NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.

That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.

“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.

Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”

While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.

Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.

But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.

National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”

Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”

Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.

“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”

In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.

Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.

“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.

Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.

In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.

Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”

“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.

Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.

A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”

Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”

Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.

James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”

“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584278183206.png" alt="Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY">https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY</a>&mdash; Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1239176998045519873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”___

Pray and wash: Religion joins with science amid virus crisis

UPDATE: The school will be closed all week per the recommendation of Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson.

Southeast of Saline students will not have school Monday and Tuesday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD306/">Unified School District 306 - Southeast of Saline</a> Facebook page:

UPDATE: The school will be closed all week per the recommendation of Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson.Southeast of Saline students will not have school Monday and Tuesday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD306/">Unified School District 306 - Southeast of Saline</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD306%2Fposts%2F2592117580911174&width=500" width="500" height="598" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: No school for SES students on Monday-Friday

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, International Mail Facility (IMF, intercepted a package containing suspected counterfeit COVID-19 test kits arriving from the United Kingdom, according to a media release from CBP.

On Thursday, CBP officers discovered six plastic bags containing various vials, while conducting an enforcement examination of a parcel manifested as “Purified Water Vials” with a declared value of $196.81. A complete examination of the shipment, led to the finding of vials filled with a white liquid and labeled “Corona Virus 2019nconv (COVID-19)” and “Virus1 Test Kit”.&nbsp;&nbsp;The shipment was turned over to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for analysis.

“Protecting the health and safety of the American people is a top priority for CBP,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “This&nbsp;significant interception, at a time when the U.S. is in the midst of a National Emergency, demonstrates our CBP officers’ vigilance and commitment to ensure dangerous goods are intercepted and not a threat to our communities and our people.”

Authorized diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is conducted in verified state and local public health laboratories across the United States. The American public should be aware of bogus home testing kits for sale either online or in informal direct to consumer settings.

“CBP commits substantial resources to detect, intercept and seize illicit goods arriving in the air package environment,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, CBP Port Director at LAX.&nbsp; “Smugglers are constantly attempting to take advantage of consumers by disguising their illicit goods as legitimate shipments.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/u280/Fake%20COVID-19%20Test%20Kits%203.jpg" alt="Photos courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES&nbsp;- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, International Mail Facility (IMF, intercepted a package containing suspected counterfeit COVID-19 test kits arriving from the United Kingdom, according to a media release from CBP.On Thursday, CBP officers discovered six plastic bags containing various vials, while conducting an enforcement examination of a parcel manifested as “Purified Water Vials” with a declared value of $196.81. A complete examination of the shipment, led to the finding of vials filled with a white liquid and labeled “Corona Virus 2019nconv (COVID-19)” and “Virus1 Test Kit”.&nbsp;&nbsp;The shipment was turned over to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for analysis.“Protecting the health and safety of the American people is a top priority for CBP,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “This&nbsp;significant interception, at a time when the U.S. is in the midst of a National Emergency, demonstrates our CBP officers’ vigilance and commitment to ensure dangerous goods are intercepted and not a threat to our communities and our people.”<figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/u280/Fake%20COVID-19%20Test%20Kits%201.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Authorized diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is conducted in verified state and local public health laboratories across the United States. The American public should be aware of bogus home testing kits for sale either online or in informal direct to consumer settings.“CBP commits substantial resources to detect, intercept and seize illicit goods arriving in the air package environment,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, CBP Port Director at LAX.&nbsp; “Smugglers are constantly attempting to take advantage of consumers by disguising their illicit goods as legitimate shipments.”&nbsp;

Officers seize fake coronavirus test kits arriving at U.S. airport

The Saline County Jail is temporarily restricting outside visitors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said Friday that outside groups such as tours, church groups, and AA groups will not be allowed inside with prisoners.

The restrictions will be re-evaluated as necessary, he said.

The Saline County Jail is temporarily restricting outside visitors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said Friday that outside groups such as tours, church groups, and AA groups will not be allowed inside with prisoners.The restrictions will be re-evaluated as necessary, he said.

Saline County Jail restricts outside visitors

By&nbsp;CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN, Kansas News Service

The first person to die of COVID-19 in Kansas stayed at a long-term care facility in Wyandotte County owned by the national chain with a suburban Seattle facility tied to 22 deaths from the virus.

Friday’s news comes as Wichita reported its first case of the novel coronavirus, involving a man who had taken a Caribbean cruise. That brought the state’s total known cases to six. Two more were reported Saturday.

Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Lee Norman says the Wyandotte County man in his 70s who died Wednesday was staying at Life Care Center of Kansas City. It remains unclear how the virus reached the man, Norman said.

In a statement, the facility's owner said the man arrived there from Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on Feb. 25. The long-term care facility then sent him to a hospital on March 7 for care “entirely unrelated to symptoms or signs of COVID-19.”

He came back from the emergency room later that day, and on March 10 “became unresponsive in our facility. We called 911 and the patient was transferred back to the hospital.”

The statement said he didn't have symptoms of respiratory illness at that time, but died the next day. Post-mortem testing revealed he had COVID-19.&nbsp;

The company said it quickly isolated other patients who had contact with the man, but so far none have coronavirus symptoms. Its staff follow federal, state and local guidelines for COVID-19, the statement said.

“Every associate is also screened when they arrive for work, including checking temperature,”&nbsp;it said. “If they have a fever over 100.4, we send them home and ask they contact their personal physician.”

One or more health workers from Providence Medical Center are self-quarantining after caring for the man, Norman said.

More than 20 people from the Kirkland, Washington, nursing home have died. It is run by Life Care Centers of America. Dozens of others at the center have been infected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/518de9e8e86303be7e8dc132167b3c60" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;reported.

<a href="https://lcca.com/locations/" target="_blank">The company operates</a>&nbsp;three locations in the Kansas City area, two in the Wichita metro and three others in rural eastern Kansas towns.

The Kansas City, Kansas, location has the lowest possible overall rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, as do its centers in Osawatomie and Burlington, Kansas, and Grandview, Missouri.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html" target="_blank">These scores</a>&nbsp;take into account nursing staff, health inspections and other quality factors.

Meanwhile, state officials say a 72-year-old Butler County man has come down with COVID-19 after taking a cruise in the western Caribbean. He began showing symptoms shortly after his return. Wichita’s Wesley Medical Center said in a news release that it is treating the patient and has isolated him in the hospital.

State health officials said Friday they were working with their local counterparts to reach out to people who had contact with the patient.

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.

State health officials say anyone with fever, coughing or shortness or breath who believes they had contact with a COVID-19 patient should stay home and call their doctor.

Kansas has identified eight COVID-19 cases; in addition to the men from Butler and Wyandotte counties, a Johnson County woman became sick after domestic travel and three Johnson County men tested positive for the virus after attending a conference in Florida.

On Friday, Sedgwick County banned all gatherings with more than 250 people, including at churches. The rule applies until further notice, and doesn’t include grocery stores.

Reporter Stephan Bisaha contributed to this report.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>&nbsp;or email her at celia (at) kcur (dot) org.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584240336536.png" alt="image by CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>image by CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN, Kansas News ServiceThe first person to die of COVID-19 in Kansas stayed at a long-term care facility in Wyandotte County owned by the national chain with a suburban Seattle facility tied to 22 deaths from the virus.Friday’s news comes as Wichita reported its first case of the novel coronavirus, involving a man who had taken a Caribbean cruise. That brought the state’s total known cases to six. Two more were reported Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584135906321.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Lee Norman during Friday's news conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Lee Norman during Friday's news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Lee Norman says the Wyandotte County man in his 70s who died Wednesday was staying at Life Care Center of Kansas City. It remains unclear how the virus reached the man, Norman said.In a statement, the facility's owner said the man arrived there from Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on Feb. 25. The long-term care facility then sent him to a hospital on March 7 for care “entirely unrelated to symptoms or signs of COVID-19.”He came back from the emergency room later that day, and on March 10 “became unresponsive in our facility. We called 911 and the patient was transferred back to the hospital.”The statement said he didn't have symptoms of respiratory illness at that time, but died the next day. Post-mortem testing revealed he had COVID-19.&nbsp;The company said it quickly isolated other patients who had contact with the man, but so far none have coronavirus symptoms. Its staff follow federal, state and local guidelines for COVID-19, the statement said.“Every associate is also screened when they arrive for work, including checking temperature,”&nbsp;it said. “If they have a fever over 100.4, we send them home and ask they contact their personal physician.”One or more health workers from Providence Medical Center are self-quarantining after caring for the man, Norman said.More than 20 people from the Kirkland, Washington, nursing home have died. It is run by Life Care Centers of America. Dozens of others at the center have been infected,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/518de9e8e86303be7e8dc132167b3c60" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;reported.<a href="https://lcca.com/locations/" target="_blank">The company operates</a>&nbsp;three locations in the Kansas City area, two in the Wichita metro and three others in rural eastern Kansas towns.The Kansas City, Kansas, location has the lowest possible overall rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, as do its centers in Osawatomie and Burlington, Kansas, and Grandview, Missouri.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html" target="_blank">These scores</a>&nbsp;take into account nursing staff, health inspections and other quality factors.Meanwhile, state officials say a 72-year-old Butler County man has come down with COVID-19 after taking a cruise in the western Caribbean. He began showing symptoms shortly after his return. Wichita’s Wesley Medical Center said in a news release that it is treating the patient and has isolated him in the hospital.State health officials said Friday they were working with their local counterparts to reach out to people who had contact with the patient.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.State health officials say anyone with fever, coughing or shortness or breath who believes they had contact with a COVID-19 patient should stay home and call their doctor.Kansas has identified eight COVID-19 cases; in addition to the men from Butler and Wyandotte counties, a Johnson County woman became sick after domestic travel and three Johnson County men tested positive for the virus after attending a conference in Florida.On Friday, Sedgwick County banned all gatherings with more than 250 people, including at churches. The rule applies until further notice, and doesn’t include grocery stores.Reporter Stephan Bisaha contributed to this report.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>&nbsp;or email her at celia (at) kcur (dot) org.&nbsp;

Update: Kan. virus death involves same nursing home owner as deadly Seattle outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus, according to the president's personal physician.

The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test, following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus.

Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was “totally normal,” shortly before stepping into the room to discuss the government’s efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.

The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country’s chargé d’affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump’s dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.

Trump, after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus, relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others.

WASHINGTON — After days of resistance, President Donald Trump said Saturday that he was tested for the coronavirus and is awaiting his results as the White House stepped up precautions around him following his repeated direct and indirect exposures to COVID-19.

Trump also told reporters at a White House briefing that he had his temperature taken and it was "totally normal" before stepping into the room to discuss the government's efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.

The President also announced that the United States will broaden its European travel ban, adding Britain and Ireland to its list. And he says he's considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus spread.

Under the restrictions on European travel, American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the U.S., but will be funneled to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders. Trump is urging people not to travel unless they have to.

Trump had held out on testing for days — concerned that it would make him appear weak — despite his interactions with at least three people who have since tested positive for COVID-19. Trump had said Friday that he would "most likely" submit to testing "fairly soon," but the White House doctor said in a memo released shortly before midnight that no test was called for, despite the contact, because he wasn't exhibiting symptoms like a fever or cough.

The president said he'd gone ahead with it anyway after repeated questions from reporters at a news conference Friday and would have the results in "a day or two days, whatever it is." Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at the same briefing, said he and his wife, Karen Pence, would also "be more than happy to be tested," despite the doctors' guidance, and would be contacting White House medical staff to arrange it.

Multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to quarantine themselves as a precaution and to avoid potentially infecting others.

The president, according to two people close to the White House, had been reluctant to take the test for fear it would project weakness or worry. Trump has wanted to appear in full control during the crisis, and had expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that appearance.

But as the White House grapples with repeated exposures by Trump and multiple senior aides, it has tightened precautions. On Saturday, the White House announced that it is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with Trump and Pence, including reporters who attended the Saturday White House briefing.

To that end, a representative from the White House physician's office took the temperature of members of the media at the briefing, going around and putting the device to their heads. One reporter with a suspected elevated temperature was not allowed in.

Trump, 73, is considered to be at higher risk of complications from the disease because of his age. He has long tried to minimize the threat posed by the virus and continued to engage in behaviors that health officials are warning the public against.

On Friday, Trump shook the hands of multiple officials at his Rose Garden news conference and he has continued to appear at large gatherings despite tweeting Saturday morning that Americans should be practicing "SOCIAL DISTANCING!"

"It almost becomes a habit," Trump said when asked why he continues to shake hands contrary to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

"People come up to me, they shake hands, they put their hand out, it's sort of a natural reflex.," he said. "We're all getting out of it. All of us have that problem." He added: "Shaking hands is not a great thing to be doing right now, I agree."

Trump has now had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club on Florida.

The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country's chargé d'affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump's dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.

Several top administration officials, including Attorney General William Barr and Trump's daughter and senior adviser, Ivanka Trump, also met last week with an Australian Cabinet minister who on Friday was confirmed positive.

The White House has been saying, citing CDC guidelines, that the president and other White House officials don't need to be tested or isolate themselves unless they are exhibiting symptoms, even though that advice is contradicted by many health professionals who note that the virus can be spread even by people who are asymptomatic.

The reporter who was not allowed into the White House briefing Saturday had a temperature above the 100.4-degree guidelines in three checks over 15 minutes, tweeted Pence's spokeswoman, Katie Miller, citing the White House Medical Unit.

Public health officials say that people with a cough and elevated temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher are deemed concerning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584230146036.png" alt="President Trump during Saturday's press briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Saturday's press briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus, according to the president's personal physician.The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test, following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus.Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was “totally normal,” shortly before stepping into the room to discuss the government’s efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country’s chargé d’affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump’s dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.Trump, after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus, relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others.------------WASHINGTON — After days of resistance, President Donald Trump said Saturday that he was tested for the coronavirus and is awaiting his results as the White House stepped up precautions around him following his repeated direct and indirect exposures to COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584212056629.png" alt="President Trump with members of the coronavirus task force during Saturday's announcement- image courtesy White House " />
 <figcaption>President Trump with members of the coronavirus task force during Saturday's announcement- image courtesy White House </figcaption>
 </figure>Trump also told reporters at a White House briefing that he had his temperature taken and it was "totally normal" before stepping into the room to discuss the government's efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.The President also announced that the United States will broaden its European travel ban, adding Britain and Ireland to its list. And he says he's considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus spread.Under the restrictions on European travel, American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the U.S., but will be funneled to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders. Trump is urging people not to travel unless they have to.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584211964216.png" alt="President Trump confirmed Saturday he had been tested for COVID-19- image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump confirmed Saturday he had been tested for COVID-19- image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump had held out on testing for days — concerned that it would make him appear weak — despite his interactions with at least three people who have since tested positive for COVID-19. Trump had said Friday that he would "most likely" submit to testing "fairly soon," but the White House doctor said in a memo released shortly before midnight that no test was called for, despite the contact, because he wasn't exhibiting symptoms like a fever or cough.The president said he'd gone ahead with it anyway after repeated questions from reporters at a news conference Friday and would have the results in "a day or two days, whatever it is." Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at the same briefing, said he and his wife, Karen Pence, would also "be more than happy to be tested," despite the doctors' guidance, and would be contacting White House medical staff to arrange it.Multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to quarantine themselves as a precaution and to avoid potentially infecting others.The president, according to two people close to the White House, had been reluctant to take the test for fear it would project weakness or worry. Trump has wanted to appear in full control during the crisis, and had expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that appearance.But as the White House grapples with repeated exposures by Trump and multiple senior aides, it has tightened precautions. On Saturday, the White House announced that it is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with Trump and Pence, including reporters who attended the Saturday White House briefing.To that end, a representative from the White House physician's office took the temperature of members of the media at the briefing, going around and putting the device to their heads. One reporter with a suspected elevated temperature was not allowed in.Trump, 73, is considered to be at higher risk of complications from the disease because of his age. He has long tried to minimize the threat posed by the virus and continued to engage in behaviors that health officials are warning the public against.On Friday, Trump shook the hands of multiple officials at his Rose Garden news conference and he has continued to appear at large gatherings despite tweeting Saturday morning that Americans should be practicing "SOCIAL DISTANCING!""It almost becomes a habit," Trump said when asked why he continues to shake hands contrary to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines."People come up to me, they shake hands, they put their hand out, it's sort of a natural reflex.," he said. "We're all getting out of it. All of us have that problem." He added: "Shaking hands is not a great thing to be doing right now, I agree."Trump has now had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club on Florida.The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country's chargé d'affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump's dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.Several top administration officials, including Attorney General William Barr and Trump's daughter and senior adviser, Ivanka Trump, also met last week with an Australian Cabinet minister who on Friday was confirmed positive.The White House has been saying, citing CDC guidelines, that the president and other White House officials don't need to be tested or isolate themselves unless they are exhibiting symptoms, even though that advice is contradicted by many health professionals who note that the virus can be spread even by people who are asymptomatic.The reporter who was not allowed into the White House briefing Saturday had a temperature above the 100.4-degree guidelines in three checks over 15 minutes, tweeted Pence's spokeswoman, Katie Miller, citing the White House Medical Unit.Public health officials say that people with a cough and elevated temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher are deemed concerning.---------

The Latest: President Trump tests negative for coronavirus

Ell-Saline USD 307 is giving its student an extra day of spring break, according to a letter from Superintendent Brian Rowley.

Following is the letter as posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page.

In response to the Corona Virus / Covid-19 Situation:

I spent this Saturday afternoon in a virtual meeting with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. As I stated in my email yesterday, this is an ever-changing situation and what we decide one day may change soon afterward. We will always make decisions based on the safety of our students and staff and under the expert guidance of the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Saline County Health Department.

In the meeting today we were told that nothing had changed overnight but recommendations were clarified. Some of the recommendations are as follows:

Limit classes to 30 students and practice “social-distancing” with a recommendation of keeping students six feet away from each other in the classrooms and cafeterias.

Limit gatherings of longer than 10 minutes to 100 persons or less.

Encourage students and staff to practice good hygiene / wash hands often throughout the day.

Anyone with an active cough should be sent home.

If a student or staff member is sick, they should not come to school.

Spring Break this past week has made it difficult to prepare our schools for this situation.

In order to better prepare, only staff will report on Monday, March 16th. There will be no school for students on Monday, March 16th.

We will re-evaluate the situation each day as new information and guidance is provided us. Please read the sections below as they may answer some of your questions.

Our job is to provide our students with a quality education in a safe environment. I know that many people have varying opinions about the Corona Virus. We will probably never know if we over-react to this situation but if we are going to err, we want to err on the side of safety for our students and staff.

Brian Rowley, Superintendent USD 307 Ell-Saline

WHY ARE SOME DISTRICTS CANCELLING SCHOOL AND OTHERS ARE NOT?

County Health Departments have the ability to close schools due to a health concern. Each county works independently from the others. KDHE recommendations are that a school will not close without a positively identified case of Covid-19 in the school. The school will then be closed for at least 14 days. Currently we do not have a positive Covid-19 case in Saline County.

CAN I KEEP MY STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL?

It is always the parent’s responsibility to make decisions in regards to their child’s safety. We are advised to follow policy in regards to absences but to also work with families while we go through this crisis. While currently the high risk groups are people with existing health issues and those over the age of 60, we will try to work with families that decide to keep their children at home.

If your child has symptoms of any sickness, please keep them at home.

CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL IF WE TRAVELED DURING SPRING BREAK?

If you traveled to another country or out-of-state to an area that has Corona Virus outbreaks, you should contact the health department before returning to school. For more information see the CDC website on travel: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html</a>

Ell-Saline USD 307 is giving its student an extra day of spring break, according to a letter from Superintendent Brian Rowley.Following is the letter as posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page.Dear Parents, Students and StaffIn response to the Corona Virus / Covid-19 Situation:I spent this Saturday afternoon in a virtual meeting with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. As I stated in my email yesterday, this is an ever-changing situation and what we decide one day may change soon afterward. We will always make decisions based on the safety of our students and staff and under the expert guidance of the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Saline County Health Department.In the meeting today we were told that nothing had changed overnight but recommendations were clarified. Some of the recommendations are as follows:Limit classes to 30 students and practice “social-distancing” with a recommendation of keeping students six feet away from each other in the classrooms and cafeterias.Limit gatherings of longer than 10 minutes to 100 persons or less.Encourage students and staff to practice good hygiene / wash hands often throughout the day.Anyone with an active cough should be sent home.If a student or staff member is sick, they should not come to school.Spring Break this past week has made it difficult to prepare our schools for this situation.In order to better prepare, only staff will report on Monday, March 16th. There will be no school for students on Monday, March 16th.We will re-evaluate the situation each day as new information and guidance is provided us. Please read the sections below as they may answer some of your questions.Our job is to provide our students with a quality education in a safe environment. I know that many people have varying opinions about the Corona Virus. We will probably never know if we over-react to this situation but if we are going to err, we want to err on the side of safety for our students and staff.Brian Rowley, Superintendent USD 307 Ell-SalineWHY ARE SOME DISTRICTS CANCELLING SCHOOL AND OTHERS ARE NOT?County Health Departments have the ability to close schools due to a health concern. Each county works independently from the others. KDHE recommendations are that a school will not close without a positively identified case of Covid-19 in the school. The school will then be closed for at least 14 days. Currently we do not have a positive Covid-19 case in Saline County.CAN I KEEP MY STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL?It is always the parent’s responsibility to make decisions in regards to their child’s safety. We are advised to follow policy in regards to absences but to also work with families while we go through this crisis. While currently the high risk groups are people with existing health issues and those over the age of 60, we will try to work with families that decide to keep their children at home.If your child has symptoms of any sickness, please keep them at home.CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL IF WE TRAVELED DURING SPRING BREAK?If you traveled to another country or out-of-state to an area that has Corona Virus outbreaks, you should contact the health department before returning to school. For more information see the CDC website on travel: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html</a>

No school Monday for Ell-Saline USD 307 students

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>

USD 305 has issued a statement to the media concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Following is the statement in its entirety.

Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, district staff are working to make adjustments in the schools&nbsp;based upon the guidance from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Saline County Health Department.

According to the guidance, the size of groups will be limited. “We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date,” explained Linn Exline, superintendent. To plan and organize necessary changes, only staff will attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; Exline added, “The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for students on Tuesday.” Students will return on Tuesday to regular start and dismissal times.

Guidance from KDHE explained how schools differ from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.

The district is cancelling large events, involving more than 100 individuals, through April 1.&nbsp;Buildings will have information about specific events affected. Events in April and May will be evaluated as more information becomes available. If parents or guardians have questions, they are asked to contact their school directly.

Staff and students returning from travel outside the United States during spring break have to stay home for 14 calendar days from their date of return. Families affected by this requirement are asked to call the school attendance office to notify them.

Parents are asked to remain vigilant. If a student is sick, they must stay home from school. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed by turning to credible sources such as&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0DqCRbFK4WkdN8yhNT-R7w~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0QiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rZGhla3MuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL1cHc2Nob29sbUIKAAAQO2xeRVhJj1IiamVubmlmZXIuYnJhZGZvcmR2ZXJub25AdXNkMzA1LmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/OixsI6BBWl26GEj8U78yDg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0Q2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5Db1Yvc3VtbWFyeS5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAABA7bF5FWEmPUiJqZW5uaWZlci5icmFkZm9yZHZlcm5vbkB1c2QzMDUuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</a>

Focus in schools continues to be on prevention and preparation. Frequency of student hand washing will be increased. Custodial schedules have been adjusted to provide additional cleaning support when students are in the buildings. School nurses continue to serve as a resource for staff, students, and parents.

Everyone is asked to continue to work together to teach and model good hygiene practices:

WASH hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.

AVOID touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

AVOID contact with people who are sick.

STAY home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

COVER your mouth-nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

The health, safety and well-being of our students is our priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department) and comply with their guidance.&nbsp;

Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Parent questions should be directed to the school principal. Check the district website&nbsp;<a href="http://USD305.com">USD305.com</a>&nbsp;for additional resources, updates and communications to families.&nbsp;

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>USD 305 has issued a statement to the media concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Following is the statement in its entirety.Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, district staff are working to make adjustments in the schools&nbsp;based upon the guidance from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Saline County Health Department.According to the guidance, the size of groups will be limited. “We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date,” explained Linn Exline, superintendent. To plan and organize necessary changes, only staff will attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; Exline added, “The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for students on Tuesday.” Students will return on Tuesday to regular start and dismissal times.Guidance from KDHE explained how schools differ from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.The district is cancelling large events, involving more than 100 individuals, through April 1.&nbsp;Buildings will have information about specific events affected. Events in April and May will be evaluated as more information becomes available. If parents or guardians have questions, they are asked to contact their school directly.Staff and students returning from travel outside the United States during spring break have to stay home for 14 calendar days from their date of return. Families affected by this requirement are asked to call the school attendance office to notify them.Parents are asked to remain vigilant. If a student is sick, they must stay home from school. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed by turning to credible sources such as&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0DqCRbFK4WkdN8yhNT-R7w~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0QiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rZGhla3MuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL1cHc2Nob29sbUIKAAAQO2xeRVhJj1IiamVubmlmZXIuYnJhZGZvcmR2ZXJub25AdXNkMzA1LmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/OixsI6BBWl26GEj8U78yDg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0Q2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5Db1Yvc3VtbWFyeS5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAABA7bF5FWEmPUiJqZW5uaWZlci5icmFkZm9yZHZlcm5vbkB1c2QzMDUuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</a>Focus in schools continues to be on prevention and preparation. Frequency of student hand washing will be increased. Custodial schedules have been adjusted to provide additional cleaning support when students are in the buildings. School nurses continue to serve as a resource for staff, students, and parents.Everyone is asked to continue to work together to teach and model good hygiene practices:WASH hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.AVOID touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.AVOID contact with people who are sick.STAY home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.COVER your mouth-nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.The health, safety and well-being of our students is our priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department) and comply with their guidance.&nbsp;Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Parent questions should be directed to the school principal. Check the district website&nbsp;<a href="http://USD305.com">USD305.com</a>&nbsp;for additional resources, updates and communications to families.&nbsp;

USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts

UPDATED 4:50 p.m. Sunday: USD is canceling school this week. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>.

News about COVID-19 related issues is fluid, as was demonstrated earlier this evening. USD 305 sent out an update concerning classes next week at the same time we posted our original story. We have removed that story from the website.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6d80a3afae0f4d5f5d118f">USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts</a>

According to an email sent to parents and guardians at 7:18 p.m. Saturday from Superintendent Linn Exline, USD 305 is giving students an extra day of spring break. 

"To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17," the email noted.

We apologize for any confusion our earlier story may have caused. We were using the only information available to us...information from the USD 305 website.

Following is the most recent email from USD 305 to parents and guardians. (To the best of our knowledge!)

We want to reassure you that Salina Public Schools is monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. There are currently no known cases of the virus in our area. We continue to base decisions upon the guidance we have received from KDHE, KSDE and the Saline County Health Department.

We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date. To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17. The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for your student on Tuesday.

Why is USD 305 closing only on Monday, March 16? At this time, the guidance provided to us is to remain open. “Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time (e.g., 2 weeks) will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren.” Source: Considerations for School Closure CDC

Why are large events cancelled, but school is not? KDHE says schools are different from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.

Can I decide to keep my student home because of COVID-19? As always, the final decision about your child attending school is yours. Please notify the school if your student will be absent. Your student’s school will be your resource for missed schoolwork. During this time, we are adjusting attendance policies to hold families harmless regarding truancy.

What if staff or students traveled during spring break? We are asking that all staff and students who traveled outside of the United States stay home for 14 calendar days from the date of return to the United States. If this applies to your family, please call the school attendance office to notify them.

Are school start and dismissal times affected? No. School start and dismissal times are unchanged.

We are committed to communicating with you as soon as new information or facts are available. These letters – and other helpful resources – are archived on our COVID-19 webpage found at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.

You play an important role. Focusing on facts and remaining calm will help our students, schools, and community. Please help prevent misinformation from spreading – especially on social media – so that fear and speculation do not gain power in this stressful situation.

UPDATED 4:50 p.m. Sunday: USD is canceling school this week. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>.News about COVID-19 related issues is fluid, as was demonstrated earlier this evening. USD 305 sent out an update concerning classes next week at the same time we posted our original story. We have removed that story from the website.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6d80a3afae0f4d5f5d118f">USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584235149525.jpeg" alt="USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>According to an email sent to parents and guardians at 7:18 p.m. Saturday from Superintendent Linn Exline, USD 305 is giving students an extra day of spring break. "To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17," the email noted.We apologize for any confusion our earlier story may have caused. We were using the only information available to us...information from the USD 305 website.Following is the most recent email from USD 305 to parents and guardians. (To the best of our knowledge!)Dear Parents and Guardians,We want to reassure you that Salina Public Schools is monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. There are currently no known cases of the virus in our area. We continue to base decisions upon the guidance we have received from KDHE, KSDE and the Saline County Health Department.We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date. To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17. The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for your student on Tuesday.Why is USD 305 closing only on Monday, March 16? At this time, the guidance provided to us is to remain open. “Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time (e.g., 2 weeks) will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren.” Source: Considerations for School Closure CDCWhy are large events cancelled, but school is not? KDHE says schools are different from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.Can I decide to keep my student home because of COVID-19? As always, the final decision about your child attending school is yours. Please notify the school if your student will be absent. Your student’s school will be your resource for missed schoolwork. During this time, we are adjusting attendance policies to hold families harmless regarding truancy.What if staff or students traveled during spring break? We are asking that all staff and students who traveled outside of the United States stay home for 14 calendar days from the date of return to the United States. If this applies to your family, please call the school attendance office to notify them.Are school start and dismissal times affected? No. School start and dismissal times are unchanged.We are committed to communicating with you as soon as new information or facts are available. These letters – and other helpful resources – are archived on our COVID-19 webpage found at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.You play an important role. Focusing on facts and remaining calm will help our students, schools, and community. Please help prevent misinformation from spreading – especially on social media – so that fear and speculation do not gain power in this stressful situation.Sincerely,Linn Exline, Superintendent

UPDATED: USD 305 says no school Monday-Friday

The Saline County Health Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation at the national, state and local levels. 

The department is in contact with our public safety agencies, schools, and Salina Regional Health Center coordinating plans and procedures.

As of today (March 14, 2020, Saline County has not had any reported cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, but all have been negative at this time.

The health department and public safety agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control. These agencies have excellent information that is constantly being updated: <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a> or <a href="http://www.cdc.gov">www.cdc.gov</a>.

School districts are following the guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education. There is no directive that has been issued by either agency to close schools that do not meet the criteria that they have set. This is an evolving situation and their guidance is constantly being updated and being followed by our school districts in cooperation with the Saline County Health Department.

Several questions have been received regarding large gatherings and events. The recommendations are for event organizers to take precautions and if you expect attendees that are most vulnerable to this virus (those that are 60 years of age or older and those that have existing underlying health conditions) to consider delaying or cancelling those events. Promoting proper hygiene practices and keeping those who are sick away from those events is extremely important.

We cannot stress enough the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:

· If you have concerns of your health condition, please call your primary care physician first!

The Saline County Health Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation at the national, state and local levels. The department is in contact with our public safety agencies, schools, and Salina Regional Health Center coordinating plans and procedures.As of today (March 14, 2020, Saline County has not had any reported cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, but all have been negative at this time.The health department and public safety agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control. These agencies have excellent information that is constantly being updated: <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a> or <a href="http://www.cdc.gov">www.cdc.gov</a>.School districts are following the guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education. There is no directive that has been issued by either agency to close schools that do not meet the criteria that they have set. This is an evolving situation and their guidance is constantly being updated and being followed by our school districts in cooperation with the Saline County Health Department.Several questions have been received regarding large gatherings and events. The recommendations are for event organizers to take precautions and if you expect attendees that are most vulnerable to this virus (those that are 60 years of age or older and those that have existing underlying health conditions) to consider delaying or cancelling those events. Promoting proper hygiene practices and keeping those who are sick away from those events is extremely important.We cannot stress enough the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:· Staying at home if you are sick.· Washing your hands.· Covering your sneezes and coughs.· If you have concerns of your health condition, please call your primary care physician first!

Health dept.: No COVID-19 cases in county yet

JOHNSON COUNTY —Health officials in northeastern Kansas have confirmed the state's seventh and eighth cases of COVID-19. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Saturday that the presumptive positive case is a woman in her 50s associated with Johnson County Community College.

The department says it's the region's first known case to have been contracted locally.&nbsp;The  woman is hospitalized and “doing well." Her family members have been quarantined, and those who may have been exposed by contact with the woman are being contacted by the health department.

The other case is a man in Franklin County, according to the KDHE.

Officials in Franklin County have released no additional details on their patient. The county health department recommended that all inside events with over 100 people be cancelled.&nbsp; Franklin County is located in eastern Kansas south of Lawrence. It is the fourth county in Kansas with a positive case of caronavirus along with Butler, Wyandotte and Johnson County, according to the KDHE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Health officials in northeastern Kansas have confirmed the state's seventh and eighth cases of COVID-19. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Saturday that the presumptive positive case is a woman in her 50s associated with Johnson County Community College.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Be Aware. Prepare. Act. <a href="https://twitter.com/KDHE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KDHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/vfrGtntx5P">pic.twitter.com/vfrGtntx5P</a>&mdash; KDEM (@KansasEmergency) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasEmergency/status/1238922084031569921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The department says it's the region's first known case to have been contracted locally.&nbsp;The woman is hospitalized and “doing well." Her family members have been quarantined, and those who may have been exposed by contact with the woman are being contacted by the health department.The other case is a man in Franklin County, according to the KDHE.Officials in Franklin County have released no additional details on their patient. The county health department recommended that all inside events with over 100 people be cancelled.&nbsp; Franklin County is located in eastern Kansas south of Lawrence. It is the fourth county in Kansas with a positive case of caronavirus along with Butler, Wyandotte and Johnson County, according to the KDHE.

The Latest KDHE: 8th case of coronavirus in Kansas

Evergy is stepping up in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EvergyPower/">Evergy</a> Facebook page:

Evergy is stepping up in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EvergyPower/">Evergy</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEvergyPower%2Fposts%2F10158325870310680%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="595" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Evergy suspends disconnections for nonpayment

KANSAS CITY, MO.&nbsp; - Due to health precautions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19, all Kansas City District Visitor Centers are closed. Safety is our number one priority. Nothing is more important than the safety of our visitors, customers, contractors and our people.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates regarding other potential facility closures at our lakes on our websites and/or social sites.

American the Beautiful passes can still be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm</a>; USACE pass purchases will not be sold until our Visitor Centers reopen.

Kansas City District Visitor Center locations: Blue Springs, Clinton, Harlan County, Harry S. Truman, Hillsdale,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Long Branch, Longview, Melvern, Milford, Perry, Pomme de Terre, Pomona, Rathbun, Smithville, Stockton, Tuttle Creek,&nbsp;Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584137214558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO.&nbsp; - Due to health precautions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19, all Kansas City District Visitor Centers are closed. Safety is our number one priority. Nothing is more important than the safety of our visitors, customers, contractors and our people.We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates regarding other potential facility closures at our lakes on our websites and/or social sites.American the Beautiful passes can still be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm</a>; USACE pass purchases will not be sold until our Visitor Centers reopen.Kansas City District Visitor Center locations: Blue Springs, Clinton, Harlan County, Harry S. Truman, Hillsdale,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Long Branch, Longview, Melvern, Milford, Perry, Pomme de Terre, Pomona, Rathbun, Smithville, Stockton, Tuttle Creek,&nbsp;Wilson.

Visitors centers at area lakes closed

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House approved legislation early Saturday to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. Passage came after President Donald Trump had declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, and threw his support behind the congressional aid package.

From the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency,” unleashing as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.

Trump also announced a range of executive actions, including a new public-private partnership to expand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d7cb8610b50a2e79ce1a72929f23f02b">coronavirus testing</a>&nbsp;capabilities with drive-through locations, as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets, shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans.

But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond.

Trump said, “I don’t take responsibility at all” for the slow rollout of testing.

As the House prepared to vote late Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing, sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs.

“We did what we said we were going to do: Put families first,” said Pelosi, flanked by Democratic lawmakers, including many freshmen. The House passed the bill after midnight on a bipartisan vote, 363-40. It now goes to the Senate.

Trump’s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the measure, all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote.

“I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES!” Trump wrote, “Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!” On Saturday morning, he praised both parties: “Good teamwork between Republicans &amp; Democrats as the House passes the big CoronaVirus Relief Bill. People really pulled together. Nice to see!”

The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.

The White House was under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.

Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long afternoon event — but acknowledged he “most likely” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus. The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary.

Still, Trump said officials don’t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms. “We don’t want people without symptoms to go and do that test,” Trump said, adding, “It’s totally unnecessary.”

Additionally, Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “flexibility” in treating patients during the public health crisis.

“Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus,” Trump said.

Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved last week, are the free testing, sick pay and family leave provisions.

Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection. Officials warn that the nation’s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as suddenly happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.

The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship. The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave. Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits.

Pelosi negotiated the deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls, even as Trump was speaking at the White House.

Voting in the Senate is not yet set, with senators out of town for the weekend. But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday. He said he expects most senators will want to “act swiftly.”

Both Mnuchin and Pelosi, who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations, promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.

Coronavirus Update