Governor Kelly announces proactive measures to mitigate spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Kansas

This afternoon Governor Laura Kelly announced two additional measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and better position Kansas to combat this unprecedented emergency in the months to come.

First, in consultation with the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Board of Education, the Kansas Association of School Boards, the Kansas School Superintendents Association, United School Administrators of Kansas and Kansas National Education Association, Kelly officially extended the closure of K-12 schools for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year by Executive Order # 20-07 (attached).

EO 20-07 Executed

“This was not an easy decision to make,” Kelly said. “It came after close consultation with the education professionals who represent local school boards, school administrators and local teachers. These unprecedented circumstances threaten the safety of our students and the professionals who work with them every day and we must respond accordingly.”

Kelly emphasized the need for students to continue to receive high-quality education during this closure. On Sunday, March 15, Governor Kelly tasked the Department of Education to convene a group of experts to develop a comprehensive education plan for students for the remainder of the year.

Additionally, effective Monday, March 23, Kelly directed state employees to stay home on administrative leave to minimize additional risk of exposure to the virus for two weeks. The break will allow agencies to assess their essential functions to ensure that they can safely continue to serve the core needs of Kansans. This directive only applies to executive branch agencies under jurisdiction of the governor. This does not include agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General, the Insurance Department the State Treasurer or the Secretary of State’s office. Additionally, the order does not apply to legislative or judicial branch employees. Those branches will issue their own, separate, guidance to employees.

Kelly has directed Cabinet agencies, boards and commissions to develop an internal plan that will ensure a seamless transition. They will each identify which employees can work remotely, which will need to be placed on administrative leave, and how to best ramp operations back up at the appropriate time.

“The steps we are announcing today will create the space we need at the state level to develop a more strategic, resilient infrastructure so that we can get ahead of this threat and limit its long-term impact to Kansans,” Kelly said.

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. Five new cases announced today. (Please note: Residents of other states tested in Kansas are counted in their resident state’s numbers by the CDC and are not included in Kansas numbers. Those are 1 positive from Oregon and 1 from Missouri, testing positive in Ford and Miami Counties.)

KDHE Response Activities
• On March 15, KDHE released new guidance on quarantine recommendations for those who have traveled. Please review this on our website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• 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]. These 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 3/17/20 at 2:30 p.m.

Positive (confirmed)
16
(1 death included)
Negative
417

Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
1
Douglas County
1
Franklin County
1
Johnson County
10
Wyandotte County
3

Governor Kelly outlines new Executive Orders to improve public safety regarding COVID-19 pandemic

Governor Kelly announced Executive Order #20-04 and Executive Order #20-05 to keep Kansans safe and healthy, ensuring all families are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance released on Sunday, March 15, 2020, Governor Kelly’s latest Executive Order follows the CDC’s recommendation to limit group gatherings to no more than 50 individuals in a single area.

“This is a difficult but essential step to further encourage social distancing and stem the spread of COVID-19,” Kelly said. “We must flatten the curve and hinder the spread of this disease. I urge all businesses, restaurants, bars, entertainment and recreational facilities to exercise responsible judgment and follow these guidelines.”

Kelly remains in close consultation with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, the National Federation of Independent Business Owners and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism as events unfold.

“While public health and safety must always come first, COVID-19 will undoubtedly have a devastating economic impact on Kansas small business owners and workers,” Kelly said. “I am actively engaged with the business community to identify how the state can best support Kansas businesses and their employees as we navigate this unprecedented challenge together.”

In addition, Governor Kelly asked the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to suspend utility disconnects until April 15. This directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction. Kelly announced a second Executive Order, (E.O. #20-05) regarding utility disconnects advising the same directive for the utility companies not under the jurisdiction of the KCC.  

“It’s imperative we provide relief to our most vulnerable Kansans during these unprecedented times,” Kelly said.

Kelly emphasized that certain populations are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others, and it is imperative that all Kansans play a part in keeping communities safe.

“While all of these measures represent a dramatic change from what we’re accustomed to, I know Kansans will rise to the challenge,” Kelly said.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

KDHE Hotline: 1-866-KDHEINF (1-866-534-3463)

Topeka, Kan. – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will be taking actions to reduce contact and maintain social distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control.

KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will remain open, but with limited services to the public. Individuals should call (877) 509-6757 to ensure their local Workforce Center location is open to in-person visits prior to arriving. Previously scheduled appointments for essential services will still occur unless otherwise indicated. All non-essential services will be provided via telephone, email or online at www.kansasworks.com.

The Public Access Computer area will be closed to the public until further notice. All workshops, large meetings and job fairs through April 5, 2020, have been cancelled. They will be rescheduled at a later date in accordance with direction from state and local officials. This includes testing and meetings for the Youth Employment Program, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Rapid Response.

Any Kansan needing employment or reemployment services can call (877) 509-6757 to schedule a time to speak to a representative. Messages should include the individual’s name, phone number and email address. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Services may also be accessed via the live chat function at www.kansasworks.com.

Individual program updates are below.

Dislocated Worker

Individuals enrolled in the Dislocated Worker program will be contacted by a case manager by March 20 to arrange for paperwork to be completed and submitted via email.

Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)

Individuals participating in the RESEA program should contact (877) 509-6757. When leaving a voicemail message, individuals should be sure to include their full name and phone number for a return call. Individuals who have an assigned case manager should also include their case manager’s name in the message. RESEA staff will return calls as soon as possible.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

TAA meetings scheduled for March 30-31 in the Wichita Community have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.  Please contact Tonya Carlson at [email protected] if you have questions.

Employer Services

• Job Fairs

All job fairs scheduled through April 5, 2020, including the Statewide Job Fair on April 2, have been canceled. Please call (877) 509-6757 with any questions.

• Rapid Response

Employers in need of Rapid Response Layoff Assistance should contact Shelly Thompson at [email protected].

Additional guidance from the Department of Labor on emergency Unemployment Insurance Filings related to COVID-19 can be found at www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response.

• Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan

The Kansas Department of Commerce is working closely with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM) to complete the required steps for requesting an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration. Additional information is available at www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/sba-coronavirus-assistance-resources/.

Kansas Department of Revenue reminds residents of online services

TOPEKA – To encourage basic preventative measures and social distancing practices, the Kansas Department of Revenue wants to remind the citizens of Kansas of the several government services which can be conducted online. Residents can go to ikan.ks.gov or download the official iKan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Online government services include:

• Renewing vehicle registrations
• Renewing driver’s licenses

This option is available to the following:

– Kansans ages 21-50 who did not use the online renewal at their most recent renewal period, and;

– Are not obtaining a Real ID for the first time, or;

– Are obtaining a “Not for Federal Use” license or identification card.

• Ordering vital records copies (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
• Purchasing state park passes

For more information about the iKan online services, please visit ikan.ks.gov.

Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Exam and Training Update

TOPEKA –  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program has suspended operator examinations and Department sponsored classroom training until further notice.  Water and wastewater operator renewal timeframes will be extended, and additional examination dates will be scheduled.  Details will be provided soon concerning the renewal process.  Additional examination dates will be posted on the KDHE Operator Certification webpage:

www.kdheks.gov/water/www.html.

In addition to addressing operator renewal and examination concerns KDHE is developing guidance regarding alternative monitoring for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR), Continuity Of Operations Plans (COOP), and a streamlined process for temporary operator reciprocity. These documents will be posted on KDHE’s COVID-19 Resource Center webpage: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.

Water and wastewater operators should continue to employ standard industry practices as discussed in the March 12, 2020 Guidance for Kansas Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) Risks. This document can also be found on the COVID-19 Resource Center webpage: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm#undefined under the Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators menu link.

“KDHE is committed to helping water and wastewater systems address the uncertainty and its effect on utility operations the COVID-19 pandemic has created,” Cathy Tucker-Vogel, Section Chief for the Public Water Supply Section. “We will collectively work with utility operators to ensure public health and environmental protection.”

Almost Anything Can be Poisonous

Topeka – It’s National Poison Prevention Week.  The Poison Center at the University of Kansas Health System and Safe Kids Kansas want to remind everyone that almost anything can be poisonous if it is used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount or by the wrong person.

“We want to remind everyone that the best way to prevent poisoning is by making sure you always read and follow labels, keep items in their original containers, and keep potential poisons locked up, out of sight and reach of children and pets,” said Cherie Sage, State Coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas.

Poison Centers are for everyone. While poison centers get more calls about children, the calls about teens, adults, and older adults tend to be more serious. Nearly 60% of calls to the Kansas Poison Control in 2019 involved medicines or pharmaceuticals. However, other common poisons include household products, plants, mushrooms, pesticides, animal bites and stings, carbon monoxide, and many other types of nonpharmaceutical substances. Here are the top potential poisons by age group to help keep yourself and your family safe.

Young Children:

• Medicines
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Household Cleaners
• Pain Medicines

Tweens and Teens (ages 6-12):

• Pain medicines
• Antidepressants
• Non-food items (toys, magnets, batteries, etc.)

Adults:

• Pain Medicines
• Sleep medicines and anxiety/mood medicines
• Antidepressants

Older Adults:

• Heart medicines
• Pain medicines
• Sleep medicines and anxiety/mood medicines

“The best piece of advice we can give is to program the Poison Help number, 800-222-1222, in your phone and post it visibly in your home. This way you are prepared in the event of a poisoning emergency or simply have questions,” said Stefanie Baines, Education Coordinator for the Kansas Poison Control Center.

If you think someone has been poisoned, call 800-222-1222 right away. Fast, free, expert help is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about preventing accidental poisoning visit www.kansashealthsystem.com/poison and www.safekidskansas.org.

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Kansas Prisoner Review Board – Derby and Topeka Public Comment Sessions Cancelled

In an effort to protect the health and safety of all involved, and at the direction of the PRB chairperson, please be advised that the March 2020 Public Comment Sessions scheduled for Derby and Topeka have been cancelled.  Those interested in providing information for consideration by the Prisoner Review Board are encouraged to submit written correspondence to the mailing address contained on the KDOC website at https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb/public-comment-sessions.  Electronic correspondence may be sent to [email protected].  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.