to have most of their Washington staff telework from home, as health officials urge social distancing. House lawmakers are away on weeklong recess and many have already curtailed office visits at their local offices, as well.Fauci, the public face of the administration’s messaging during a round of morning TV interviews, said the country should do as much as “we possibly could,” even if officials were criticized for overreacting. He said he raised the issue of measures such as a shutdown with the Trump administration, and said officials were open to his ideas.“I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,” said Fauci, a member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus. He heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he will ask Congress to reinstate powers that were used during the 2008 financial crisis to support the economy as the coronavirus threatens to significantly slow U.S. business activity in the weeks ahead.Fauci said the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions should already be hunkering down, but other Americans, too, should consider further restricting their outside activity, including teleworking if possible, avoiding travel and skipping meals in restaurants.“Everything is on the table,” he said. “Right now, myself personally, I wouldn’t go to a restaurant. I just wouldn’t because I don’t want to be in a crowded place. ... I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m going to be all of a sudden self-isolating for 14 days.” The virus has an incubation period of anywhere from two days to 14 days before symptoms emerge.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 worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 156,000 people and left more than 5,800 dead. The death toll in the United States is more than 50, while infections neared 3,000 across 49 states and the District of Columbia.The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three weeks to six weeks to recover.Trump in recent days has imposed sweeping travel restrictions for much of Europe. On Saturday, he added the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face travel restrictions over the next 30 days. The State Department on Sunday said it would allow U.S. personnel to leave their diplomatic or consular posts worldwide if they or family members were medically determined to be at a higher risk of falling very ill if exposed to the virus.Trump also has pledged broadened U.S. testing for the virus as major employers such as Apple Inc. have sent workers home to telework and several states and big cities, including Los Angeles and Boston, shuttered down schools for a week or more.Positive tests hit close to Congress and the National Institutes of Health.On Sunday, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said a former staff member tested positive for COVID-19. That staffer, Daniel Goldman, the attorney who led Democratic questioning during the House impeachment hearings, had left the office 10 days ago and he’s believed to have contracted the virus after his departure.“We will still be taking additional precautions over the next few days,” Schiff said. “The former staffer is feeling better and no current staff have reported any flu-like symptoms at this time.”NIH reported Sunday that one of its staff working in its division on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases had tested positive for COVID-19, its first case. NIH said the person was not involved in patient care and was now quarantined at home and “doing well.”Trump has suggested that restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic could be next. But Fauci on Sunday played down that or having major national lockdowns on the level now seen in European countries such as Italy and Spain.“We feel that with rather stringent mitigation and containment, without necessarily complete lockdown, we would be able to prevent ourselves from getting to where, unfortunately, Italy is now,” Fauci said.“With regard to domestic travel bans, we always talk about it, consider everything. But I can tell you that has not been seriously considered, doing travel bans in the country. ... I don’t see that right now or in the immediate future.”More than the crisis was on Trump’s mind. He tweeted that he was considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn, his disgraced former national security adviser, and he directed barbs at a familiar target, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York.White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow expressed confidence that supply lines such as food for stores will be largely unaffected by the virus outbreak.“I’ve read about some situations where this is a difficulty, but most of our supply lines are working pretty well in the domestic United States,” he said. “I mean, there’s a huge economic challenge here. Do not get me wrong, a huge economic challenge. On the other hand, most of America is still working. ... Factories are not shutting down across the country, at least not yet.”Trump said he tuned in to services being streamed from the Free Chapel, an evangelical Gainseville, Georgia, church that like many congregations around the country was holding services without churchgoers in the pews.Fauci spoke on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week,” “Fox News Sunday,” and CBS’ “Face the Nation.” Kudlow appeared on CBS.___

Trump calls on Americans to cease hoarding food, supplies

Rolling Hills Zoo will remain open during regular hours, but is taking measures in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:

Rolling Hills Zoo will remain open during regular hours, but is taking measures in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frollinghillszoo%2Fposts%2F10158044092304383&width=500" width="500" height="247" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Rolling Hills Zoo taking safety measures, staying open

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (AP) — States across the U.S. are allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to respond to the coronavirus, even as the U.S. government prepares to send billions more their way.

Many states have built up sizable stockpiles in their “rainy day” funds during several robust years of tax collections. Some governors and state lawmakers now are tapping into those savings for emergency expenses. Others are looking to set aside even more in reserve, fearing the economic uncertainties stemming from the coronavirus could send tax revenues into a tailspin.

“Forget the closure on Broadway — the loss of revenue to the state government, right now, is incalculable,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat.

He pulled the curtain on Broadway theaters this past week while banning gatherings of 500 or more people.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he would free up as much as $50 billion for state and local governments as he declared the virus pandemic a national emergency. Many governors also have declared emergencies, giving themselves greater flexibility to spend money and waive regulations as needed.

“All the resources we can have on hand — to make sure if things get worse — we want,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, while announcing a state of emergency just hours after the president did so.

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.

State and local public health agencies have been on the front lines of the response, monitoring and testing those suspected of having the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Costs are mounting for staff time and medical supplies.

But states also are bracing for a potential ripple effect on their revenues. The cancellation of major sporting and entertainment events could mean less tax revenue from tourists and local residents. Directives to work and study at home instead of at offices, schools and colleges could mean less revenue from fuel taxes and public transit fares. And if some employees can't go to work, that could put a damper on state income and withholding taxes while driving up spending for public welfare programs such as unemployment insurance and state Medicaid health care programs.

“It definitely has the potential to have a significant impact on state budgets — both on the spending and revenue side,” said Brian Sigritz, director of state fiscal studies at the National Association of State Budget Officers.

“One positive, if you want to use that word, is that this is coming after a period where states have seen strong revenue growth for the past couple of years ... and have been able to increase the size of their rainy day funds and reserves,” Sigritz added.

Across all states last fiscal year, the median rainy day fund balance equaled 7.6% of general fund expenditures. That's a record high that was way up from a 1.6% share of general fund expenditures in the 2010 fiscal year, according to the budget officers group.

In Washington state, which has seen the greatest number of U.S. coronavirus deaths, lawmakers this past week approved a budget that draws $200 million from the state's rainy day fund. Of that, $175 million is to go to the public health system with the rest going to a special unemployment fund for affected businesses and workers.

“The urgency of this is clear, the demand for action is clear, and we’ll stretch this as far as we can and we’ll find some way to finance more if we have to,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat.

While tapping the emergency fund, Washington state lawmakers also pared back some proposed spending, allowing the state's reserves to continue to grow in case the coronavirus causes more budgetary hardships.

Georgia lawmakers this past week approved shifting $100 million from the state’s $2.8 billion of reserves into a governor’s emergency fund for the coronavirus. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, signed legislation allowing the state to tap up to $50 million from its rainy day fund.

The spread of the coronavirus has coincided with crunch time in some state legislatures. Florida lawmakers, for example, extended their 60-day session that was scheduled to end Friday while working on a budget plan that has been complicated by the coronavirus outbreak. Concern about the economy has prompted budget writers to consider adding hundreds of millions of additional dollars to the state's reserves to help offset any potential shortfalls.

Some states where legislatures already had wrapped up budgets are now scrambling to account for the coronavirus costs.

New Mexico lawmakers adjourned Feb. 20. This past week, Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed about $150 million in infrastructure spending as coronavirus concerns caused world oil prices to plunge. The oil sector is a mainstay of the New Mexico economy.

The cuts included nearly $50 million for local transportation projects plus funding for a rural water system, a preschool and senior center at Native American communities, and improvements at district courts.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (AP) — States across the U.S. are allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to respond to the coronavirus, even as the U.S. government prepares to send billions more their way.Many states have built up sizable stockpiles in their “rainy day” funds during several robust years of tax collections. Some governors and state lawmakers now are tapping into those savings for emergency expenses. Others are looking to set aside even more in reserve, fearing the economic uncertainties stemming from the coronavirus could send tax revenues into a tailspin.“Forget the closure on Broadway — the loss of revenue to the state government, right now, is incalculable,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat.He pulled the curtain on Broadway theaters this past week while banning gatherings of 500 or more people.President Donald Trump said Friday that he would free up as much as $50 billion for state and local governments as he declared the virus pandemic a national emergency. Many governors also have declared emergencies, giving themselves greater flexibility to spend money and waive regulations as needed.“All the resources we can have on hand — to make sure if things get worse — we want,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, while announcing a state of emergency just hours after the president did so.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.State and local public health agencies have been on the front lines of the response, monitoring and testing those suspected of having the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Costs are mounting for staff time and medical supplies.But states also are bracing for a potential ripple effect on their revenues. The cancellation of major sporting and entertainment events could mean less tax revenue from tourists and local residents. Directives to work and study at home instead of at offices, schools and colleges could mean less revenue from fuel taxes and public transit fares. And if some employees can't go to work, that could put a damper on state income and withholding taxes while driving up spending for public welfare programs such as unemployment insurance and state Medicaid health care programs.“It definitely has the potential to have a significant impact on state budgets — both on the spending and revenue side,” said Brian Sigritz, director of state fiscal studies at the National Association of State Budget Officers.“One positive, if you want to use that word, is that this is coming after a period where states have seen strong revenue growth for the past couple of years ... and have been able to increase the size of their rainy day funds and reserves,” Sigritz added.Across all states last fiscal year, the median rainy day fund balance equaled 7.6% of general fund expenditures. That's a record high that was way up from a 1.6% share of general fund expenditures in the 2010 fiscal year, according to the budget officers group.In Washington state, which has seen the greatest number of U.S. coronavirus deaths, lawmakers this past week approved a budget that draws $200 million from the state's rainy day fund. Of that, $175 million is to go to the public health system with the rest going to a special unemployment fund for affected businesses and workers.“The urgency of this is clear, the demand for action is clear, and we’ll stretch this as far as we can and we’ll find some way to finance more if we have to,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat.While tapping the emergency fund, Washington state lawmakers also pared back some proposed spending, allowing the state's reserves to continue to grow in case the coronavirus causes more budgetary hardships.Georgia lawmakers this past week approved shifting $100 million from the state’s $2.8 billion of reserves into a governor’s emergency fund for the coronavirus. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, signed legislation allowing the state to tap up to $50 million from its rainy day fund.The spread of the coronavirus has coincided with crunch time in some state legislatures. Florida lawmakers, for example, extended their 60-day session that was scheduled to end Friday while working on a budget plan that has been complicated by the coronavirus outbreak. Concern about the economy has prompted budget writers to consider adding hundreds of millions of additional dollars to the state's reserves to help offset any potential shortfalls.Some states where legislatures already had wrapped up budgets are now scrambling to account for the coronavirus costs.New Mexico lawmakers adjourned Feb. 20. This past week, Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed about $150 million in infrastructure spending as coronavirus concerns caused world oil prices to plunge. The oil sector is a mainstay of the New Mexico economy.The cuts included nearly $50 million for local transportation projects plus funding for a rural water system, a preschool and senior center at Native American communities, and improvements at district courts.

States turn to cash reserves as coronavirus strains budgets

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has suspended all spring sports and activities through March 22.

In a message on the KSHSAA website, the organization wrote, "Effective Monday, March 16, all spring sports and activities are suspended through Sunday, March 22. This includes cancellation of all practices and competitions for this week. This prohibition is consistent with KSDE and governmental guidance and may be extended, should conditions warrant. Please note spring sports team members are prohibited from club or outside team participation and practice during this period. Not only would such outside participation be contrary to handbook rule, it would be contrary to the very reason activities are cancelled during the time we seek to mitigate potential transfer of the contagion."

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has suspended all spring sports and activities through March 22.In a message on the KSHSAA website, the organization wrote, "Effective Monday, March 16, all spring sports and activities are suspended through Sunday, March 22. This includes cancellation of all practices and competitions for this week. This prohibition is consistent with KSDE and governmental guidance and may be extended, should conditions warrant. Please note spring sports team members are prohibited from club or outside team participation and practice during this period. Not only would such outside participation be contrary to handbook rule, it would be contrary to the very reason activities are cancelled during the time we seek to mitigate potential transfer of the contagion."

KSHSAA suspends spring sports, activities through March 22

CHICAGO (AP) — The CDC is recommending that gatherings of 50 people or more in US be canceled or postponed over next eight weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials across the country curtailed many elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with governors closing restaurants, bars, and schools and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.

The shutdowns came as the nation sank deeper into chaos over the crisis. Travelers returning home from overseas trips were stuck in line for hours at major airports for screenings, causing them to be crammed into just the kind of crowded spaces that public health officials have been urging people to avoid.

In a sign of the impending economic gloom on the horizon, the Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero. President Donald Trump sought to calm a jittery nation by declaring that the government has “tremendous control” over the situation and urging people to stop the panic buying of grocery staples that has depleted the shelves of stores around the country. Gun stores started seeing a similar run on weapons and ammunition as the panic intensified.

Parts of the country already look like a ghost town, and others are about to follow as theme parks closed, Florida beaches shooed away spring breakers, Starbucks said it will accept only drive-thru and takeout orders and the governors of Ohio and Illinois ordered bars and restaurants shuttered. California’s governor asked the state’s bars and restaurants to do the same, but didn’t order it. New York City, New Jersey and elsewhere are considering similar measures.

“The time for persuasion and public appeals is over,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “This is not a joke. No one is immune to this.”

His decision came hours after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, said he would like to see a 14-day national shutdown imposed to prevent the virus’s spread.

There is no indication Trump is considering such a move.

The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 162,000 people and left more than 6,000 dead, with thousands of new cases confirmed each day. The death toll in the United States climbed to 64, while infections passed 3,200.

Meanwhile, harsh criticism rained on Trump and his administration Sunday from state and local officials over long lines of returning international passengers at some U.S. airports that could have turned them into coronavirus carriers as they tried to get home.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lambasted the administration for allowing about 3,000 Americans returning from Europe to be stuck for hours inside the customs area at O’Hare International Airport on Saturday, violating federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people practice “social distancing.”

The passengers, many of them rushing home because of fears they would be stuck in Europe, were screened for coronavirus symptoms before they were allowed to leave the airport.

Long lines also formed Saturday in Boston, Dallas and others of the 13 airports that are accepting return flights from Europe.

“People were forced into conditions that are against CDC guidance and are totally unacceptable,” Lightfoot said.

Elizabeth Pulvermacher, a University of Wisconsin student, arrived Saturday at O’Hare from Madrid, where she had been studying and spent hours in line. The customs process made her feel “unsafe,” she said.

“The whole idea is getting rid of the spread of coronavirus, but there were hundreds and hundreds of people in very close proximity,” Pulvermacher said.

Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, said he was “appalled” by what he saw Saturday at nearby O’Hare.

“If they weren’t exposed to COVID-19 before, they probably are now. From a public health perspective, this is malpractice,” Murphy said in a statement Sunday. “The lack of preparation and concern is unfathomable.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584319369602.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, during Sunday's Caronavirus Task Force media briefings -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, during Sunday's Caronavirus Task Force media briefings -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The CDC is recommending that gatherings of 50 people or more in US be canceled or postponed over next eight weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.Officials across the country curtailed many elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with governors closing restaurants, bars, and schools and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.The shutdowns came as the nation sank deeper into chaos over the crisis. Travelers returning home from overseas trips were stuck in line for hours at major airports for screenings, causing them to be crammed into just the kind of crowded spaces that public health officials have been urging people to avoid.In a sign of the impending economic gloom on the horizon, the Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero. President Donald Trump sought to calm a jittery nation by declaring that the government has “tremendous control” over the situation and urging people to stop the panic buying of grocery staples that has depleted the shelves of stores around the country. Gun stores started seeing a similar run on weapons and ammunition as the panic intensified.Parts of the country already look like a ghost town, and others are about to follow as theme parks closed, Florida beaches shooed away spring breakers, Starbucks said it will accept only drive-thru and takeout orders and the governors of Ohio and Illinois ordered bars and restaurants shuttered. California’s governor asked the state’s bars and restaurants to do the same, but didn’t order it. New York City, New Jersey and elsewhere are considering similar measures.“The time for persuasion and public appeals is over,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “This is not a joke. No one is immune to this.”His decision came hours after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, said he would like to see a 14-day national shutdown imposed to prevent the virus’s spread.“I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,” said Fauci, a member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus. He heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.There is no indication Trump is considering such a move.The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 162,000 people and left more than 6,000 dead, with thousands of new cases confirmed each day. The death toll in the United States climbed to 64, while infections passed 3,200.Meanwhile, harsh criticism rained on Trump and his administration Sunday from state and local officials over long lines of returning international passengers at some U.S. airports that could have turned them into coronavirus carriers as they tried to get home.Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lambasted the administration for allowing about 3,000 Americans returning from Europe to be stuck for hours inside the customs area at O’Hare International Airport on Saturday, violating federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people practice “social distancing.”The passengers, many of them rushing home because of fears they would be stuck in Europe, were screened for coronavirus symptoms before they were allowed to leave the airport.Long lines also formed Saturday in Boston, Dallas and others of the 13 airports that are accepting return flights from Europe.“People were forced into conditions that are against CDC guidance and are totally unacceptable,” Lightfoot said.Elizabeth Pulvermacher, a University of Wisconsin student, arrived Saturday at O’Hare from Madrid, where she had been studying and spent hours in line. The customs process made her feel “unsafe,” she said.“The whole idea is getting rid of the spread of coronavirus, but there were hundreds and hundreds of people in very close proximity,” Pulvermacher said.Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, said he was “appalled” by what he saw Saturday at nearby O’Hare.“If they weren’t exposed to COVID-19 before, they probably are now. From a public health perspective, this is malpractice,” Murphy said in a statement Sunday. “The lack of preparation and concern is unfathomable.”But the situation improved markedly Sunday at O’Hare and elsewhere. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said wait times are down to 30 minutes after processes have been adjusted to better handle the influx and extra personnel sent to the airports that are “funneling” passengers returning from overseas.Bailey Miles, a 20-year-old sophomore at Taylor University in Indiana, arrived also from Madrid fearing the worst, but she got through customs and a health screening in about an hour. She said officials seemed to have learned their lesson from Saturday, when some of her friends returned.“The employees were really helpful, had positive attitudes and had a lot of grace,” she said. She said a woman even passed out snacks.At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Amanda Kay said she was asked to keep her distance from other passengers when she arrived from Paris at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.“They wanted 50 people at a time. So the first 50 people got off, and they asked us to keep a large distance between ourselves,” she said. “We showed them the first form and then as we walk there’s a person who has the scan for your temperature. And then you go through Customs and then that was it.”Going forward, Wolf said he could not rule out a future halt to air travel within the U.S. Fauci said earlier Sunday on television that halting domestic travel had been discussed, though not seriously.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.And that may have given some people false hope, causing them to venture into crowds that Fauci and others would prefer they avoid. Even if someone doesn’t become visibly ill, they can still carry the disease and spread it to others.In New Orleans and Chicago, people clad in green for St. Patrick’s Day packed bars and spilled onto crowded sidewalks on Saturday even after the cities canceled their parades.New York City, which has the nation’s largest public school district, announced that it will be closed starting Monday, joining most of the rest of the country. Mayor Bill de Blasio had originally balked, but under pressure from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others he said Sunday, “I became convinced over the course of today that there is no other choice.”In Florida, Walt Disney World and Universal-Orlando were closing Sunday night for the rest of the month, joining their California siblings, which already closed. Farther south, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale officials announced that they are closing their beaches, where thousands of college spring breakers from around the world have flocked. The cities also ordered restaurants and bars closed by 10 p.m. and to keep crowds below 250.“We cannot become a petri dish for a very dangerous virus,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said. “Spring break is over. The party is over.”Starbucks said Sunday it is closing seating in its cafes and patio areas nationwide, but customers can still order at the counter, at drive-thrus or on the Starbucks app. It will also close or reduce hours in areas where there are a high-number of cases.But not all government officials were as concerned. Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt tweeted a picture of himself and his children at a crowded metro restaurant Saturday night.Republican Rep. Devin Nunes had a similar message on Fox News Sunday, encouraging people to go to local restaurants and pubs despite the warnings of health officials.___

Coronavirus Update