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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Federal Restrictions To Nursing Homes

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New Federal Guidelines Increase Restrictions for Visitors to Nursing Homes

KDADS working quickly to ensure Kansas facilities following enhanced CMS guidelines

 

Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced enhanced measures for state nursing facilities to protect residents from the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

“Over the weekend the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced aggressive new guidelines for nursing home safety,” Governor Kelly said. “Secretary Howard and her KDADS team are moving quickly to make sure Kansas facilities are strictly adhering to the guidelines.”

 

“Unfortunately, we’ve already had one fatality in a Kansas nursing home,” KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said. “We need to take quick action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through our nursing facilities. Other state licensed residential facilities also are encouraged to revisit their screening, visitation and activity protocols in light of this nursing facility guidance.”

 

The new guidance:

 

  • Restricts all visitors, effective immediately, with exceptions for compassionate care, such as end-of-life situations;
  • Restricts all volunteers and nonessential health care personnel and other personnel (i.e. barbers);
  • Cancels all group activities and communal dining; and
  • Implements active screening of residents and health care personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms

 

In end of life cases, visitors will be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, and the visit will be limited to a specific room only.

 

“I understand the vital importance of keeping nursing home residents connected with their loved ones,” Howard said. “However, the rapid spread of COVID-19 through visitors and health care workers – as well as nursing home residents’ high risk – has made it necessary to restrict nonessential visitation in order to protect the health and safety of residents.”

 

KDADS, along with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is encouraging facilities to increase virtual communication between residents and families. Facilities should also keep residents’ loved ones informed about their care. Nursing homes also are expected to notify potential visitors to stop visitation until further notice through signage and other outreach like email and phone calls.

 

Anyone visiting a nursing home should be prepared to be screened for potential disease that would include questions about travel, potential exposure and taking temperatures.

 

Other recommendations for nursing homes include:

 

  • Putting hand sanitizer with 60 -95 percent alcohol in every resident room, both inside and outside;
  • Sinks should be well-stocked with soap and paper towels for hand washing;
  • Tissues and facemasks should be available for people who are coughing; and
  • Make necessary PPE available in areas where resident care is provided.

 

A full list of the guidance can be found here.

 

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

 

You also can call 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF).

Government, Kansas

March 16, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

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Situation Overview

KDHE continues to closely monitor an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19). The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified around the world including in the United States. The first case in the United States was announced January 21, 2020. Three new positive cases are announced in Johnson County today.
KDHE Response Activities
• Other labs in the state are beginning to test for COVID-19. These labs are asked to send all results to KDHE. KDHE will continue reporting/announcing results from these labs for Kansas cases.
• KDHE will update its website with the case information daily by noon.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.
• KDHE has a phone-bank operation staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected]. Please note these contact numbers are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results

Updated 3/16/20 at Noon

Positive (confirmed)
11

(1 death included)
Negative
234

Positive Case Information
County Number

Johnson County
8
Wyandotte County
1
Butler County
1
Franklin County
1

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Utility Disconnects Suspended Until April 15

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KCC issues emergency order suspending utility disconnects until April 15

 

Citing emergency declarations by Governor Laura Kelly, President Donald Trump and the World Health Organization, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to issue an order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until April 15.  The action, taken in a special meeting this morning, will offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus.

 

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

 

“COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, and Kansans may face unexpected or unusual financial difficulties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “No one should have to worry about losing utility service needed to ensure public safety, which is why I am bringing every resource to bear to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Kansans step up in a time of need, and this is more proof.”

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.

 

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website:  https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200316105259.pdf?Id=88d5541d-695f-4b27-ae43-2ce44d20a94f.

 

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Events Postponed/Canceled Until March 31

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the following Chamber hosted events will be Postponed or Canceled until further notice up till March 31st, 2020.
  • Chamber Coffee 3/19 Cancel – Briggs
  • Chamber Coffee 3/26 Cancel – Smallville CrossFit
Chamber Annual Dinner & Award Celebration originally scheduled on 3/26 – POSTPONEDuntil further notice.
The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Your health and safety will always be our priority!
The Offices of the Fort Scott Chamber & Visitor’s Center will be closed until further notice. Please call the Chamber to speak to Lindsay Madison, Executive Director or Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant at 620.223.3566 in regards to Chamber Events or visit our website to view
Community Event cancellations.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support!
Fort Scott

FS Public Library Will Close March 17 For Undetermined Time

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Fort Scott Public Library will be closed Tuesday, March 17 and will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

After reviewing information from local, state, and federal agencies, we believe that temporarily closing the library and preventing the spread of infection may be the best way to serve our community.

We encourage you to keep library materials until the library reopens. If you wish to return materials, please place them in the library’s drop box.

We will renew items as they become due so that you won’t receive overdue notices or lose access to your account. If you do receive an overdue notice, please let us know by email at either [email protected] or [email protected], and we will renew the items.

All library events through April 1st have been cancelled.

We are not accepting book donations at this time.

Library staff encourage patrons to make the most of available online resources. The Library offers free options to download, stream, and learn on your device. See our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org for more information.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for your continued support of our community and our library.

Business

Jody Hoener attends fab lab maker space boot camp

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In an effort to explore innovative opportunities for business retention, growth and development, Jody Hoener, Economic Development, recently joined a group of her peers at a “fab lab boot camp” in Independence, Kansas.

Hosted by Fab Lab ICC on the campus of Independence Community College March 3-5, “Maker Space Boot Camp: How to Build A Fab Lab from Ground Zero,” offered insights into the challenges and successes experienced by the organization, as well as its impact on the local economy and community culture since opening in 2014. Named with the abbreviated term for “fabrication laboratory,” Fab Lab ICC is a creative maker-space facility offering tools, technology and education to budding entrepreneurs, students, hobbyists, small business owners and innovators of all ages. The Independence facility emphasizes the integration of entrepreneurial mindset education with the hands-on creative process.

The boot camp attracted economic development professionals and community leaders from across Kansas and Missouri and included presentations by local entrepreneurs and business leaders; facility tours; and interactive “making” sessions allowing participants to experiment with the lab’s production equipment. The group also toured the fab lab’s recently opened expansion building, a 6,400-square-foot-facility offering space for maker equipment, work stations and entrepreneur collaboration.

The maker space boot camp event was facilitated by Fab Lab ICC Director Jim Correll, a longtime entrepreneur coach, and Fab Lab Manager and ICC instructor Tim Haynes.

“The boot camp was an eye-opening experience that solidified the hypothesis that a fab lab can unlock unlimited potential for creativity and entrepreneurial development,” Hoener said. “Moreover, as the Independence community has realized, such a facility ultimately can achieve a positive, sustainable and significant impact on the local economy. The possibilities really are limitless.”

More information on the Fab Lab ICC community boot camp experience and future offerings is available by contacting Correll at 620-252-5349/[email protected].

# # #

About Fab Lab ICC

Fab Lab ICC opened in October 2014 on the campus of Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. It is a creative “maker” space where students and community members find tools and resources to bring their ideas to life through hands-on production and entrepreneurial education. Fab Lab ICC is a member of the International Fab Lab Network.

Fort Scott, Government

No Municipal Court March 19

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Municipal Court, which was to be held on Thursday, March 19th, 2020, will be cancelled and rescheduled. If you are scheduled for court this Thursday, a letter will be mailed to you giving you a new court date. If you have questions, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for the Municipal Court Clerk, Diane Clay.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please call City Hall if you have questions.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Shape Your Future: 2020 Census 

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K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 

Family Consumer Science News Column 

Joy Miller 

620-223-3720 or [email protected] 

 

Census Day is April 1, 2020, the formal beginning of the 2020 U.S. Census.  All Kansas households will receive an invitation with instructions by mail between March 12th-20th. Data collection continues through July 2020. 

The U.S. government uses the population data to help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states, counties, and communities for ten years.  Participation in the 2020 Census ensures your community is represented fairly and receives their share annually.  This could mean more funding for your schools, roads and highways, public health, affordable housing programs, and so much more. 

Who Should Respond to the Census? EVERYONE! Your participation is important, essential, major, meaningful.  How do I respond to the census? The Census Bureau will offer the census form in four ways: 

  1. Online: 2020 marks the first year you will have the opportunity to respond to the census online using a computer or smartphone. Online census responses are secure and cost-effective. Not only that, but a user-friendly interface offers help screens and the chance to review your responses before submitting. 
  1. Over the telephone: All invitations will provide a toll-free phone number so you may choose to respond to the census from the convenience of your phone. 
  1. Using a paper form: You may also wait (until mid-April) to receive a hard copy of your 2020 Census questionnaire. If you choose to respond using the paper form, fill out your questionnaire and drop it off at your mailbox or post office. 
  1. By responding to a census enumerator: Census enumerators, also referred to as census takers, conduct non-response follow-ups in an effort to ensure an accurate count. Households that do not respond via online, phone, or mail will be contacted at their residential door by census enumerators for in-person interviews.  

The Census Bureau will NOT call or email you. 

What questions will be asked on the 2020 Census? The survey is ten questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. 

  • Name 
  • Relationship to householder 
  • Phone number 
  • Household tenure (own/rent) 
  • Age 
  • Number of people in household 
  • Sex 
  • Usual place of residence 
  • Race 
  • Hispanic origin 

For more information and insights into the 2020 Census, visit census.gov. Follow us on Facebook (Southwind Extension) and join us Tuesday, March 31st for Facebook Live to learn more about the Census, how it is used, and the potential impact on your community.  

Fort Scott, Government

City Encourages Water Customers To Pay Online Or By Check

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2020

The City of Fort Scott is encouraging Fort Scott water utility customers to use the following services to pay utility bills:

  • Visit www.fscity.org and Click on “Online Bill Pay”, then click on Water Department tab and pay online;

  • Call 1-833-269-5988 and press “1” to make a payment over the phone on the City’s 24/7 automated system;

  • If you prefer to pay with a check, there is a drop box in the alley behind City Hall at 123 S. Main Street;

  • If you prefer to mail your payment, you can send it to P. O. Box 151, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701;

  • To talk to a Water Utility Clerk about your bill, please call 620-223-8133 or 620-223-0550.

Buck Run Community Center is closed to the public March 16th through March 18th, 2020 due to precautions with the Coronavirus.

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, go to the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/


Kansas Department of Health and Environment: http://www.kdheks.gov/

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Extends Spring Break: Will Transition to Online from March 30

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Fort Scott Community College has been following Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) guideline for closing schools.

There are no specific guidelines for community colleges in Kansas, as we are locally governed.

We have students travel to campus from a wide geographical area which exposes our campus community, and makes FSCC more vulnerable to the possible spread of infection.

With this in mind, we have decided to immediately begin spring break from March 16, 2020 through March 27, 2020.

Beginning on March 30, we will transition to online instruction delivered through the college’s learning management system, Blackboard, for all general education courses.

ALL COURSES (even those beginning the semester online) will observe the two week break in classes.

No instruction, exams, quizzes, attendance, or material will be required of the students during this two week period.

Please adjust schedules accordingly, and do not make exceptions to this guidance.

 

Technical Instruction

All technical instruction at CTEC, Allied Health courses specific to high school students, Welding and Construction Trades at Miami County, Construction Trades at La Harpe, Agricultural Technology (John Deere)/Welding at Fort Scott, Allied Health courses specific to high schools at Burke Street, and Harley-Davidson will continue face to face instruction beginning March 30, 2020 (a specific link of courses meeting face to face beginning March 30 will be posted prior to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16th).

We will evaluate the situation through consultation with state and local agencies to determine a timeline for the resumption of on-campus classes.

Schedule of Operations

  • March 16 – March 27: Spring Break (No classes or Instruction)
  • March 16 – March 20: Employees report to campus, as scheduled (please see guidance below regarding working remotely)
  • March 30:
  • Online instruction begins for all general education courses
  • Face to face technical program instruction for the courses/programs listed above resumes
  • Standard employee hours resume
  • We will remain with online instruction for general education courses for the remainder of the semester.

Students

Please be prepared to log into your Blackboard account beginning March 30 to continue your coursework.

Regularly monitor your student email accounts for communication from your instructors.

Utilize this link if you need assistance logging into your account: http://fortscott.edu/blackboardinfo.

If you have any additional questions, or need assistance, please contact the instruction office at 620.223.2700, ext. 3400.

Students working within the Federal Work Study program will continue to be paid for typical hours worked.

Paychecks will be mailed to the address on file, please email [email protected] or [email protected] with the mailing address you would like your checks to be sent.

FACULTY

Faculty will be expected to remain on campus March 16 – 20 for the implementation of online course delivery.

Susie Arvidson, in conjunction with the instruction office will be offering workshops and providing resources to faculty as you prepare to transition your classes to an online modality.

Workshops will be held in A-139 for faculty needing assistance transitioning to online courses at the following times:

  • Tuesday, March 17
  • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday,  March 18
  • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Panopto Training)
  • 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 19
  • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Panopto Training)

We ask faculty that are already teaching remotely or online be available with guidance and instruction for faculty who are not currently engaged in distance learning.

Employees who the CDC indicates are at-risk due to age, or medical necessity may contact their direct supervisor to request workplace modifications or leave time.

Employees who feel they are unable to attend work due to family or personal circumstances should notify their supervisor.

The leave time will not be deducted from accrued sick or vacation days.

Additional information for faculty and staff will be delivered through email.

STAFF

Administration is working with human resources to determine a plan and staffing requirements that will accommodate student needs on campus and to support our operations during this time.

The campus is open and staff are expected to report to work at their usual time.

Employees who the CDC indicates are at-risk due to age, or medical necessity may contact their direct supervisor to request workplace modifications or leave time. Employees who feel they are unable to attend work due to family or personal circumstances should notify their supervisor. The leave time will not be deducted from accrued sick or vacation days. Additional information for faculty and staff will be delivered through email.

Campus Events & Community Meetings

Citing recommendations by the CDC as well as state and local health organizations, all on-campus events will be canceled or postponed until further notice.

This includes campus tours (including those scheduled with admissions or athletics), college recruitment events, and events hosted by outside organizations within campus facilities.

While we greatly appreciate and encourage community engagement, for the safety of all involved, this will include meetings and/or lunches hosted on campus by local civic organizations.

Dorms

Those students who are currently living in the dorms, who have no other place to reside, will be allowed to remain in the dorms.

Students are allowed to stay in the dorms until March 20, but, encouraged to checkout permanently for the semester during this timeframe.

Students must check out with Marci Myers. Students in a spring sport, or enrolled in John Deere or Welding need to contact Tom Havron ([email protected]) to make arrangements for March 30, 2020 through the end of the semester.

Athletics

Following the recent release of a statement from the NJCAA, FSCC will adhere to the ruling that all athletic events be canceled through April 3, 2020. We will monitor both the NJCAA and KJCCC regarding the resumption and timeline of athletic competitions and do all we can to assist our student-athletes impacted by regular-season cancellations.

 Facilities

At FSCC we are making decisions based on thoughtful review of available information, and working in conjunction with the Bourbon County Health Department, Emergency Management, and also State/Federal Agencies.

The continuous monitoring of critical information and a phased approach in our response concerning campus events, athletic events, and alternative methods of instruction allows us the opportunity to be flexible in our approach to a rapidly evolving public health issue.

The decisions being made prioritize the safety and health of all faculty, staff, students, and community.

These decisions are aimed at minimizing the impact of this public health issue.

This situation is continually evolving and future guidance will be provided as new information becomes available.

Please visit the FSCC website for updates and continue to stay safe.

Alysia Johnston, president of FSCC.

Please check the FSCC website for any future notifications regarding COVID-19.

http://www.fortscott.edu/node/2399