Coronavirus updates: Kansas confirmed cases at 620, negative tests at 6,454
Here is The Wichita Eagle’s daily update on the news to know from Friday about the novel coronavirus pandemic. For updates from Thursday, click here.
New numbers
Four more people in Kansas have died from the new coronavirus, raising Kansas’ death toll to 17 , the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Friday.
Statewide confirmed cases went from 552 to 620; hospitalizations from 138 to 151 and negative tests rose from 6,059 to 6,454. The ages of people infected ranges from 0 to 100.
In Sedgwick County, the number of infections went from 79 to 85; nearly 700 people have been tested for the virus and 10 people have recovered, meaning they haven’t had symptoms for at least 72 hours or it’s been seven days since symptoms started, whichever is longer. Sedgwick County’s single coronavirus-related death was announced Monday.
By 8 a.m. Friday, the Sedgwick County Health Department had 12 appointments for people to be tested for the coronavirus.
Summer classes all online at WSU
Wichita State University announced Friday that all summer courses will be held online because “the situation remains uncertain” regarding the spread and scope of the coronavirus.
WSU Provost Rick Muma said in a letter to the campus community that summer courses already scheduled to be online would remain so, and the usual online fee would be assessed. Courses originally scheduled to be held in person will be moved to an online format, but the university will not charge online fees for those classes, Muma said.
Registration for summer courses begins Monday. For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/summer.
“I know these past few weeks haven’t been easy,” Muma said in the letter. “I hope that providing this information now will provide some relief during these uncertain times.”
$1.7 million coming to Wichita after CARE Act
Wichita will receive a $1.7 million Community Development Block Grant to help with the novel coronavirus, U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., said Friday. The money will help with infrastructure and public services as well as $850,000 to help slow the spread of the virus among the homeless population. The money will come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after Congress approved additional funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Act.
Sedgwick County extends closures
Sedgwick County previously announced closures of most of its facilities from March 20 until April 5. Officials extended the closures to May 1. The courthouse will remain open but with limited access. The COMCARE Community Crisis Center will also remain open.
Most Kansas parks are still open
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices are closed through at least April 6. However, most of the state parks along with most fishing lakes and wildlife areas are open. You can visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks for a list of closures and updates.
Each park has a webpage with alerts about the current conditions.
Newton Medical Center reduces wages and furloughs employees
The Newton Medical Center is reducing employee pay benefits, furloughing others and reducing hours. On Friday, the company said the changes are because of lost dollars while complying with federal guidelines during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Locations in Newton, Hesston, Park City, Valley Center and Wichita would be affected.
“The temporary measures include: executive and managerial staff pay decreases, employee furloughs and reduced work schedules, employee wage adjustments, reductions in employee benefits, reduced clinic hours, and a temporary closure of the Sunflower Café,” the company said in a news release.
Kansas National Guard dispels rumor
The Kansas National Guard said a letter that’s circulating on social media claiming the Department of Homeland Security will mobilize the National Guard to enforce a national quarantine is false.
“The Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to mobilize the National Guard as described in the graphic,” the Kansas National Guard said in a news release. “Additionally, there is no discussion of a nation-wide quarantine.”
Walmart limiting the number of customers starting Saturday
Walmart said that starting Saturday stores will be limited to five customers per 1,000 square feet, which is roughly 20% of the store’s capacity. Given the limits, it means the Walmart Supercenter at Kellogg near Greenwich (roughly 203,000 square feet) could have roughly 1,015 people inside before going over the new restrictions. Shoppers will be admitted one by one while employees keep count, the company said. Some stores will also start having one-way movement through aisles starting next week.
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 3:21 PM.