Update on Non-Congregate Housing for COVID-19 Response

Facilities also used for Kansans who work in congregate settings

The Kansas Department for Children and Families continues to operate non-congregate housing facilities across the state to host individuals currently working in, exposed to, or living in congregate settings, COVID-19 positive, exposed or high-risk individuals. DCF is currently managing sites in Dodge City, Emporia, Gardner, Leavenworth, Liberal, and Manhattan. The agency previously managed sites in Garden City and Junction City. Those facilities have since been closed.

Shelters are established to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain operations within critical and essential businesses or services. A request for non-congregate sheltering may be made to the state by a county emergency manager. In addition, the local or state health officer may make a recommendation for a non-congregate shelter if an identified need exists. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management in cooperation with counties, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Department for Children and Families contracts with local hotels to establish the sites. Contracts to date have been for entire hotel facilities with no other guests present.

Not all residents are in the facility due to illness. Some may live in congregate settings, or work in congregate settings or at essential locations and be concerned about returning home due to exposure risk for COVID-19.

Examples include:

• Individuals unable to quarantine at home due to a high-risk person at home
• Individuals who work in a congregate setting
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Adults over 65 years of age
• Comorbidities
• Chronic lung disease
• Moderate to severe asthma
• Serious heart conditions
• Cancer treatments
• Unable to financially cover independent quarantine
• Or other health issues

Individuals are not required to stay in the facility, however if they leave, the county health officer is notified.

The Department for Children and Families manages the day-to-day operations of each site. Responsibilities include making sure residents receive meals and laundry service, as well as ensuring the facility is cleaned daily and receives a deep cleaning before returning the hotel to normal operations.

The first non-congregate sites were opened in April and sites were added as counties asked for support. Each site will remain open if there is a continued need in the community. Additional sites also may be opened as counties address the continued spread of COVID-19.

Due to HIPAA laws, the exact locations of each site are not made public to protect the privacy of Kansas residents. There is currently a total of 43 people staying in non-congregate housing.

Governor Laura Kelly Recommends Kansas Continues to Use Phase 3 of “Ad Astra” Plan

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration, and officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that most local communities again do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” at this time, and instead stay in Phase 3.

“Nearly 3,500 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Kansas over the past two weeks – which is the steepest rate of new case development since the pandemic began,” said Governor Kelly. “After careful consideration, Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE and members of my administration have decided we still do not feel most communities are ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan at this time.”

The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.

“If we’re going to keep our loved ones healthy and keep Kansas open for business, every Kansan must step up, wear a mask, socially distance, and practice good hygiene,” said Governor Kelly. “I will continue do everything in my power to save lives and keep our economy open, and I strongly encourage other elected leaders in our state to do the same.”

Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:

• Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;

• All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;

• On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;

• Nonessential travel may resume, provided travelers follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

• Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;

• Remaining home when sick or running a fever;

• Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;

• Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.