Coronavirus updates: Kansas cases climb 211 and deaths rise by one
The Eagle has compiled news to know on coronavirus and COVID-19 from Friday for the Wichita area. For updates from Thursday, click here.
New Kansas coronavirus numbers
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 4,449 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, up 211 from the day before. Deaths rose by one to 130.
Of the 211, Finney County accounted for the largest amount, with 69 new cases, or roughly 33%. Ford County jumped 27 for roughly 13%. Federal efforts to keep meat-packing facilities operating has led to additional testing in both of those counties.
There have been at least 534 hospitalizations and 28,585 negative tests. Roughly 13.5% of people tested come back positive.
Patients in Kansas, both hospitalized and non-hospitalized, range in age from infant to 99 years old. The average age is 46 and the median is 44. Patients who have died range in age from 42 to 99 with a median of 82.
Sedgwick County had 384 cases, up 12 from the day before. Sedgwick County reported 11 coronavirus-related deaths Thursday, with six coming from a cluster at the Clearwater Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
Sedgwick County’s testing rate is 7.9 per 1,000 people. The statewide testing rate is 11.34 per 1,000 people.
Sedgwick County remains the lowest of testing per 1,000 people among nine counties with at least 100 cases: Wyandotte County, 710 cases and testing rate of 19.47 per 1,000 people; Ford County, 702 cases and testing rate of 49.64 per 1,000; Seward County, 514 cases and testing rate of 53.81 per 1,000; Johnson County, 471 cases and testing rate of 9.95 per 1,000; Finney County, 386 cases and testing rate of 22.38 per 1,000; Sedgwick County, 384 cases and testing rate of 7.9 per 1,000; Leavenworth County, 372 cases and testing rate of 20.46 per 1,000; Lyon County, 210 cases and testing rate of 18.77 per 1,000; and Shawnee County, 121 cases and testing rate of 16.07 per 1,000.
The data shows black communities and Hispanic or Latino communities continue to be disproportionately hit by the disease.
Spirit announces layoff of 1,450 people
Spirit Aerosystems, Wichita’s largest employers, announced layoffs of 1,450 employees. The announcement said Boeing and Airbus released its first-quarter financial reports this week and indicated there would be a decline for new airplanes as a result of the pandemic. Spirit makes parts for Boeing and Airbus.
Protesters at city hall
Dozens of people protested outside of Wichita City Hall on Friday about the state’s stay-home order. Gov. Laura Kelly announced plans to lift some of the restrictions starting Monday and lift more in other phases if the outbreak doesn’t swell.
Staff member infected at El Dorado prison
A staff member at El Dorado Correctional Facility has tested positive for COVID-19, making it the fifth Kansas Department of Corrections facility with confirmed cases. The staff member is a man in his 30s. Cases have also been reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (86 staff, 250 inmates including two deaths), Wichita Work Release Facility (three inmates), Topeka Correctional Facility (three staff and two inmates) and Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (one staff).
Reports of tenants being sexually harassed by landlords
Reports have been made across the country about tenants being sexually harassed by their landlords after not being able to pay rent, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen McAllister said in a news release. Millions of people have lost their job during the coronavirus, which has affected the ability of many to pay rent. Anyone who has been sexually harassed or knows someone who has can call the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division at 844-380-6178 or email fairhousing@usdoj.gov.
Kansas tax collection down more than 51%
Kansas tax collections for April were down 51.4% compared to the prior year, the Kansas Department of Revenue announced. In April, Kansas collected $578.1 million, down $610.7 million from April 2019.
$400 million coming to Kansas hospitals
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) announced $400 million will be coming to Kansas hospitals through grants as part of phase three of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The first grant is for $18 million and will be distributed to hospitals that have treated a large number of COVID-19 cases. The second grant is for $382 million and will be distributed among 201 rural health care providers.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 12:58 PM.