March 14, 2020 Public Update
COVID-19
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. Two positives, one in a Johnson County woman and one in a Franklin County man, are announced 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, Monday — Friday by 5 p.m.
• 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 that is staffed during regular business hours. 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 3/14/20 at noon.
March 13, 2020 Public Update
COVID-19
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.
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, Monday — Friday by 5 p.m.
• 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 that is staffed during regular business hours through March 13.
The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected]. Please note this line cannot provide you 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 3/13/20 at 10 a.m.
Positive (confirmed) 6
Negative 93
Positive Case Information
County Number
Johnson County 4
Wyandotte County 1
Butler County 1
Visiting loved ones and friends in Fort Scott nursing homes is not advised because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
“We are monitoring who comes and goes,” Kathy Nalley, administrator of Guest Home Estates, 737 Heylman, said. “That’s what the CDC is saying to caregiver facilities.”
As of this morning, the doors are locked at Guest Home Estates, she said.
Kenna Smith, owner-operator of Franklin House, 1126 Horton, said only health care providers will be allowed into their facility.
“It’s hard on everybody, but necessary,” Smith said. They have not been allowing visitors since yesterday, she said.
Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton, also has visitor restrictions.
“Out of caution and care, we are limiting to direct staff care and health care providers,” Margaret Moyer, director of Country Place, said. “I’ve received notification from corporate office. It’s effective as of 10 a.m. today.”
Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, is discouraging visitors, but they are allowed, Becky Kellum, marketing director at the assisted living facility said.
On March 10, Lynnette Emmerson, administrator of Medicalodge, 915 S. Horton, wrote a letter to the families of their residents asking for families and friends to not visit the nursing home for the benefit of its’ residents., she said.
She is following the Center for Medicare Services recommendations that they are getting from the Center for Disease Control, she said.
They are actively screening individuals, including staff, who are necessary to come into the facility, Emmerson wrote in the letter.
FortScott.Biz was unable to speak with Hillside Guest House leaders on their possible visitation constraints.
Please be advised to contact them, should you have questions.
Governor Laura Kelly has issued an emergency declaration for the State of Kansas in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.
“The safety and well-being of Kansans is our priority, first and foremost,” Kelly said. “The landscape of COVID-19 is fast-changing. Today is evidence of that.”
Tonight, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced the first COVID-19 related death in Kansas.
A man in his 70s was brought to the hospital and died shortly after arrival. Testing done post-mortem came back positive for COVID-19. He was living in a long-term care facility in Wyandotte County.
“We are working on identifying contacts right now,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “We understand the concern and encourage Kansans to remain vigilant.”
“To prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable population, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines of screening and restricting visitors to our long-term care facilities,” Department for Children and Families and Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard said.
The Governor issued the emergency declaration Thursday afternoon.
“Our state is well prepared,” Kelly said. “With this emergency declaration, we can activate our response and coordinate fully. This is part of the process and will make access to important resources more accessible. We continue to work closely with our local, state and federal partners to respond to the potential spread of the virus – or any situation that may arise.”
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact or have had contact with someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information about COVID-19, visit KDHE’s website and Frequently Asked Questions at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Three New Presumptive-Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is confirming three presumptive-positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. The possible cases were identified with testing sent to KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL). KHEL, which is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform COVID-19 testing, found presumptive-positive results. These results will be verified by the CDC lab but will be treated as a positive unless determined otherwise.
The cases are in Johnson County and involve three people who attended the same conference in Florida. It is believed they contracted COVID-19 in Florida. They were not symptomatic when traveling home and sought care once they began feeling ill. KDHE continues to work with the local health department and CDC to identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. The patients are all males and in isolation. These cases are not connected to the earlier case in Johnson County. No other information will be provided about the patients.
“Right now, there is no community spread,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The cases in Kansas are here because of transmission elsewhere. However, Kansans should remain vigilant. It’s important to live your lives, but it’s also important to take basic precautions like exercising good hygiene practices. It is up to each of us to do our part.”
“Kansas is working alongside local and federal public health partners in addressing presumptive positive cases in our state, and the potential spread of the virus,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is our highest priority to keep all Kansans healthy and safe. Everyone should continue to practice safe habits such as hand washing and staying home when sick. The KDHE website, www.kdheks.gov, has daily updates and other resources to keep Kansans educated on COVID-19.”
People should exercise vigilance when attending large public gatherings, particularly those people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. There are mass events guidance documents from the Centers from Disease Control available on KDHE’s website, www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact or have had contact with someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information about COVID-19, visit KDHE’s website and Frequently Asked Questions at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
FSCC is highly dedicated to the well-being of the students, faculty, staff, and community. FSCC has constructed a COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan.
“The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority and we urge you to stay informed of official notices and resources regarding health precautions, travel safety and related information on COVID-19. Fort Scott Community College has worked closely with Bourbon County Emergency Management personnel, and Bourbon County Health Department to determine the threat level of the current outbreak and take appropriate actions”, says Tom Havron, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs.
Please feel free to contact the college if you have any questions or concerns. Follow the link below to view the FSCC COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan http://www.fortscott.edu/node/2399
Presumptive-Positive COVID-19 Case Identified in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is confirming its first presumptive-positive case of COVID-19 in Kansas. The possible case was identified today with testing sent to KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL). KHEL, which is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform COVID-19 testing, found presumptive-positive results this afternoon. These results will be verified by the CDC lab but will be treated as positive unless determined otherwise.
“Kansas has been prepared for positive cases of novel coronavirus and will continue to work alongside local and federal public health partners in addressing the potential spread of the virus,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is our main priority to keep Kansans healthy and safe. We want Kansans educated on all aspects related to COVID-19.”
The case is located in Johnson County and the patient is currently in home isolation, following the guidance of the CDC. KDHE continues to work with the local health department and CDC to identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious, and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. The patient is a female under the age of 50 years old. No other information will be provided about the patient.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, the general public can help. Please practice proper public health hygiene,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of KDHE, said. “Wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.”
On March 4, Governor Kelly announced the administration’s robust, comprehensive preparedness plan in the event of a positive test result.
Under Governor Kelly’s direction, KDHE and KDEM are:
in constant communication with local hospitals and health departments, coordinating with local, state and federal public health partners;
preparing for emergency management situations on a regular basis, with staff who have decades of experience in developing responses and preventative measures for any situation;
continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to maintain awareness of national and international COVID-19 trends and strategies.
The 2019 novel coronavirus infections initially were diagnosed in Wuhan City, China and have been reported in 60 locations internationally, including the United States. There are a number of unknowns with the virus, including how long people are considered contagious. KDHE, along with our community partners, continues to investigate this illness. Treatment for individuals with confirmed cases is supportive care.
If you have recently traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea and have developed fever with lower respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today, Saturday, March 7 from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday, March 8 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Integrity Home Care and Hospice staff stand in front of their new location. From left: Kaitlyn Bray, referral coordinator; Chris Comstock, hospice clerical support; Brenda Bailey, quality improvement nurse; Kyli Gates, clerical director for home health; Sandy Hayes, clerical support for home health; Mary Wynn, clinical director of hospice and Becky Davied, administrator.
Health care in Bourbon County has changed in the last few years since Mercy Hospital closed in Fort Scott in 2018.
Mercy Home Health and Hospice transitioned to Integrity Home Care + Hospice on March 1, 2019, in Fort Scott.
On Feb. 26, the Integrity staff moved their office to 1711 S. National, Suite A, which is directly behind Domino’s Pizza.
Previously, they were located at 901 S. Horton.
“This is better space,” Becky Davied, administrator, said. “There were two levels there, this makes for a better working environment.”
The space is newly renovated by building owners Jamie and Jeff Armstrong.
“Jamie and Jeff have been very accommodating,” Davied said.
Integrity Home Care customizes care following illness, injury or surgery to help transition patients back home. They also work to improve strength and function and maintain wellness, according to information provided. Patients can recover in the comfort of home.
Home health provides wound treatment, dressing changes, medication management, patient education, skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical social work.
Call 620-223-1195 for more information.
Integrity Hospice offers the following services in private homes, assisted living, nursing homes or hospitals: pain relief, symptom control, 24/7 on-call nursing, education, guidance, caregiver relief, massage therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, pastoral services and grief support.
Call 620-223-1191 for more information.
There are 28 employees in the Fort Scott office.
“Our headquarters is in Springfield Mo, and we also have offices on the Missouri side in Joplin, Kansas City, Columbus, St. Louis, Monett, Lebanon and Festus,” Davied said.
In Kansas, Integrity Home Health and Hospice provide services in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Linn, Neosho, Miami counties.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Announces
COVID-19 Online Resource Center
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today formally announced the launch of the agency’s online resource center for Kansans to learn more about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, get answers to commonly asked questions about the virus and review other helpful information. The site is part of KDHE’s ongoing efforts to inform Kansans about the latest COVID-19 news and correct misinformation about the virus.
“The best thing Kansans can do is be informed,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “COVID-19 is a new virus and, as a result, many people have questions about it and how to keep their families safe. The COVID-19 resource center will provide a centralized location for Kansans to go to learn the most up-to-date information.”
The public can visit www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus to learn more about the virus. The site contains detailed information, answers to frequently asked questions and updated videos from Secretary Norman. Information will also be shared on KDHE’s social media channels.
“KDHE is working closely with local and federal authorities to ensure that every effort is made to keep Kansans safe and healthy,” Norman said. “In addition to educating yourself about the virus, the public can also take precautions to prevent the spread of it by doing simple things like washing your hands, practicing good hygiene techniques and staying home if you’re sick. This is the best defense to COVID-19.”
The 2019 novel coronavirus infections were initially diagnosed in Wuhan City, China and have now been reported in 60 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. KDHE, along with its community partners, continue to investigate this illness.
If you have recently traveled to areas including China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea and have developed fever with lower respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel or have had contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
The Bourbon County Government has taken possession of the former Mercy Hospital.
Officials Introduce Innovative Healthcare Model
Mercy donates building and 1 million dollars toward a sustainable approach to rural healthcare.
Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott officials are committed to improving the quality of life for each member of the community, increasing access to affordable quality healthcare, and remaining vigilant stewards of taxpayer dollars. For years Fort Scott, KS was renowned for its healthcare. Mercy Hospital was an integral part of our health system from primary care to community benefit to leadership involvement.
What remains today are the caring professionals, ambitious leaders, beautiful hospital campus, and the ingrained culture of ensuring community health needs are addressed appropriately.
Bourbon County Commission will be partnering with our community healthcare partners, The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Ascension Via Christi, and higher education partner, Fort Scott Community College, in transforming our approach to rural healthcare. Bourbon County will be taking ownership of the previous Mercy Hospital Building.
With Ascension Via Christi and CHC/SEK occupying a portion of the facility, the county is working with other health service agencies to supplement the community’s health care needs by housing them in the remainder of the move-in ready space.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd., operates the clinic at the former Mercy Hospital building.
For the common good of the community, the building will be repurposed into a collaborative effort that will be here for decades to come.
Ascension Via Christi President, Randy Cason, states, “This is exciting news for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities. Ascension Via Christi is eager to continue working with our community partners here to help to find solutions for the healthcare needs of this more rural area.”
Ascension Via Christi operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building.
Mercy Health Southwest Missouri/Kansas Communities has submitted a draft donation agreement to donate the building and one million dollars to Bourbon County for use of building maintenance and operations. This donation allows healthcare entities to lease space in the healthcare mall at market-rate. A standardized market-rate lease has led to discussions with healthcare organizations to expand services not otherwise offered.
Administration from Bourbon County and The City of Fort Scott will work together, develop a regulatory board and long-term lease agreements moving forward.
“This project is much more than just saving a building,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, “Preserving this asset allows our community to no longer be victims of circumstance, but to assume responsibility for our community’s healthcare destiny. It creates a sustainable healthcare model under one roof.” There is little doubt in the concept’s success with the right amount of support and will be used as a model shaping rural healthcare policy across the nation.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director
Mark Warren, Uniontown Ruritan member, opens the door of the proposed medical clinic just south of the football field.
A community collaboration of Uniontown Ruritan, Girard Hospital, USD 235 School District, Bourbon County Commission, and the City of Uniontown have been working to get a health clinic in the small town in western Bourbon County.
It’s been a long time coming.
Uniontown Mayor Larry Jurgensen had tried to get a medical clinic here several years ago, Mark Warren said. Warren is a Ruritan Governor and member of Uniontown Ruritan.
Mark Warren, Uniontown Ruritan Member and initiator of the most recent medical clinic idea sits at a table in the proposed clinic on Feb. 18, during an interview with fortscott.biz..
“Mercy Hospital had no interest at that point,” Warren said.
Even before Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in Dec. 2018, Warren had been thinking about initiating a medical clinic in Uniontown, but when the hospital closed, “I thought this is bad, no hospital, nor a clinic,” he said.
Someone mentioned to Warren that Uniontown resident Holly Koch is the Chief Financial Officer of Girard Hospital and about 1.5 years ago he visited with Koch about the issue. Koch said she would visit with the CEO Ruth Duling and a meeting was set up.
Girard Hospital is 31 miles from Uniontown.
Uniontown is 19 miles from Fort Scott, 25 miles from Iola, both sites of the nearest health care clinics. The clinic would serve western Bourbon County, eastern Allen County, northeastern Neosho County and northern Crawford County rural residents, Warren said.
“They came and we presented some statistics,” Warren said. Since then there have been approximately eight meetings with various Girard Hospital staff and local entities to talk through the idea.
Locally, Warren, Jurgensen, U235 Superintendent Brett Howard, Uniontown Council President Jess Ervin, Uniontown City Clerk who is also U235 Board of Education Member Sally Johnson, Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor and Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah have been in the collaboration.
Warren, Jurgensen and Jurgensen’s wife, Judy, along with Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah, recently went before the Girard Hospital board to give a history of how the idea for a clinic came about.
The board was favorable to the idea, Warren said.
The proposed building for the medical clinic is south of the Uniontown High School Football Field.
On Feb. 17, members of the collaborative group met at the proposed site on the campus of Uniontown High School, just south of the football field. Originally, the superintendents office, of late the building has housed the office of the school’s kitchen manager.
“They came, had the blueprints,” Warren said.
The hospital engineering staff will work on the design reconfigurement of the building into a medical clinic, Ruth Duling, Girard Hospital CEO, said.
Next will be getting materials, estimating the costs and raising funds to make the building into a medical clinic, Warren said.
There is no timeline for opening the clinic, Duling said.
Local volunteers will be helping with the labor of the building reconfiguration.
As soon as everything is in place, the hospital will begin the certification process to become a rural health clinic, Duling said.
Staff at the clinic will include a nurse practitioner and one other staff member, serving as both nurse and receptionist, Duling said.
Initially the clinic will be open 2-3 days a week.
“You don’t know until you do it,” if it will be feasible, Duling said. “It will be dependent on people to use the clinic and make it viable.”
One positive for the community:
“There are a lot of passionate people that want to see this come to fruition,” Duling said.
